VehicleVerdict

Buick Skylark years to avoid

The Buick Skylark years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1997, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1998 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1987 is the cleanest year on record.

753

Total complaints

54

Recall campaigns

1966–2000

Years covered

9

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Skylark years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
1995High complaint rate119
1996High complaint rate116
1997High complaint rate111
1994High complaint rate95
1993High complaint rate54
1992High complaint rate48
1991High complaint rate46
1990High complaint rate37
1998High complaint rate34

Every Skylark year

YearComplaintsRecalls
200010
1998avoid343
1997avoid1115
1996avoid1166
1995avoid1191
1994avoid952
1993avoid541
1992avoid483
1991avoid462
1990avoid372
1989183
1988174
198702
1986102
1985111
1984274
198311
198233
198152
198009
197902
197803
197703
197501
197101
197001
196801
196702
196601

Common questions

What are the worst Buick Skylark years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Skylark years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1997, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1998. The cleanest year on record is 1987.

What is the best year for the Buick Skylark?

By complaint volume, 1987 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Skylark years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Buick Skylark have?

Across all model years, the Skylark has 54 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 753 consumer complaints on file.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.