1991 Buick Skylark problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 46 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.2 times the median Skylark year — the 1991 model ranks #7 of 29 Skylark years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (11), speed control (8), and electrical system (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Skylark years?

Skylark NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Skylark years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Buick Skylark problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	11	24%	▲ up
Speed Control	8	17%	▲ up
Electrical System	7	15%	— flat
Seats	4	9%	▲ up
Steering	3	7%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	2	4%	▲ up
Seat Belts	2	4%	▲ up
Body & Structure	2	4%	▼ down
Brakes	2	4%	— flat
Latches & Locks	1	2%	new
Transmission	1	2%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	1	2%	— flat
Other	1	2%	— flat
Lighting	1	2%	— flat

Does the 1991 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).

92V043000Visibility & WipersApril 1, 1992 · 37,030 units

Defect

MOISTURE CAN ENTER THE EXPRESS-DOWN ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE AND CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT CAUSES WINDOW OPERATION WITHOUT OPERATOR CONTROL, AND LEAVES THE WINDOW IN THE DOWN POSITION.

Consequence

THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WILL FAIL FROM OVERHEATINGAND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE HAZARD INSIDE THE DOOR PANEL.

Remedy

REPLACE THE WINDOW EXPRESS-DOWN ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“PARKED CAR IN FRONT OF HOUSE, OBSERVED WISP OF SMOKE, OPENED HOOD, ENGINE ENGULFED WITH FLAMES;NEST MADE BY UNKNOWN CREATURE(S) IGNITED BY HEAT/EXHAUST MANIFOLD”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 24, 1995 · fire

“WHILE PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOT & SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, TAPPED ON GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE ACCELERATED & HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHIFTED INTO REVERSE & IT ACCELERATED BACKWARDS & HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. SKYLARK WAS DECLARED TOTALED. POSSIBLY DUE TO COMPUTER FAILURE/DEFECT. *AK *ML”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 22, 2000 · crash

“HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FAN MOTOR, COOLING SYSTEM, BOTH FRONT DOOR WINDOW MOTORS, AND THE BATTERY TWICE. THIS PLUS 6 ALTERNATORS WITHIN 5 1/2 YEARS. THE COOLING SYSTEM, FAN MOTOR, AND ALTERNATOR PROBLEMS OCCURED AT VARYING SPEEDS-IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS INCLUDE THAT THE IDLE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“VEHICLE WAS IN A LEFT REAR END COLLISION. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT RECLINED BACKWARD UPON IMPACT. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH RECLINING SEATS. THIS RESULTED IN THE DRIVER HAVING NECK AND EYE INJURIES. THIS COULD OF CAUSED INJURIES TO THE PASSENGER ALSO, BUT THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED AT THE TIME OF…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · January 30, 2002 · crash

“ECM FUSE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING; LOST ALL VEHICLE POWER/CONTROL; HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED; NO WARNING; COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT. TT”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 25, 1995

1991 Buick Skylark — common questions

Is the 1991 Buick Skylark reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 46 complaints put the 1991 model at #7 of 29 Skylark years. It is one of the Skylark years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Skylark problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), speed control (8 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints).

Does the 1991 Buick Skylark have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Buick Skylark. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1991 compare to other Skylark years?

What are the most common 1991 Buick Skylark problems?

Does the 1991 Buick Skylark have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1991 Buick Skylark — common questions

Is the 1991 Buick Skylark reliable?

What are the most common 1991 Skylark problems?

Does the 1991 Buick Skylark have recalls?

Is the 1991 Buick Skylark under NHTSA investigation?

Which Buick Skylark years should you avoid?

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