Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1982 Buick Skylark — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 4 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
3
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
4
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1 | 33% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 33% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 33% | new |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
REAR BRAKE HOSES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY WHEN THE METAL END FITTINGS WERE INSTALLED. SOME REAR BRAKE HOSES MAY SEPARATE FROM THE METAL END FITTINGS WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE PULLING FORCE SPECIFIED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 106, "BRAKE HOSES".
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE REAR BRAKE HOSES AT NO CHARGE TO OWNERS.
Defect
UNDER CERTAAIN CONDITIONS, THE HOSE CLAMPS ON THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK FILLER VENT PIPE COULD FRACTURE. THE FRACTURE OF THESE CLAMPS COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE AT ANY OF THE FOUR PIPE TO HOSE CONNECTIONS. LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR DURING REFUELING, OR WHILE DRIVING, IF THE FUEL TANK IS ABOVE 3/4 FULL.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE HOSE CLAMPS ON THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND VENT PIPE AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
THE CLUTCH CABLE MAY RUB AGAINST THE MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE PIPE WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS OPERATED. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE MAY RESULT IN WEAR THROUGH OF THE INSULATION ON THE CLUTCH CABLE. THE RESULTING METAL ON METAL CONTACT COULD LEAD TO FAILURE OF THE BRAKE PIPE, LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, AND PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKE ACTION.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, CORRECT SYSTEM BY PROVIDING A MINIMUM 1/2 INCH CLEARANCE BETWEEN CLUTCH CABLE AND BRAKE PIPE TO AVOID METAL ON METAL CONTACT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ENGINE STALLS WHEN CORNERING OR WAITING AT INTERSECTIONS WITH STOP LIGHTS WHENEVER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURES EXCEED 85 DEGREES F*. MUST WAIT LONGER AS TEMPS. INCREASE. *AK”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1982 Buick Skylark. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Skylark years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1997, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1998. The cleanest record among Skylark years belongs to 1987.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.