1990 Buick Skylark
Only 19 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 19 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 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and ignition.
5 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and gasoline.
4 of 19 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing torque converter and seal.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030206
4 of 19 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and rack and pinion.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030206
3 of 19 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing wheel bearing and stabilizer bar.
Show complaint excerpts
STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS FAILED, CAUSING FRONT END NOISE, ALSO REPLACED MCPHERSON STRUT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950223
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: PROPERLY TORQUE THE FRONT FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSES AT THE BODY RAIL LINES TO PREVENT FUEL LEAKAGE.
Campaign 90V119000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE CALIPER CORROSION
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
1990 Buick Skylark — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V119000 (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 1990 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 1990 Buick Skylark?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 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.