1996 Buick Skylark
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buick › Skylark › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Buick Skylark. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1996 Buick Skylark. Newest first.
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 universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
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.
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 reversed. this condition can result in the vehicle not running correctly (idle rough and/or stall) due to an overly rich fuel blend or the vehicle's evaporative…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A stalled vehicle can increase the risk of a vehicle crash. a fuel leak can result in a fire.
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.
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 produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the switch IS damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
Remedy
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. owner notification began march 27, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, buick at 1-800-521-7300, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. these vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 101, "controls and displays."
Risk and remedy
Risk
The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.
The steering column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened during assembly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An undertorqued pinch bolt can rattle and cause looseness in the steering system. if the pinch bolt backed out of the joint completely, rotation of the steering shaft against the connector could cause increasing looseness in the steering system and result in loss of steering and an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the steering column pinch bolt for correct torque and, if necessary, tighten the bolt to the specified torque.
During deployment of the passenger air bag, the air bag fabric can snag on a reinforcement inside the instrument panel, causing the expanding air bag to lift the instrument panel pad and then deploy under the instrument panel instead of through the door in the instrument panel.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In a crash, the front seat passenger could receive more severe injuries if he or she contacts a broken reinforcement or if the snagging affects the deployment of the air bag.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the instrument panel pads and, if necessary, install a plastic edge protector to the instrument panel pad reinforcement. on certain early-production vehicles, the instrument panel pad will be replaced.
Owner complaints
85 complaints7 involved a crash1 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. When the contact started the vehicle, the driver's side air bag deployed. The driver sustained injuries to the face, neck, chest, right shoulder, and mouth. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,818.
- Air bags
Airbag deployment, on may 5 2016, 10 pm, went out to put windows up in car, vehicle was stationary,opened door, leaned in to turn on key, when I turned on key, heard loud explosion, two thoughts before I blacked out, thought I had been shot & what the hell was pulling me backwards so fast, came to…
Airbag deployment, on may 5 2016, 10 pm, went out to put windows up in car, vehicle was stationary,opened door, leaned in to turn on key, when I turned on key, heard loud explosion, two thoughts before I blacked out, thought I had been shot & what the hell was pulling me backwards so fast, came to in a few seconds laying on the ground, noticed that airbag had deployed, could not get up & crawled to house, this was a very violent & traumatic experience, went to hospital where they xrayed my neck & found no broken bones, my face was actually 2 to 3 inches away from steering wheel when deployment happened, I believe the attached hinge parts that opened when bag deployed actually hit me in face, bruised lip & blood blisters on left side of my face, though my neck was not broken, hospital did not check me for cuncusion probably due to the fact I do not have insurance, I am positive I had one, still having problems focusing, along with excessive forgetfulness, for three days I could feel that my body had been twisted away from my spine, this was very violent and hope that it never happens to anyone else, still recovering.
- Air bags
The airbag exploded while I was driving the car and then caused the horn to continuously go off. Not five minutes into my drive it went off while I was accelerating from being stopped at a red light. I was pulled over on a side street when the horn started going off. The air bag bruised and burned…
The airbag exploded while I was driving the car and then caused the horn to continuously go off. Not five minutes into my drive it went off while I was accelerating from being stopped at a red light. I was pulled over on a side street when the horn started going off. The air bag bruised and burned my left arm, however medical attention was not required. I had a water leak somewhere that caused water to build up primarily on my driver side floor board, however eventually the back floor boards became wet as well. It IS believed that the water caused an electrical malfunction and set off the air bag. It seems standing water IS an issue for these cars and can cause an issue with a control box located under the seat, which IS an awful combination. This accident could have been way worse than it was, and it forced me to buy a new care earlier than I was financially prepared to do. *tr
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. The contact stated that the driver side seat belt was defective. The contact stated that the seat belt was installed backwards and there were two right hand seat belts in the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. updated 8/28/14*cn updated 8/29/14*cn
- Air bags
Went to start to car after driving all afternoon and passenger side airbag deployed causing damage to the dash and windshield. *tr
- Air bags
When car put in reverse, airbag deployed causing knot and bruising to arm. 4/14/14 called 800-222-1020 and spoke to franklin that stated airbags are not covered even for defect after warranty of car IS over. called berglund local dealer in roanoke va and spoke to the service department and the…
When car put in reverse, airbag deployed causing knot and bruising to arm. 4/14/14 called 800-222-1020 and spoke to franklin that stated airbags are not covered even for defect after warranty of car IS over. called berglund local dealer in roanoke va and spoke to the service department and the service manager that said they would have to be paid $99 to even look at airbag. called insurance and filed claim and adjustor said obvious defect in airbag since no exterior damage to car. where does this leave me? I am handling this situation for my aunt, that actually owns the car. thanks. [Xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6) *js
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. all of the gauges on the instrument panel were fluctuating up and down. neither the speedometer nor the fuel gauge displayed accurate readings. the dealer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle and that the repair would be the contact's…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. all of the gauges on the instrument panel were fluctuating up and down. neither the speedometer nor the fuel gauge displayed accurate readings. the dealer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle and that the repair would be the contact's responsibility. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number 02v070000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). the current and failure mileages were 86,000.
- Air bags › Frontal
On july 30 2008 the drivers side airbag deployed in my 1996 buick skylark. I was sitting at a red light when this occurred. Minor injuries bruises and a small cut on my chest area. after reviewing the recalls on this car, I realize that I have other problems related to other recalls. upon…
On july 30 2008 the drivers side airbag deployed in my 1996 buick skylark. I was sitting at a red light when this occurred. Minor injuries bruises and a small cut on my chest area. after reviewing the recalls on this car, I realize that I have other problems related to other recalls. upon contacting the local buick dealer, I was told my car did not match any of the recall companies? Perhaps it should have made the campaign list. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
I got a letter from gm , buick motor division, that was a " customer advisory" not a recall that said if my 1996 buick has ever been wet or had water soak the floor board on the passenger side the air bags might deploy at any time due to a malfunction of the control box located under the front…
I got a letter from gm , buick motor division, that was a " customer advisory" not a recall that said if my 1996 buick has ever been wet or had water soak the floor board on the passenger side the air bags might deploy at any time due to a malfunction of the control box located under the front passenger seat. It said I need to have the car serviced asap to correct the problem if it has indeed been wet . And it has been wet on several occasions due to failure of the door gaskets and rear window seal and possibly the trunk gasket. I feel that gm should pay at the least for the dealer to decide if the control box needs to be replaced or not . If not for the repairs needed to insure that the air bags don't deploy for no reason while I'm going down the road causing an accident. Air bags are supposed to help you not hurt you. J.m.k. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. while driving approximately 25 to 35 mph, the radiator began leaking fluid. on june 22, 2006, a radiator was installed at 2,000 miles. the independent mechanic offered to re-diagnose the failure at the contact's expense. the dealer stated that they…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. while driving approximately 25 to 35 mph, the radiator began leaking fluid. on june 22, 2006, a radiator was installed at 2,000 miles. the independent mechanic offered to re-diagnose the failure at the contact's expense. the dealer stated that they would have installed the same parts at the same rate. the vehicle can be driven; however, it continues to leak fluid. the failure mileage was 117,000.
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. on june 18, 2008, the contact received an owner's manual supplement pertaining to the air bag controller module on the front passenger side. he IS outraged because gm IS refusing to make any repairs to the air bag system. the letter mentioned that…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. on june 18, 2008, the contact received an owner's manual supplement pertaining to the air bag controller module on the front passenger side. he IS outraged because gm IS refusing to make any repairs to the air bag system. the letter mentioned that consumers have sustained minor injuries due to air bag deployment after the vehicle has been exposed to water. the conclusion was that this IS a design flaw. there had been no failure to date. the current mileage was 124,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. the contact stated that the vehicle leaked antifreeze onto the motor, which then leaked onto the ground. the dealer stated that the failure resided in the lower intake manifold and they would repair it for a fee. the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage was 72,992 and failure mileage was 62,000.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
While on vacation we took a trip. on the way home at night all electricity devices started to die. I got off the highway the vehicle died and wouldn't start. I had it towed home and it hasn't started since. I turn the key and get nothing. when I turn the key on, the passlock system light IS…
While on vacation we took a trip. on the way home at night all electricity devices started to die. I got off the highway the vehicle died and wouldn't start. I had it towed home and it hasn't started since. I turn the key and get nothing. when I turn the key on, the passlock system light IS lit and never goes out. the battery IS fully charged and I can start the car if I jump the starter but not from the key. all other electrical devices work fine. *jb
- Tires
I purchased four new bridgestone tires (19570s14 bs wthrfrcb) for my son's car (1996 buick skylark - 6 cyl) in april 2005 at sears at oxmoor center in louisville. On tue aug 16, 2005, he was driving down a city street on his way to work when the right rear tire blew out, actually disintegrated.…
I purchased four new bridgestone tires (19570s14 bs wthrfrcb) for my son's car (1996 buick skylark - 6 cyl) in april 2005 at sears at oxmoor center in louisville. On tue aug 16, 2005, he was driving down a city street on his way to work when the right rear tire blew out, actually disintegrated. When I saw it, it had holes all around the sidewall, both inside and outside. I have never seen a tire like this. It looked like some one had shot at it with a machine gun. There were pieces of the tire along the street and in the parking lot where he stopped. My son put on the spare and we took it back to sears where it was replaced under warranty. Fortunately, he was not driving fast and was not on an expressway. this was my first experience with bridgestone tires, and I do not intend to buy any more. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Consumer wants to know if there IS a recall on 1996 buick skylark rear braking system. *Mr *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving at 55 mph engine failed intermittently. *Ak
- Equipment › Electrical
This problem IS happening more frequently now I can go out to the car and it won't start. I can wait a few hours or so and it will start right up. The first time this happened I had it towed to the mechanic, the day it was towed in it wouldn't start for him either. The next day and the days…
This problem IS happening more frequently now I can go out to the car and it won't start. I can wait a few hours or so and it will start right up. The first time this happened I had it towed to the mechanic, the day it was towed in it wouldn't start for him either. The next day and the days following that it fired up each and every time he kept it from mon-fri, he could not duplicate the problem. He did the diagnostic test it showed nothing wrong with it. I called two buick dealers, they told me if the car doesn't break down and stay broken down they can't tell me whats wrong because the problem IS too intermittent. Before all this started that ets off light was coming on and staying on and the car would stall out on me, now its not doing that anymore, but I noticed something when I'm putting the car into reverse from park I noticed that the ets off light blinks. Please help me if you can, I don't know what to do. and sometimes it stays on. the fuel pump seems to be working. I have had it looked at twice and no one can find anything wrong with it.
- Air bags › Frontal · Visibility › Windshield
Frontal air bags deployed while consumer was warming up the vehicle. There was no one inside the vehicle. when the airbags deployed front windshield broke on the passenger's side. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling
The engine of my car IS a mess. It has always had a problem with the cooling system since I bought it three years ago. I have had this vehicle worked on so many times it IS crazy. Now it seems that I need a new head gasket and whatever else cylinder one IS kicking reports on. I will probably end up having to get another vehicle and I still owe $4,000.00 on this one. What the heck...
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Electrical system › Starter assembly
Nhtsa recall 02-v-070-000: if the engine failed to start and the driver would have to hold the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high currents flows through the ignition switch and sometimes produce enough heat to melt internal switch parts. after the vehicle was serviced for…
Nhtsa recall 02-v-070-000: if the engine failed to start and the driver would have to hold the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high currents flows through the ignition switch and sometimes produce enough heat to melt internal switch parts. after the vehicle was serviced for the recall, the vehicle experienced ongoing problems with the electrical system burning four starters. the consumer stated that the vehicle was running without a warranty. *ak *scc (this document IS an add to) *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
The air bags deployed without impact.*jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
After recall repairs were done on wire harness vehicle would start intermittently. Vehicle been back to dealer on eight occasions ,and problem still reocurring. ph....*ak
- Wheels › Rim
Had to replace all four rims. the dealership IS aware of the problem. mr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Nhtsa recall 02 v 070 000 concerning ignition switch: recall repairs were done, causing intermittent stalling / starting problem. This problem was not occurring until repairs were done at steve schmitt motor co. In greensville, il; phone# 618/664-2811. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving at 20mph front air bags deployed without vehicle being involved in an accident. Contacted dealer. *ak
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
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 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.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 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.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 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.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This 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.
- 10114924This 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.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 10017096Vehicle will not move in either direction. Transmission may show over full. P90 4t40e 4t45e no movement drive or reverse. Converter may be empty of fluid.
- 100170864T40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
- 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.
- 634708Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation.
- 631899Subject regarding revised ignition lock cylinder or ignition switch assembly replacement. *Slc
- 628890Some owners may comment on leakage of a few drops of coolant after parking their vehicle.
- 620810Subject regarding polymer service pistons.
- 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.
- 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.
- 602826Some customers may comment about a squeak/ squawk type noise coming from the steering column area when turning the steering wheel.
- 601915Comments on a ticking type noise that begins shortly after cold engine start-up and gradually diminishes as the engine warms up.
- 601114Seat belt latch slides to seat belt anchor sleeve.
- 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.
Every Buick Skylark model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.