1988 Buick Skylark
Only 14 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 14 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 | 46 |
| 1994 | 68 |
| 1995 | 85 |
| 1996 | 85 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 24 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 14 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 19970804
1 of 14 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 14 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 14 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
BRAKE PEDAL TOO CLOSE TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING THEM TO BE DEPRESSED SIMULTANEOUSLY, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *DH
NHTSA ODI report, 19960722
1 of 14 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
UNEXPECTED LOSS OF TAIL LAMP AND SIDE MARKER LAMP FUNCTION MAY OCCUR, REDUCING OTHER DRIVERS ABILITY TO SEE THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH PANEL.
Campaign 87V169000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESS
FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 90V042000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE PERFORMANCE
FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 92V150000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1988 Buick Skylark — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V169000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V042000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V150000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 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 1988 Buick Skylark?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Buick Skylark have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.