VehicleVerdict

1986 Buick Skylark problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 1986 Buick Skylark — 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.

10

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Skylark years?

Skylark NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted119 complaints1966: 0 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 5 complaints1982: 3 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 27 complaints1985: 11 complaints1986: 10 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 17 complaints1989: 18 complaints1990: 37 complaints1991: 46 complaints1992: 48 complaints1993: 54 complaints1994: 95 complaints1995: 119 complaints1996: 116 complaints1997: 111 complaints1998: 34 complaints2000: 1 complaints
Skylark NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Skylark years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Buick Skylark problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts220%
Engine220%
Electrical System220%
Visibility & Wipers110%
Body & Structure110%
Tires & Wheels110%
Other110%

Does the 1986 Buick Skylark 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).

88V014000LightingJanuary 8, 1988 · 179,390 units

Defect

UNDER EXTENDED HEADLAMP USAGE, CIRCUITRY IN THE HEADLAMP SWITCH PANEL MIGHT EXPERIENCE INCREASED RESISTANCE AND EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILDUP.

Consequence

HEADLIGHTS WOULD CYCLE ON AND OFF. SUDDEN LOSS OFHEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTIMER DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD RESULTIN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH MODIFIED SWITCH.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FOR BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE INOPERABLE, RENDERING SEATBELT UNUSABLE. THE PLUNGER ACTIVATED BY THE CLOSING OF FRONT CAR DOORS HAS A CABLE ATTATCHED TO RELEASE THE BELTS. THE CABLE FOR BOTH FRONT DOORS IS BROKEN. THIS CAUSES THE SEAT BELTS TO REMAIN LOCKED, THEREFORE DRIVER AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · October 1, 1998

“I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT. I COMMUTE ABOUT 50 MILES TO SCHOOL AND BACK. I WAS IN BRICK NJ ON RT 70 ABOUT TO ENTER THE PARKWAY WHEN I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY HOOD. BEFORE THIS HAPPENED I WAS USING GALLONS OF COOLANT IN MY CAR. I PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT AND OPENED MY HOOD SO THE CAR COULD COOL. IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 19, 2004

“I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT. I COMMUTE ABOUT 50 MILES TO SCHOOL AND BACK. I WAS IN BRICK NJ ON RT 70 ABOUT TO ENTER THE PARKWAY WHEN I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY HOOD. BEFORE THIS HAPPENED I WAS USING GALLONS OF COOLANT IN MY CAR. I PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT AND OPENED MY HOOD SO THE CAR COULD COOL. IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 19, 2004

1986 Buick Skylark — common questions

Is the 1986 Buick Skylark reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1986 Skylark problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (2 complaints), seat belts (2 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 1986 Buick Skylark have recalls?

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

Is the 1986 Buick Skylark under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Buick Skylark years should you avoid?

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.

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.