Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 54 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.8 times the median Skylark year — the 1993 model ranks #5 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 (12), engine (9), and transmission (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
54
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 12 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 9 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 6 | 11% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 4 | 7% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 4 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 2% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE NEUTRAL START SAFETY SWITCH COULD HAVE BEEN FRACTURED DURING INSTALLATION.
Consequence
A FRACTURED SWITCH CAN RESULT IN A NO-START CONDITION.ALSO, A VEHICLE WITH A FRACTURED SWITCH CAN BE STARTED IN GEAR, CAUSING THEVEHICLE TO MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE NEUTRAL START SWITCH. THE MANUAL SWITCH OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF AN OVERSIZED CONDITION EXISTS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONTINUOUS PROBLEM WITH BRAKE ROTORS WARPING, HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, TIRES ALSO RELACED DUE TO CUPPING(FROM WARPED ROTORS) AND PADS REPLACED ONCE. AW”
“REMOVE CYLINDER HEAD, INSTALLED NEW WATER PUMP, HEAD GASKET, TIMING CHAIN, GEARS AND GUIDES, INSTALL REMAN CYLINDER HEAD, THERMOSTAT, OXYGEN SENSOR AND ANTI-FREEZE, DUE TO ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS. *JB”
“TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. REVERSE WENT OUT IN IT. COSTING ABOUT $600. THE TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE PAINT PEELS OFF THE CAR. THE FRONT AND THE HOOD ARE THE MOST AFFECTED BY THE PAINT.”
“CONSUMER WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 02-070-001 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK CONSUMER ADDS WITH VEHICLE IN PARK AND KEY REMOVED FROM IGNITION, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO RUN CAUSING THE ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK, HOSE TO POP OFF…”
“VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UPON SHIFTING FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE CRASHING INTO ANOTHER CAR/EMBANKMENT AND BUILDING, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURIES. TT”
NHTSA data argues against it: 54 complaints put the 1993 model at #5 of 29 Skylark years. It is one of the Skylark years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (12 complaints), engine (9 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Buick Skylark. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.