VehicleVerdict

1988 Buick Skylark problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 1988 Buick Skylark — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

17

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other Skylark years?

Skylark NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 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, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Skylark years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Buick Skylark problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control318%
Brakes318%
Fuel System212%
Seat Belts212%
Engine212%
Tires & Wheels16%
Electrical System16%
Lighting16%
Other16%
Suspension16%

Does the 1988 Buick Skylark have recalls?

4 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).

92V150000Fuel SystemOctober 19, 1992 · 108,836 units

Defect

FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN ANUNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.

90V042000Fuel SystemMarch 5, 1990 · 61,765 units

Defect

FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Consequence

LEAKING FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.

87V169000LightingOctober 26, 1987 · 101 units

Defect

UNEXPECTED LOSS OF TAIL LAMP AND SIDE MARKER LAMP FUNCTION MAY OCCUR, REDUCING OTHER DRIVERS ABILITY TO SEE THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNINGIN CONDITIONS OF POOR VISIBILITY, SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME.

Remedy

REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH PANEL.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“STARTED THE VEHICLE AND PUT THE GEAR IN REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS WITHOUT PUTTING FOOT ON GAS PEDAL. PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND WENT INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S BACK YARD AND HIT A TREE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 18, 1998 · crash

“DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AND CAR CUT OFF, RESTARTED AND ATTEMPTED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. RAISED HOOD AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH. INSURANCE EXPERT SAID CAUSE OF FIRE WAS FROM FUEL FEED HOSE . *AK *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 7, 1997 · fire

1988 Buick Skylark — common questions

Is the 1988 Buick Skylark reliable?

The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1988 Skylark problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (3 complaints), speed control (3 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 1988 Buick Skylark have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Buick Skylark. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1988 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.