1985 Buick Skylark

○ Not enough data
1985 Buick Skylark
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:36.326Z

Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
6

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 8 complaints 1985: 6 complaints 1985 6 1986: 8 complaints 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 14 complaints 1989: 4 complaints 1990: 19 complaints 1990 1991: 38 complaints 1992: 32 complaints 1993: 48 complaints 1993 1994: 69 complaints 1995: 86 complaints 1996: 85 complaints 1996 1997: 79 complaints 1998: 24 complaints 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 8 complaints 1985: 6 complaints 1985 6 1986: 8 complaints 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 14 complaints 1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 19 complaints 1991: 38 complaints 1991 1992: 32 complaints 1993: 48 complaints 1993 1994: 69 complaints 1995: 86 complaints 1995 1996: 85 complaints 1997: 79 complaints 1997 1998: 24 complaints 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 6 complaints 1985 6 1986: 8 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 14 complaints 1988 1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 19 complaints 1990 1991: 38 complaints 1991 1992: 32 complaints 1992 1993: 48 complaints 1993 1994: 69 complaints 1994 1995: 86 complaints 1995 1996: 85 complaints 1996 1997: 79 complaints 1997 1998: 24 complaints 1998 2000: 1 complaint 2000

1985: 6 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19823
19831
19848
19856
19868
19870
198814
19894
199019
199138
199232
199348
199469
199586
199685
199779
199824
20001

Known problem areas

Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Steering

2 of 6 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion and power steering fluid.

Fuel system, gasoline

2 of 6 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system.

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 6 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine failed resulting in vehicle fire under the hood and quickly spread to the rest of the vehicle.(Ohio traffic crash report) nlm

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-11-29

Visibility

1 of 6 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1984-10-23Vehicle speed control84V132000 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…

    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.

  2. I
    1986-08-25Engineering analysisClosed 1988-03-02 Windshield wipers
  3. I
    1986-12-16Engineering analysisClosed 1988-09-19 Power st. Assist
  4. I
    1991-11-07Engineering analysisClosed 1992-10-26 Seat belt separation

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Buick Skylark — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 84V132000 · Vehicle speed control

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1985 Buick Skylark reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Buick Skylark?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Buick Skylark have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.