1989 Buick Skylark
Only 4 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 4 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 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 4 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
HEAD GASKET REPLACED 2 TIMES. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960425
3 of 4 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
2 of 4 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
2 of 4 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel rail and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND AFTER STARTING IT, VEHICLE EXPLODED AND BURST INTO FLAMES, RESULTING IN A FIRE WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990420
FUEL FEED HOSE RUPTURED AND LEAKED FUEL IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING A FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960411
2 of 4 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing module and ignition.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
1989 Buick Skylark — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- 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 1989 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 1989 Buick Skylark?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 125% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Buick Skylark have?
3 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.