Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 48 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.6 times the median Skylark year — the 1992 model ranks #6 of 29 Skylark years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (9), electrical system (8), and transmission (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
48
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
1
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 9 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 8 | 17% | — flat |
| Transmission | 6 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 3 | 6% | — flat |
| Lighting | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | — flat |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT SUSPENSION UPPER SPRING SEAT AT THE RIGHT-REAR POSITION. IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A REAR IMPACT ACCIDENT, THE RIGHT-HAND REAR WHEEL HOUSE FLANGE COULD SEVER THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND SPILL FUEL.
Consequence
THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 301,FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY. SPILLED FUEL IN A LOW SPEED ACCIDENT CAN RESULT IN AFIRE.
Remedy
INSPECT AND REPLACE INCORRECT UPPER SPRING SEAT WITH THE CORRECT PART.
Defect
A MISADJUSTMENT OF THE PARK LOCK CABLE IN THE COLUMN SHIFT ASSEMBLY MAKES IT POSSIBLE FOR THE STEERING COLUMN TO LOCK WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND THE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION.
Consequence
LOCKING OF THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS INMOTION RESULTS IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND INCREASED RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
ADJUST THE PARK LOCK CABLE, AND REROUTE AND RESTRAIN THE BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK HARNESS AND CONNECTOR.
Defect
THE PASSENGER'S SIDE EASY-ENTRY SEAT ADJUSTER MAY FAIL FULLY LOCK INTO POSITION AFTER THE SEAT BACK HAS BEEN TILTED FORWARD AND THE SEAT SLID FORWARD, THEN RETURNED TO ITS ORIGINAL POSTITION.
Consequence
IF THE SEAT ADJUSTER FAILS TO LOCK INTO POSITION, THEPASSENGER SEAT WOULD SLIDE FORWARD IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.OCCUPANTS OF THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD FACE INCREASED RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY.
Remedy
REPLACE THE ADJUSTER ASSEMBLY ON THE SEAT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ABS SYSTEM WAS CONSTANTLY ON CAUSING THE BRAKES TO WEAR, PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURING WHERE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. TT”
“I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. I REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH, FUSIBLE LINK, AND STARTER WHEN THE IGNITION STARTED TO SMOKE/BURN WHEN STARTING IN THE PARKING LOT. THE REPLACEMENT STARTER FAILED 3 MONTHS LATER AND THE REPLACEMENT FUSIBLE LINK 4 MONTHS LATER. I HAVE ALSO…”
“WHILE CAR WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF, VEHICLE SOMEWAY JUMPED OUT OF OF PARK AND ROLLED ACROSS THE LOT, HITTING ANOTHER PARKED CAR. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS UNSAFE. *AK”
“I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. I REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH, FUSIBLE LINK, AND STARTER WHEN THE IGNITION STARTED TO SMOKE/BURN WHEN STARTING IN THE PARKING LOT. THE REPLACEMENT STARTER FAILED 3 MONTHS LATER AND THE REPLACEMENT FUSIBLE LINK 4 MONTHS LATER. I HAVE ALSO…”
“DRIVER GOT INTO VEHICLE, PUT KEY INTO IGNITION, BACKED OUT OF GARAGE, HAD FOOT ON THE BRAKE, PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE, VEHICLE SHOT FORWARD, HIT THE FENCE KNOCKING A WELL TOP OFF-PUSHING A LARGE ROCK-BAN INTO HOUSE.*AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 48 complaints put the 1992 model at #6 of 29 Skylark years. It is one of the Skylark years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (9 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 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.