1986 Buick Skylark
Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 14 |
| 1989 | 4 |
| 1990 | 19 |
| 1991 | 38 |
| 1992 | 32 |
| 1993 | 48 |
| 1994 | 69 |
| 1995 | 86 |
| 1996 | 85 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 24 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 8 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FAILURE, SEAT BELT WILL NOT COME OUT OF ITS HOUSING. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950718
2 of 8 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing tank valve/gauge and electrical.
Show complaint excerpts
I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT. I COMMUTE ABOUT 50 MILES TO SCHOOL AND BACK. I WAS IN BRICK NJ ON RT 70 ABOUT TO ENTER THE PARKWAY WHEN I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY HOOD. BEFORE THIS HAPPENED I WAS USING GALLONS OF COOLANT IN MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040621
Also filed under STRUCTURE
ELECTRONIC DASHBOARD FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040422
2 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ENGINE HEAD GASKET/ALSO OVERHEATED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961018
1 of 8 total reports mentions: wheels.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing switch/wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT STAY ON , HAVE TO HOLD SWITCH IN WHEN DRIVING. HAD VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND THEY STILL WON'T WORK. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970311
SAFETY TIMELINE
UNDER EXTENDED HEADLAMP USAGE, CIRCUITRY IN THE HEADLAMP SWITCH PANEL MIGHT EXPERIENCE INCREASED RESISTANCE AND EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILDUP.
Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH MODIFIED SWITCH.
Campaign 88V014000 — check if this car was fixed
SAFETY BELT CUT AT D-RING
SEAT BELT SEPARATION
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Buick Skylark — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V014000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1986 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 1986 Buick Skylark?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Buick Skylark have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.