VehicleVerdict

1990 Buick Skylark problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 37 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.4 times the median Skylark year — the 1990 model ranks #8 of 29 Skylark years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (8), engine (5), and transmission (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

37

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Skylark years?

Skylark NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Skylark years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Buick Skylark problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System822%
Engine514%
Transmission411%
Steering411%
Fuel System411%
Suspension38%
Body & Structure38%
Brakes25%
Speed Control13%
Seats13%
Seat Belts13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%

Does the 1990 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).

90V119000Fuel SystemJune 15, 1990 · 3,202 units

Defect

IMPROPERLY TORQUED CONNECTIONS OF FRONT FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSES TO FUEL PIPES AT THE BODY RAIL COULD LOOSEN AND LEAK FUEL INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULDRESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

PROPERLY TORQUE THE FRONT FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSES AT THE BODY RAIL LINES TO PREVENT FUEL LEAKAGE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“1990 BUICK SKYLARK (QUAD 4 ENGINE)-CHRONIC STALLING DUE TO FAULTY LOCKUP TORQUE CONVERTER.COIL HOUSING WAS REPLACED 3X IN SIX YEARS .ALLDATA LISTS TECH. SERVICE BULLETINS CONCERNING THESE PROBLEMS.LETTERS TO GM AND BUICK FIELD ZONE OFFICE SEEKING RESTITUTION RECEIVED NO RESPONSE WHATSOEVER.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 27, 2000

“VEHICLE HAS BEEN STALLING INTERMITTENTLY, MOSTLY AT 50 MPH. ALSO ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN INTERMITTENTLY. *AK. DEALER REPLACED CRANK SENOR ASSEMBLY.*JB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 1996

“TRANSMISSION MAKES A LOUD JOLTING BANG WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR WHETHER IT IS IN DRIVE,REVERSE OR PARK. DRIVER ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF CAR WHEN IN DRIVE GEAR. ALSO HAS A DEFECTIVE FUEL LINE HOSE, WHICH DURING MORNING CAR WARM-UP, CAR STARTED SMOKING, WHICH CAME FROM UNDER CAR FROM THE VAC. LINE(FUEL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 1, 2003

“STEERING RACK AND PINION AS WELL AS GEAR BOX. SEVERE GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL,EVEN AT A SLIGHT TURN. BEEN REPAIRED BUT IT IS STILL DOING IT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 31, 2003

“TRANSMISSION MAKES A LOUD JOLTING BANG WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR WHETHER IT IS IN DRIVE,REVERSE OR PARK. DRIVER ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF CAR WHEN IN DRIVE GEAR. ALSO HAS A DEFECTIVE FUEL LINE HOSE, WHICH DURING MORNING CAR WARM-UP, CAR STARTED SMOKING, WHICH CAME FROM UNDER CAR FROM THE VAC. LINE(FUEL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 1, 2003

1990 Buick Skylark — common questions

Is the 1990 Buick Skylark reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 37 complaints put the 1990 model at #8 of 29 Skylark years. It is one of the Skylark years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 Skylark problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), engine (5 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 1990 Buick Skylark have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Buick Skylark. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Buick Skylark under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.