Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1985 Buick SKYLARK: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

6 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

Not available median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1985 model year. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 6 complaints (16.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior233.3%
Fuel system concerns116.7%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor
1
Fuel System, Gasoline
1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System
1
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Power Steering Fluid
1
Steering:Rack And Pinion
1
Unknown Or Other
1
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System1
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Power Steering Fluid1
Steering:Rack And Pinion1
Unknown Or Other1
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System1

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System: 1; Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Power Steering Fluid: 1; Steering:Rack And Pinion: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1; Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

No usable failure mileage is recorded. 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995
2
1996
1
1999
1
2000
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19952
19961
19991
20002

1995: 2; 1996: 1; 1999: 1; 2000: 2

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 481272 · 1995-02-13 (February 13, 1995)

HEATER FAILS TO HEAT VEHICLE PROPERLY. *SKD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 481272 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 549322 · 1999-11-01 (November 1, 1999)

ENGINE FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 549322 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 717192 · 2000-01-11 (January 11, 2000)

HI! I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS APPLICABLE IF I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY...CAR JUST DIED, NO PROBLEM WITH RESTARTING, JUST LIKE NO FUEL GOING TO MOTOR, AFTER COOLING DOWN FOR A WHILE , IT WAS "OKAY"MECHANIC COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I FINALLY HAD TO GO TO GET A CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, IN NOV./1999 AND NOW IN JANUARY OF 2000, I NEED A NEW CONVERTOR, AGAIN. THE REPAIRMAN SAID IT WAS RUNNING TOO RICH, CAUSING THE INSIDE OF THE CONVERTOR TO MELT, AND THEN BREAK INSIDE. A NEW ONE IN 2 MONTHS??? PLEASE EXCUSE THIS PLEA IF I AM NOT S…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 717192 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 858870 · 2000-03-20 (March 20, 2000)

PROVIDE IN DETAIL WHAT SAFETY DEFECTS THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 858870 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 973321 · 1995-10-12 (October 12, 1995)

POWER STEERING FLUID IS NOT GETTING TO THE BRACKET. TT CONSUMER STATES STEERING BRACKET IS GOING OUT, POWER STEERING FLUID DOES NOT REACH BEARING, THIS IS WHAT CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT BUICK DEALERS CONSUMER STATES WHAT IS DANGEROUS ABOUT THIS, IS WHEN YOU WANT TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT IT STICKS AND VEHICLE WANT STO CONTINUE TO GO STRAIGH. ALSO CONSUMER HAS A FUEL LEAK THE FUMES ARE COMING INSIDE VEHICLE VERY STRONG ODOR HAVE TO KEEP THE WINDOWS DOWN.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 973321 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 981284 · 1996-03-27 (March 27, 1996)

STEERING; POWER STEERING, STEERING EFFORT INCREASES DURING COLD START TEMPORARY LACK OF POWER STEERING, CAN NOT MAKE A RIGHT TURN EA87-006. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 981284 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

84V132000 · Vehicle Speed Control:Springs

Reported: 1984-10-16 (October 16, 1984)

THE THROTTLE LINKAGE MAY BIND BECAUSE DURING NORMAL OPERATION, THE THROTTLE BODY CASE MAY INTERFERE WITH THE LINKAGE. THIS INTERFERENCE COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM CLOSING EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER HAS REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND IMPROVE THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE AND THROTTLE BODY CASING IF NEEDED, AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

6 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

0.0%Usable mileage0 / 6 records
66.7%Valid incident date4 / 6 records
100.0%Valid filing date6 / 6 records
66.7%Ordered incident and filing dates4 / 6 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719982000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

17.1%
ODI 604473

TIRES FAILED (TRIBUNE P 185/80/R13).

Look up ODI 604473 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 503281

ECM REPLACED. *SD

Look up ODI 503281 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 884075

VEHICLE HAS BEEN STALLING INTERMITTENTLY, MOSTLY AT 50 MPH. ALSO ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN INTERMITTENTLY. *AK. DEALER REPLACED CRANK SENOR ASSEMBLY.*JB

Look up ODI 884075 at NHTSA ↗

513.2%
ODI 551408

POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STOP WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE THE CONSUMER IS DRIVING. NLM

Look up ODI 551408 at NHTSA ↗

39.4%
ODI 704090

WITHOUT WARNING THE HEAD GASKET BLEW AND IT THREW A ROD, BUICK SAID THAT IT WOULD BE COVERED IF THE HEAD WAS CRACKED BUT IT WASN'T WITH ONLY 74000 MILES ON THE CAR THIS SHOULD NOT OF HAPPENED BUICK ALSO SAID THAT IT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE QUAD 4 MOTOR AND THE MANUFACTURE EXTENED THE WARRANTY ON THE ENGINE WITH THIS IN MIND THEY WILL NOT HELP I KNOW THAT THIS IS'NT A SAFETY ISSUSE DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE THANKYOU MAROFF

Look up ODI 704090 at NHTSA ↗

36.5%
ODI 8008368

VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 50-60 MPH. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Look up ODI 8008368 at NHTSA ↗

1116.2%
ODI 479519

VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN GAS PEDAL DEPRESSED. *SKD

Look up ODI 479519 at NHTSA ↗

910.6%
ODI 558978

THE VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED A TAP IN THE MOTOR, THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS NO ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED TO STATE THAT THE VEHICLE IS HAVING ANY PROBLEMS. *SLC

Look up ODI 558978 at NHTSA ↗

44.7%
ODI 525423

WATER IS LEAKING IN THE TRUNK.

Look up ODI 525423 at NHTSA ↗

78.9%
ODI 540010

VEHICLE EITHER STALLS OR ACCELERATES AT FULL THROTTLE. QCAW

Look up ODI 540010 at NHTSA ↗

28.3%
ODI 712873

PLEASE ADVISE IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. THE 1998 BUICK SKYLARK IS NOT LISTED IN THIS PROGRAM TO REQUEST RECALL INFORMATION. NOTE: DISREGARD ENGINE REMARKS (SEE THROTTLE CONTROL HEADING).

Look up ODI 712873 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.6%
ODI 823339

COMING UPON A STOP SIGN/LIGHT, VEHICLE WOULD START MAKING CLANKING NOISE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. VEHICLE STOPS SUDDENLY. HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE ANY PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. *AK

Look up ODI 823339 at NHTSA ↗

412.5%
ODI 524303

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILED.

Look up ODI 524303 at NHTSA ↗

510.9%
ODI 800076

WHEN GOING OVER 55MPH THE CAR SHAKES SO BADLY THAT IT THROWS THE DRIVER ALL OVER THE ROAD. THE ABS BRAKES FAILED,RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK

Look up ODI 800076 at NHTSA ↗

57.4%
ODI 800502

IN PARK AND ABS LIGHTS COME ON. BRAKES FADE OR DELAY WHEN PEDAL IS PUSHED. *AK

Look up ODI 800502 at NHTSA ↗

1112.9%
ODI 504604

NOISY ANTILOCK BRAKES.

Look up ODI 504604 at NHTSA ↗

67.1%
ODI 525423

WATER IS LEAKING IN THE TRUNK.

Look up ODI 525423 at NHTSA ↗

1113.9%
ODI 548074

BRAKES LOCK UP ON TURN, WET SURFACES AND UNEVEN TERRAIN. VEHICLE EXPERIENCING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTACE WHEN BRAKING AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED. NLM

Look up ODI 548074 at NHTSA ↗

28.3%
ODI 8016080

ABS BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON. VEHICLE HAS TO BE SHUT DOWN AND RESTARTED TO DISENGAGE. DEALER HAS REPAIRED PROBLEM ONCE, BUT IT SEEMED TO HAVE REOCCURD. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *YH

Look up ODI 8016080 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

321.4%
ODI 814967

WHILE DRIVING AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE TAKES OFF AND THE ONLY WAY THE VEHICLE WILL STOP IF THE DRIVER HIT SOMETHING. ALSO DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WILL PICK UP SPEED NOT WHEN VEHICLE IS ON LEVEL ROAD. *AK

Look up ODI 814967 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.3%
ODI 884075

VEHICLE HAS BEEN STALLING INTERMITTENTLY, MOSTLY AT 50 MPH. ALSO ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN INTERMITTENTLY. *AK. DEALER REPLACED CRANK SENOR ASSEMBLY.*JB

Look up ODI 884075 at NHTSA ↗

615.8%
ODI 478828

THROTTLE DOES NOT DECELERATE WHEN DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR, FORCING DRIVER TO CONSTANTLY SLOW DOWN WITH BRAKES, RESULTING IN PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR. *SKD

Look up ODI 478828 at NHTSA ↗

39.4%
ODI 508294

SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT.

Look up ODI 508294 at NHTSA ↗

48.7%
ODI 482981

SEAT BELT BUCKLES FAIL TO RELEASE, CAUSING DRIVER/PASSENGER TO BECOME STUCK.

Look up ODI 482981 at NHTSA ↗

11.5%
ODI 981210

VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE . *AK

Look up ODI 981210 at NHTSA ↗

33.5%
ODI 705600

VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND IS UNRESPONSIVE TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL. HAPPENS AT IDLE AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER REPLACED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR AND MAIN COMPUTER MODULES IN DEC. 1998 TO CORRECT SAME PROBLEM. *MJS

Look up ODI 705600 at NHTSA ↗

11.2%
ODI 511782

VEHICLE EXPERIENCES INTERMITTENT SURGING; ALSO, REAR WINDSHIELD GASKET/HORN/MIRROR CONTROL/TRANSMISSION/EMERGENCY BRAKE RELEASE FAILED. *AK

Look up ODI 511782 at NHTSA ↗

45.1%
ODI 10205314 · 123,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK SKYLARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. HE THEN APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND IT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, BUT DID NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE TWO FRONT TIRES BLEW OUT, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF COM…

Look up ODI 10205314 at NHTSA ↗

416.7%
ODI 564800

CONSUMER BEGAN TO PUT VEHICLE INTO PARK AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, WHEN IT SURGED FORWARD, VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB, CRASHED THROUGH A WALL, AND THROUGH A COUPLE TABLES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP, 2 PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. *SLC

Look up ODI 564800 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.2%
ODI 857842

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT AN IMPACT OF 40-45 MPH, AND DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 857842 at NHTSA ↗

57.4%
ODI 8001249

CONSUMER HAD A FRONT IMPACT CRASH AT 35 MPH, AND DRIVERS AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUFFERED KNEE AND BACK INJURIES, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK *SLC

Look up ODI 8001249 at NHTSA ↗

55.9%
ODI 10031557

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND BURNED THE DRIVER'S ARM. THE CHILD IN FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT AND THE CHILD IN REAR WERE ALSO INJURED. *AK

Look up ODI 10031557 at NHTSA ↗

1011.8%
ODI 10006897

THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT.*JB

Look up ODI 10006897 at NHTSA ↗

78.9%
ODI 10022941

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND NONE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK *CB *JB

Look up ODI 10022941 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Ignition
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

17.1%
ODI 805592

DURING VEHICLE OPERATION THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS BEEN A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM AND THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 805592 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 503281

ECM REPLACED. *SD

Look up ODI 503281 at NHTSA ↗

210.5%
ODI 10036945

1990 BUICK SKYLARK (QUAD 4 ENGINE)-CHRONIC STALLING DUE TO FAULTY LOCKUP TORQUE CONVERTER.COIL HOUSING WAS REPLACED 3X IN SIX YEARS .ALLDATA LISTS TECH. SERVICE BULLETINS CONCERNING THESE PROBLEMS.LETTERS TO GM AND BUICK FIELD ZONE OFFICE SEEKING RESTITUTION RECEIVED NO RESPONSE WHATSOEVER.*AK

Look up ODI 10036945 at NHTSA ↗

37.9%
ODI 873258

WHILE DRIVING FOR AN EXTEND PERIOD OF TIME AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. OCCURRED 5 TIMES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *AK

Look up ODI 873258 at NHTSA ↗

39.4%
ODI 484967

INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK

Look up ODI 484967 at NHTSA ↗

12.2%
ODI 805442

OWNER STATES VEHICLE SHUTS OFF IN TRAFFIC FOR UNKNOWN REASON, HE ALSO NOTES THAT ONCE ENGINE SHUTS OFF VEHICLE IS HARD TO START AGAIN. *AK

Look up ODI 805442 at NHTSA ↗

22.9%
ODI 10166235 · 175,190 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE ENGINE HESITATED, THEN STALLED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER ASSIST STEERING, AND POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AFTER BEING RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR ERVICE. PREVIOUSLY, THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER WAS REPLACED BY A SERVICE DEALER IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK UPDATED 12/01/06. *JB

Look up ODI 10166235 at NHTSA ↗

55.9%
ODI 804451

DURING VEHICLE OPERATION THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS BEEN A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM AND THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM OR SOLUTION. *AK

Look up ODI 804451 at NHTSA ↗

22.4%
ODI 709641

SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR 01/17/97, I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS: EMERGENCHY/PARKING BRAKE POPS OUT WHEN PARKING THE CAR AND PUTTING PARKING BRAKE ON, BRAKES FAIL TO PERFORM PROPERLY AND BRAKE PADS WEAR DOWN EXCESSIVLY, DASH BOARD (CHECK ENGINE, ABS, ETS, SEAT BELT LIGHT BLINKS WHEN WEARING AND DOESNT BLINK WHEN NOT WEARING OCCASSIONALLY, THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON BUT I DO NOT HAVE A THEFT SYSTEM)AND DOME LIGHTS COME ON SPARATICALLY, SOMETIMES THE DOME LIGHT COMES ON WHEN CAR OF OFF AND NO ONE NEAR CAR, RECALL WAS PERFORMED SINCE THAN IT ONLY H…

Look up ODI 709641 at NHTSA ↗

22.5%
ODI 711168

THIS CAR HAS BEEN STALLING OUT ALMOST FROM THE BEGINNING OF OUR PURCHASE. IT WAS A USED VEHICLE BUT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. IT HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP NUMERIOUS TIMES AND I KEEP GETTING TOLD IT IS A PHANTOM PROBLEM AND THEY CANNOT RECREATE IT AT THE SERVICE DEPT. I HAVE IN THE PAST THOUGHT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS ARE DOING THEIR JOB BUT AFTER A YEAR OF HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. THIS CAR STALLS OUT MOST OFTEN WHEN IT HAS BEEN SITTING FOR A FEW HOURS - IT HAS STALLED IN FRONT OF A DUMP TRUCK FULL OF GRAVEL - HE M…

Look up ODI 711168 at NHTSA ↗

14.2%
ODI 10061668 · 93,000 mi

SOMETIMES WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE DRIVER HAS TO HOLD THE KEY IN THE CRANK POSITION UNTIL THE VEHICLE WILL START. THERE IS A DELAY IN STARTING. *AK

Look up ODI 10061668 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 731513

THIS CAR DIES OUT WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN NUMOURS ACCIDENTS BECAUSE I LOSE ALL POWER, BRAKES AND STEERING. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. THE DEALER AND THE MFG. REFUSE TO REPURCHAS THE DEFECTIVE CAR.

Look up ODI 731513 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.5%
ODI 872112

WHILE DRIVING HORN WILL GO OFF UNEXPECTEDLY. HAD TO TAKE FUSE OUT IN ORDER FOR THE HORN TO STOP. DEALER SAID THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE HORN AND AIRBAG SYSTEM IN ORDER TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 872112 at NHTSA ↗

55.9%
ODI 10650040 · 90,000 mi

MY HORN STOPPED WORKING. THE PROBLEM WAS TRACED TO THE HORN SWITCH. MY MECHANIC COULD NOT REPLACE THE HORN SWITCH BECAUSE IT IS PART OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, WHICH HAD BEEN DISCONTINUED. I HAD TO HAVE A BYPASS SWITCH INSTALLED ON THE DASHBOARD, WHICH IS INCONVENIENT AND AWKWARD TO USE. IN MY OPINION, THE HORN IS A MORE IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE THAN THE AIR BAG. I AM 71 YEARS OLD AND HAVE NEVER SEEN AN AIR BAG DEPLOY, BUT MY HORN HAS PREVENTED ACCIDENTS MANY TIMES. *TR

Look up ODI 10650040 at NHTSA ↗

78.2%
ODI 10579622

WHEN CAR PUT IN REVERSE, AIRBAG DEPLOYED CAUSING KNOT AND BRUISING TO ARM. 4/14/14 CALLED [phone removed] AND SPOKE TO FRANKLIN THAT STATED AIRBAGS ARE NOT COVERED EVEN FOR DEFECT AFTER WARRANTY OF CAR IS OVER. CALLED BERGLUND LOCAL DEALER IN ROANOKE VA AND SPOKE TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID $99 TO EVEN LOOK AT AIRBAG. CALLED INSURANCE AND FILED CLAIM AND ADJUSTOR SAID OBVIOUS DEFECT IN AIRBAG SINCE NO EXTERIOR DAMAGE TO CAR. WHERE DOES THIS LEAVE ME? I AM HANDLING THIS SITUATION FO…

Look up ODI 10579622 at NHTSA ↗

45.1%
ODI 10038189 · 43,749 mi

WHILE PARKING HORN CONTINUOUSLY SOUNDED. THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER KNOB BROKE OFF. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE AIR BAG SYSTEM IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE HORN FAILURE AND REPLACED THE SHIFTER KNOB. *AK *NLM

Look up ODI 10038189 at NHTSA ↗

416.7%
ODI 10115975

I WAS INJURED WHEN THE AIRBAG OF A 1998 BUICK SKYLARK (N BODY) DEPLOYED WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO IMPACT, IN FACT THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN A BUILDING AND NOT EVEN IN MOTION. I SUSTAINED A BRAIN SHEAR INJURY AND I AM STILL RECOVERING. I KNOW OF TWO OTHER INCIDENTS WHERE THIS OCCURRED IN N BODY GM VEHICLES. GENERAL MOTORS PAID FOR THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE BUT HAS NOT CONTACTED ME IN REGARD TO MY INJURIES OR LOST WAGES.(I WAS OUT OF WORK 2 MONTHS AND RECENTLY RETURNED ON A LIMITED BASIS. GENERAL MOTORS BLAMES THE DEPLOYMENT ON MO…

Look up ODI 10115975 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

26.3%
ODI 722075

I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. I REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH, FUSIBLE LINK, AND STARTER WHEN THE IGNITION STARTED TO SMOKE/BURN WHEN STARTING IN THE PARKING LOT. THE REPLACEMENT STARTER FAILED 3 MONTHS LATER AND THE REPLACEMENT FUSIBLE LINK 4 MONTHS LATER. I HAVE ALSO HAD THE POWER WINDOWS REPAIRED 3 TIMES, THE POWER LOCKS TWICE, THE BATTERY TWICE, AND THE TURN SIGNAL/MULTIFUNCTION LEVER ONCE IN 3 1/2 YEARS. A POWER LOCK BROKE AGAIN A FEW WEEKS AGO. *AK

Look up ODI 722075 at NHTSA ↗

24.3%
ODI 8009482

CONSUMER WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 02-070-001 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK CONSUMER ADDS WITH VEHICLE IN PARK AND KEY REMOVED FROM IGNITION, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO RUN CAUSING THE ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK, HOSE TO POP OFF AND ALL SENSORS AND FAN MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT

Look up ODI 8009482 at NHTSA ↗

11.5%
ODI 826942

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING AND/OR THE LIGHTS, THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE KEY BECOME EXTREMELY HOT. THE DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 826942 at NHTSA ↗

33.5%
ODI 879064

CONSUMER SMELLED FUMES IN PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER, AND NOTICED A FUEL INJECTION LEAK. ALSO, BATTERY WAS GETTING VERY HOT, AND BURNING SMELL APPEARED IN PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT; AND SPARKS WERE COMING FROM LEFT SIDE OF IGNITION SWITCH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Look up ODI 879064 at NHTSA ↗

44.7%
ODI 10040337

NHTSA RECALL 02-V-070-000: IF THE ENGINE FAILED TO START AND THE DRIVER WOULD HAVE TO HOLD THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENTS FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH AND SOMETIMES PRODUCE ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BURNING FOUR STARTERS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING WITHOUT A WARRANTY. *AK *SCC (THIS DOCUMENT IS AN ADD TO) *JB

Look up ODI 10040337 at NHTSA ↗

67.6%
ODI 10433382

1997 BUICK SKYLARK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING SYSTEM WHICH WAS CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DIE. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 02V070000.

Look up ODI 10433382 at NHTSA ↗

28.3%
ODI 10061611 · 82,000 mi

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. WHEN TURNING THE KEY VEHICLE WILL NOT START. *AK

Look up ODI 10061611 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
112.5%
ODI 510203

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ENGINE HEAD GASKET/ALSO OVERHEATED. *AK

Look up ODI 510203 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

17.1%
ODI 958142

THE HEAD GASKET BLOW AND ENGINE LOCKED UP NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. TT

Look up ODI 958142 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 503281

ECM REPLACED. *SD

Look up ODI 503281 at NHTSA ↗

15.3%
ODI 535030

REPLACED HEAD GASKET/VALVE COVER GASKET.

Look up ODI 535030 at NHTSA ↗

37.9%
ODI 521908

THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH FAILED CAUSING OIL TO SPRAY OVER THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM.

Look up ODI 521908 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.2%
ODI 10097368

VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. *BF THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NM

Look up ODI 10097368 at NHTSA ↗

34.4%
ODI 10029728

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF, CAUSING CONSUMER TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Look up ODI 10029728 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

22.4%
ODI 10071841 · 29,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH ENGINE FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK

Look up ODI 10071841 at NHTSA ↗

22.5%
ODI 8000747

TIMING CHAIN HAS BEEN REPAIRED 3 TIMES IN 3 MONTHS. TENSIONER IS DEFECTIVE/ COLAPSES, AND WARRANTY EXPIRED. NO PROBLEM WITH TENSIONER.*AK

Look up ODI 8000747 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
No usable records for this analysis.

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 27 reports

1998: 7 complaints · 2000: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1998257
2000000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
19981680
2000001

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineEngine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic ConvertorFuel System, GasolineFuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection SystemSteering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Power Steering FluidSteering:Rack And PinionUnknown Or OtherVisibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline—0000000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor0—0
1
ODI 717192

HI! I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS APPLICABLE IF I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY...CAR JUST DIED, NO PROBLEM WITH RESTARTING, JUST LIKE NO FUEL GOING TO MOTOR, AFTER COOLING DOWN FOR A WHILE , IT WAS "OKAY"MECHANIC COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I FINALLY HAD TO GO TO GET A CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, IN NOV./1999 AND NOW IN JANUARY OF 2000, I NEED A NEW CONVERTOR, AGAIN. THE REPAIRMAN SAID IT WAS RUNNING TOO RICH, CAUSING THE INSIDE OF THE CONVERTOR TO MELT, AND THEN BREAK INSIDE. A NEW ONE IN 2 MONTHS??? PLEASE EXCUSE THIS PLEA IF I AM NOT S…

Look up ODI 717192 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Fuel System, Gasoline00—0
1
ODI 973321

POWER STEERING FLUID IS NOT GETTING TO THE BRACKET. TT CONSUMER STATES STEERING BRACKET IS GOING OUT, POWER STEERING FLUID DOES NOT REACH BEARING, THIS IS WHAT CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT BUICK DEALERS CONSUMER STATES WHAT IS DANGEROUS ABOUT THIS, IS WHEN YOU WANT TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT IT STICKS AND VEHICLE WANT STO CONTINUE TO GO STRAIGH. ALSO CONSUMER HAS A FUEL LEAK THE FUMES ARE COMING INSIDE VEHICLE VERY STRONG ODOR HAVE TO KEEP THE WINDOWS DOWN.*JB

Look up ODI 973321 at NHTSA ↗

000
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System0
1
ODI 717192

HI! I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS APPLICABLE IF I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY...CAR JUST DIED, NO PROBLEM WITH RESTARTING, JUST LIKE NO FUEL GOING TO MOTOR, AFTER COOLING DOWN FOR A WHILE , IT WAS "OKAY"MECHANIC COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I FINALLY HAD TO GO TO GET A CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, IN NOV./1999 AND NOW IN JANUARY OF 2000, I NEED A NEW CONVERTOR, AGAIN. THE REPAIRMAN SAID IT WAS RUNNING TOO RICH, CAUSING THE INSIDE OF THE CONVERTOR TO MELT, AND THEN BREAK INSIDE. A NEW ONE IN 2 MONTHS??? PLEASE EXCUSE THIS PLEA IF I AM NOT S…

Look up ODI 717192 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Power Steering Fluid00
1
ODI 973321

POWER STEERING FLUID IS NOT GETTING TO THE BRACKET. TT CONSUMER STATES STEERING BRACKET IS GOING OUT, POWER STEERING FLUID DOES NOT REACH BEARING, THIS IS WHAT CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT BUICK DEALERS CONSUMER STATES WHAT IS DANGEROUS ABOUT THIS, IS WHEN YOU WANT TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT IT STICKS AND VEHICLE WANT STO CONTINUE TO GO STRAIGH. ALSO CONSUMER HAS A FUEL LEAK THE FUMES ARE COMING INSIDE VEHICLE VERY STRONG ODOR HAVE TO KEEP THE WINDOWS DOWN.*JB

Look up ODI 973321 at NHTSA ↗

0—000
Steering:Rack And Pinion00000—00
Unknown Or Other000000—0
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 33.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 973321

POWER STEERING FLUID IS NOT GETTING TO THE BRACKET. TT CONSUMER STATES STEERING BRACKET IS GOING OUT, POWER STEERING FLUID DOES NOT REACH BEARING, THIS IS WHAT CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT BUICK DEALERS CONSUMER STATES WHAT IS DANGEROUS ABOUT THIS, IS WHEN YOU WANT TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT IT STICKS AND VEHICLE WANT STO CONTINUE TO GO STRAIGH. ALSO CONSUMER HAS A FUEL LEAK THE FUMES ARE COMING INSIDE VEHICLE VERY STRONG ODOR HAVE TO KEEP THE WINDOWS DOWN.*JB

Look up ODI 973321 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 981284

STEERING; POWER STEERING, STEERING EFFORT INCREASES DURING COLD START TEMPORARY LACK OF POWER STEERING, CAN NOT MAKE A RIGHT TURN EA87-006. *AK

Look up ODI 981284 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 16.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 973321

POWER STEERING FLUID IS NOT GETTING TO THE BRACKET. TT CONSUMER STATES STEERING BRACKET IS GOING OUT, POWER STEERING FLUID DOES NOT REACH BEARING, THIS IS WHAT CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT BUICK DEALERS CONSUMER STATES WHAT IS DANGEROUS ABOUT THIS, IS WHEN YOU WANT TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT IT STICKS AND VEHICLE WANT STO CONTINUE TO GO STRAIGH. ALSO CONSUMER HAS A FUEL LEAK THE FUMES ARE COMING INSIDE VEHICLE VERY STRONG ODOR HAVE TO KEEP THE WINDOWS DOWN.*JB

Look up ODI 973321 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b