Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1990 Buick SKYLARK: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

19 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

138,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1990 model year. Data updated: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 19 complaints (15.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior421.1%
Transmission and shifting315.8%
Engine operation315.8%
Braking behavior15.3%

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.

Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
3
Electrical System:Ignition
2
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter
2
Electrical System:Horn
1
Electrical System:Starter Assembly
1
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator3
Electrical System:Ignition2
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter2
Electrical System:Horn1
Electrical System:Starter Assembly1
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan1

Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator: 3; Electrical System:Ignition: 2; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings: 2; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter: 2; Electrical System:Horn: 1; Electrical System:Starter Assembly: 1; Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan: 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
2
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 149,9992
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: 2; 150,000 and above: 0

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 17 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
5
1996
3
1997
2
1998
1
1999
1
2000
1
2001
3
2003
3
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19955
19963
19972
19981
19991
20001
20013
20033

1995: 5; 1996: 3; 1997: 2; 1998: 1; 1999: 1; 2000: 1; 2001: 3; 2003: 3

Pattern summary

Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 3 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 10005387 · 2003-02-06 (February 6, 2003)

STEERING RACK AND PINION AS WELL AS GEAR BOX. SEVERE GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL,EVEN AT A SLIGHT TURN. BEEN REPAIRED BUT IT IS STILL DOING IT.

Owner-reported narrative. 138,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10005387 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10005389 · 2003-02-06 (February 6, 2003)

TRANSMISSION MAKES A LOUD JOLTING BANG WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR WHETHER IT IS IN DRIVE,REVERSE OR PARK. DRIVER ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF CAR WHEN IN DRIVE GEAR. ALSO HAS A DEFECTIVE FUEL LINE HOSE, WHICH DURING MORNING CAR WARM-UP, CAR STARTED SMOKING, WHICH CAME FROM UNDER CAR FROM THE VAC. LINE(FUEL LINE). HAD THE LINE REPAIRED BUT TRANNY IS STILL A PROBLEM.

Owner-reported narrative. 138,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10005389 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10036945 · 2003-08-31 (August 31, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10036945 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 480737 · 1995-01-23 (January 23, 1995)

REPLACED LEAKING POWER STEERING RACK.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 480737 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 510088 · 1996-10-17 (October 17, 1996)

TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 510088 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 514468 · 1997-02-18 (February 18, 1997)

EXTERIOR BODY PAINT IS PEELING OFF VEHICLE. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 514468 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 535030 · 1998-04-30 (April 30, 1998)

REPLACED HEAD GASKET/VALVE COVER GASKET.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 535030 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 543699 · 1999-02-04 (February 4, 1999)

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM FAN MOTOR FAILED.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 543699 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.

90V119000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Reported: 1990-06-15 (June 15, 1990)

IMPROPERLY TORQUED CONNECTIONS OF FRONT FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSES TO FUEL PIPES AT THE BODY RAIL COULD LOOSEN AND LEAK FUEL INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA.

Consequence: FUEL LEAKS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULDRESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: PROPERLY TORQUE THE FRONT FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSES AT THE BODY RAIL LINES TO PREVENT FUEL LEAKAGE.

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

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

10.5%Usable mileage2 / 19 records
63.2%Valid incident date12 / 19 records
100.0%Valid filing date19 / 19 records
63.2%Ordered incident and filing dates12 / 19 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

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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
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsToo few reports for a range138,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10005389 · 138,000 mi

TRANSMISSION MAKES A LOUD JOLTING BANG WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR WHETHER IT IS IN DRIVE,REVERSE OR PARK. DRIVER ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF CAR WHEN IN DRIVE GEAR. ALSO HAS A DEFECTIVE FUEL LINE HOSE, WHICH DURING MORNING CAR WARM-UP, CAR STARTED SMOKING, WHICH CAME FROM UNDER CAR FROM THE VAC. LINE(FUEL LINE). HAD THE LINE REPAIRED BUT TRANNY IS STILL A PROBLEM.

Look up ODI 10005389 at NHTSA ↗

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
ComponentElectrical System:Alternator/Generator/RegulatorElectrical System:IgnitionFuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsPower Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque ConverterElectrical System:HornElectrical System:Starter AssemblyElectrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under DashEngine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator—0000
1
ODI 535030

REPLACED HEAD GASKET/VALVE COVER GASKET.

Look up ODI 535030 at NHTSA ↗

00
Electrical System:Ignition0—0
1
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 ↗

0000
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings00—00000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter0
1
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 ↗

0—0000
Electrical System:Horn0000—00
1
ODI 543699

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM FAN MOTOR FAILED.

Look up ODI 543699 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Starter Assembly
1
ODI 535030

REPLACED HEAD GASKET/VALVE COVER GASKET.

Look up ODI 535030 at NHTSA ↗

0000—00
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash000000—0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan0000
1
ODI 543699

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM FAN MOTOR FAILED.

Look up ODI 543699 at NHTSA ↗

00—

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.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 15.8% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

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 ↗

ODI 884075

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

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ODI 967411

VEHICLE STALLS OUT WITH NO WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED INTERMITTENTLY. TT

Look up ODI 967411 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 480737

REPLACED LEAKING POWER STEERING RACK.

Look up ODI 480737 at NHTSA ↗

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