1994 Buick Skylark
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Skylark › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Buick Skylark. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1994 Buick Skylark. Newest first.
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 switch, producing heat that can melt switch parts.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fire could occur in the steering column and spread to the interior of the car.
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 does not cover battery replacement or unrelated starting system or electrical system repairs.
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 collision. The fuel tank assemblies do not comply with fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity."
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can result in an increased risk of a vehicle fire in the event of a rear impact collision.
Remedy
Dealer will install rivets adjacent to the locations where the suspect welds are located.
Owner complaints
68 complaints8 involved a crash4 involved a fire5 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
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. Between 01/ 2013 and 02/ 10/2013. battery completely dead on 02/11/2013.…
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. Between 01/ 2013 and 02/ 10/2013. battery completely dead on 02/11/2013. was put on slow charge and ran for another 2 days and died again. took battery back to national auto on 02/17/2013. before taking it there I had alternator, starter and wires checked .. Everything ok.. Returned to store. service person checked it and said battery was charged...told him impossible because it was dead in car and we just took it out. he gave me another battery. worked fine until palm sunday...dead battery...aaa came out and jumped car...worked until 04/04/2013. called car stop about problem....guy sent out.. He checked battery output only 10...need 12 volts to start car. also had starter and alternator checked again...no problems there. took car to shop next day...new battery installed. called national auto about problem....told to bring it back... I did so this morning 04/07/2013 and was told that since it IS holding a charge he can't give me my money back...i told him " what am I suppose to do with 2 batteries" told me to bring it back when store manager IS there on tues am or wed. I am a 68 yr old senior woman...i feel like I am being taken advantage of. why should I have to keep going back...i do not have an extra hundred dollars to spend just to let battery sit in cellar. I want my money back. I am not the first person to have problems with this brand battery. *tr
- Steering
Tilt steering wheel assembly failed and steering wheel became detached from the steering column. upon further inspection the pins came out of the assembly and the assembly shows extreme wear where the pins should insert. pins cannot be reinstalled. requires replacement of steering column.…
Tilt steering wheel assembly failed and steering wheel became detached from the steering column. upon further inspection the pins came out of the assembly and the assembly shows extreme wear where the pins should insert. pins cannot be reinstalled. requires replacement of steering column. there are many reports of steering column defects online including highway speed loss of control crashes. why has a recall not been issued. *kb
- Electrical system › Ignition · Engine and engine cooling
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. the vehicle was taken in for ervice. previously, the on-board computer was replaced by a service dealer in an attempt to correct the same problem.*ak updated 12/01/06. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
I own a 1994 buick skylark. it developed a coolant leak. I had the heater core replaced on advise of a mechanic that until recently was at a gm dealership. it still leaked when the engine was cold. it was then determined that it was the water pump so I had that replaced. it still leaked. now…
I own a 1994 buick skylark. it developed a coolant leak. I had the heater core replaced on advise of a mechanic that until recently was at a gm dealership. it still leaked when the engine was cold. it was then determined that it was the water pump so I had that replaced. it still leaked. now I have to have the lower intake manifold gasket replaced at an estimated cost of $660.00. I have contacted gm dealerships and independent mechanics in regards to the manifold gasket and have been told that the problem with the gasket IS that it IS a defective design and that many lower intake manifold gaskets have been replaced on the skylarks because of this defect. apparently gm decided to use a plastic gasket as opposed to the paper composite gasket and this IS the cause of so many vehicles having to have this gasket replaced. I strongly feel that gm should have issued a recall on this problem when it became apparent that it was due to a defect in design. *jb
- Power train › Axle assembly
While driving 30 mph, the consumer would hear a clunking noise. The dealership repaired the front driver side axle. Please provide more information. *jb.....passenger's axle broke six months ago, and currently the driver's side axle broke. It seemed impossible that both axles would be defective and needed replacement. *Ak
- Steering › Column
While driving steering wheel loosened. dealership informed the consumer that three steering bolts failed on the steering column. The problem was not resolved. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Electrical · Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering · Suspension · Tires · Unknown or other
Ac heating - heater core went out- ac still not working computer control- buick reprogrammed computer chip- my complaint was erratic idling. It fixed problem. Paint peeling this year struts and springs on suspension are not lasting long tires- probably my fault for not rotating transmission- I…
Ac heating - heater core went out- ac still not working computer control- buick reprogrammed computer chip- my complaint was erratic idling. It fixed problem. Paint peeling this year struts and springs on suspension are not lasting long tires- probably my fault for not rotating transmission- I replaced it with salvaged one at 170,000- heard a lot of complaints about this 4t60e transmission. Brakes- front ones last 1,000 miles. I replace all hardware. Steering-listen to this-the pivot pins on my tilt steering fell out and the steering wheel was on my lap.car could still drive. I epoxied new pivot pins in and this solved the problem. all repairs done by me, except for the computer reprogramming-i thought it was a design problem and they should have fixed it for no charge. They did not. Heard friends tell me g.m cars eat up alternators and I have experienced this three times. thank you!
- Steering
The pins that holds and allows the steering wheel to tilt have come out of their holes on two occasions making the vehicle difficult to steer
- Steering
At 70,514 miles the tilt wheel pivot pins on the steering wheel were loose and repaired by the dealer. now at 75,000 miles the same thing happened again. *ak *scc *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer states that while driving at any speed and without warning vehicle will shut off, causing consumer to pull over. Dealer notified.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
The seat belt on my 1994 buick skylark does not seem to operate properly. There IS no evidence of lock-up. I am concerned as to the operation of the sensing device on this system. Can I have it checked for operation before I have an accident? *jb
- Structure › Body › Door
While sitting in car with engine running passenger noticed smoke coming from passenger's side door lock switch, yellowish in color. consumer exited vehicle, fire department was called, flames were coming out of door. They stated it was an electrical fire, vehicle was towed to a mechanic. please provide any further information.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While traveling on highway at 55 mph, temperature gauge rose immediately. after that, vehicle began to smoke from tail pipe. owner took vehicle to 2 mechanics. owner was informed that problem was due to head gasket. Please describe details. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Cylinder head cracked at #2 plug, resulting in power loss, water introduction in crankcase, costly repair and , eventually, failure of rod bearings.*ak
- Electrical system
The alternator failed and has been replaced four times, the vehicle experiences electrical problems with wires shorting out, lights coming on, horn not working, etc. *yh
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
While driving 65 mph hood flew open and struck windshield, manufacturer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch · Steering › Column
Steering wheel will not lock and no ajustments can be made, also steering wheel IS extremely loose when vehicle IS being driven. *ak consumer took vehicle to the dealer, dealer found tilt wheel IS very loose, found pin loose in shaft, notched shaft to hold pin, factory had notched shaft 3 times…
Steering wheel will not lock and no ajustments can be made, also steering wheel IS extremely loose when vehicle IS being driven. *ak consumer took vehicle to the dealer, dealer found tilt wheel IS very loose, found pin loose in shaft, notched shaft to hold pin, factory had notched shaft 3 times, dealer notched shaft approximately 6 times and column will have to be replaced. also, multi-function turn signal failed and lever was inoperative. *Yd
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer had a front impact crash at 35 mph, and drivers airbag did not deploy. Consumer suffered knee and back injuries, and vehicle was totalled.*ak *slc
- Steering
Was traveling about 50mph on highway and was turning into a curve and without prior warning, steering wheel started vibrating and steering column dropped down to floor. pins fell out from steering. dealership IS aware of problem.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
When accelerating from a red light or stop sign vehicle hesitates or completely shutsdown, cause unknown. dealer cannot identify the problem.*ak
- Steering › Column
Tilt mechanism on steering column came apart internally. Able to use steering, but problem might cause an accident if steering was affected. *Ak
- Electrical system › Starter assembly
The ignition switch failed prior to recall notice 00v-287 causing the vehicle to suddenly stall while driving, the consumer requested reimbursement but was only given a partial refund. nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Consumer had contacted dealer in reference to a recall 00 v 287000/manufacturer's recall 00079. dealer contacted concerning recall problem. Consumer noted that vehicle was making a tracking noise upon starting. Also, vehicle cut off. *ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Starter assembly
The starter failed prior to recall notice 00v-287, consumer request reimbursement. nlm
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Air conditioner just stopped working. Took vehicle to dealer where it was not fixed. A couple days later had to take vehicle back to dealer, and put refrigerant on air conditioner. but, problem happened again. Dealer had found a leak to be fixed, but consumer was responsible. *ak consumer states that the plastic tubing IS what IS causing problem and wants it replaced. *slc
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Steering column fires
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10009220Vehicles may set anyone or a combination of front-wheel speed sensor anti-lock brake system codes as intermittent or hard failures. Gm voicemail express.
- 10007816Anti-lock braking system (ABS) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10007293ABS front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10000782Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 619360Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors.
- 618103Information regarding ignition switch high electrical current.
- 617765Campaign parts bulletin regarding ignition switch high electrical current.
- 617752Subject regarding 00079 - product safety campaign ignition switch high electrical current - part 2.
- 617751Subject regarding product safety campaign ignition switch high electrical current - part 1.
- 617747Subject regarding 00079 - product safety campaign ignition switch high electrical current.
- 615073Some V6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that IS generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not reappear until the next change of oil.
- 613590Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies. **Mr
- 604343Some owners may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
- 601915Comments on a ticking type noise that begins shortly after cold engine start-up and gradually diminishes as the engine warms up.
- 600282Some vehicles may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 54419Comment that the ABS light IS on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history.
- 54418Some vehicles experience difficulties to depress accelerator pedal and/or an accelerator cable separation.
- 54329Complaints that the ABS indicator lamp IS "on".
- 54066Subject pertaining to driveability symptoms due to fuel injector deposits.
- 54065Comments on inoperative power door locks (front and/or rear doors).
- 52580Difficult to depress accelerator pedal and/or accelerator cable separation (install accelerator cable and clip).
- 52339Squawk noise coming from front suspension or engine compartment area (install ultra high molecular tape).
- 51497Cold start rattle noise (diagnosis/service procedure).
- 51301Engine miss (replace spark plug wire and ignition coil).
- 50571Cold start rattle noise.
- 45881Grinding and/or growling noise in park on incline.*sd
- 45815Cold engine tick or rattle after start-up (replace piston/pin assembly).
- 43031Unknown
- 43030Unknown
- 43021Unknown
- 39725Oil leak at the rocker cover.
- 39308Cold start rattle noise.
- 39306Unknown
Every Buick Skylark model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.