VehicleVerdict

1986 Buick Skyhawk problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1986 Buick Skyhawk — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Skyhawk years?

Skyhawk NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted4 complaints1975: 1 complaints1976: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 3 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 2 complaints1993: 2 complaints
Skyhawk NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Skyhawk years to avoid →

Does the 1986 Buick Skyhawk have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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 MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

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).

85V149000LightingNovember 18, 1985 · 4,036 units

Defect

INCORRECT TAIL LAMP LENS WERE INSTALLED, LENS DO NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 108, LAMP REFLECTIVE DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IN TIMES OF REDUCED VISIBILITY, AN APPROACHING VEHICLE MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THIS VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

CORRECT TAIL LAMP LENS WILL BE INSTALLED.

1986 Buick Skyhawk — common questions

Is the 1986 Buick Skyhawk reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1986 Buick Skyhawk have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Buick Skyhawk. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Buick Skyhawk under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.