1989 Buick Skyhawk problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1989 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Skyhawk years?

Skyhawk NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Skyhawk years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Buick Skyhawk problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Latches & Locks	1	33%	new
Body & Structure	1	33%	new
Transmission	1	33%	new

Does the 1989 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).

88V189000Fuel SystemDecember 6, 1988 · 13,095 units

Defect

A FUEL TANK LEAK COULD OCCUR DUE TO SMALL CREASES ON THE TANK UNDERSIDE CRACKING DURING PRESSURE CYCLING WHICH OCCURS DURING NORMAL OPERATION.

Consequence

IN PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THIS CONDITION COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE FUEL TANK.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHEN IT RAINS VEHICLE WOULD LEAK, CAUSING SEVERE WATER DAMAGE THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WILL BE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANALYSIS. *AK ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 12, 2004

1989 Buick Skyhawk — common questions

Is the 1989 Buick Skyhawk reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1989 Buick Skyhawk have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Buick Skyhawk. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1989 compare to other Skyhawk years?

What are the most common 1989 Buick Skyhawk problems?

Does the 1989 Buick Skyhawk have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1989 Buick Skyhawk — common questions

Is the 1989 Buick Skyhawk reliable?

Does the 1989 Buick Skyhawk have recalls?

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