1994 Buick Skylark
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
26% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE ENGINE HESITATED, THEN STALLED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER ASSIST STEERING, AND POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AFTER BEING RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL MORE TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060822
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
25% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
19% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing starter assembly and fuses and circuit breakers.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON 11/14/2012 I BOUGHT AN EXCIDE CAR BATTERY FROM NATIONAL AUTO IN BANGOR, PA. BATTERY RAN FOR ABOUT 2 MOS. THEN STARTED TO GIVE ME PROBLEMS. AFTER SITTING FOR 2 DAYS IT WOULD NOT START. HAD CAR BATTERY JUMPED 3 TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130407
16% of complaints: steering — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and steering wheel/handle bar.
9% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING FRONT END COLLISION WITH UTILITY POLE. REPORTED BY KENNETH ELANDT ELANDT, CORONER. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951211
SAFETY TIMELINE
THESE VEHICLES WERE CONSTRUCTED WITH WELDS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT PAN ASSEMBLY THAT ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO FUEL TANK LEAKAGE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT CO
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL RIVETS ADJACENT TO THE LOCATIONS WHERE THE SUSPECT WELDS ARE LOCATED.
Campaign 94V122000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING COLUMN FIRES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE STARTER FAILS TO ENGAGE AND THE DRIVER HOLD THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION S
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT AND VERIFY THAT THE VEHICLE WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY IN GOOD OPERATING CONDITION (ADEQUATE RESERVE CAPACITY, OR COLD CRANKING AMPS). THIS CAMPAIGN D
Campaign 00V287000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Buick Skylark — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 94V122000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V287000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1994 Buick Skylark reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Buick Skylark is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Buick Skylark?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 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.