1998 Buick Skylark
Only 24 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 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 24
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 24 complaints
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 24 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
6 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and starter assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Buick Skylark. While parked, the vehicle was not able to start and the anti-theft warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that it took multiple attempts to start the vehicle. The failure recurred intermittently.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-02-23
Consumer complained about ignition switch problem. When turning the key vehicle will not start.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-08
Consumer received recall 040025000 concerning ignition switch. Dealer charged consumer for replacing the ignition switch .
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-08
Vehicle speed control
5 of 24 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer began to put vehicle into park after pulling into a parking space, when it surged forward, vehicle jumped a curb, crashed through a wall, and through a couple tables before coming to a stop, 2 people were injured in the accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-05-14
Air bags
4 of 24 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact was a passenger in a 1998 Buick Skylark. While driving approximately 50 MPH, another vehicle ran a red light and crashed into the vehicle. The air bags deployed and a police report was filed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-07-16
I was injured when the airbag of a 1998 Buick Skylark (N body) deployed when I started the vehicle. There was no impact, in fact the vehicle was sitting in a building and not even in motion.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-03-28
During collision no deployment of airbags caused injury to passengers.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-20
Service brakes
4 of 24 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 24 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004-03-01Electrical system04V036000 On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "Start" Position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes…
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if…
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2007-03-20Fuel system, gasoline07E015000 Certain delphi aftermarket fuel pump modules / module reservoir assemblies (Mra) that were sold for use on the above listed vehicles. During production the mras vent and fuel return tubes were…
Remedy: Delphi will notify owners and replace the defective mras free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 1-877-335-7443.
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2007-04-27Fuel system, other07E021000 Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, and FP10027-11B1, sold after January 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The…
Remedy: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Buick Skylark — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V036000 · Electrical system
- Recall 07E015000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 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 1998 Buick Skylark?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Buick Skylark have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.