VehicleVerdict

1994 Buick Skylark problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 95 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 19.0 times the median Skylark year — the 1994 model ranks #4 of 29 Skylark years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (19), brakes (17), and electrical system (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

95

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

7

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other Skylark years?

Skylark NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 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, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Skylark years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Buick Skylark problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1920%
Brakes1718%
Electrical System1516%
Steering1112%
Airbags66%
Transmission44%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)44%
Latches & Locks33%
Seat Belts22%
Seats22%
Speed Control22%
Fuel System22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Lighting22%
Body & Structure22%
Other11%
Suspension11%

Does the 1994 Buick Skylark have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V287000Electrical SystemOctober 2, 2000 · 699,617 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE STARTER FAILS TO ENGAGE AND THE DRIVER HOLD THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, PRODUCING HEAT THAT CAN MELT SWITCH PARTS.

Consequence

A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT AND VERIFY THAT THE VEHICLE WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY IN GOOD OPERATING CONDITION (ADEQUATE RESERVE CAPACITY, OR COLD CRANKING AMPS). THIS CAMPAIGN DOES NOT COVER BATTERY REPLACEMENT OR UNRELATED STARTING SYSTEM OR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REPAIRS.

94V122000Fuel SystemJuly 1, 1994 · 1,681 units

Defect

THESE VEHICLES WERE CONSTRUCTED WITH WELDS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT PAN ASSEMBLY THAT ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO FUEL TANK LEAKAGE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT COLLISION. THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN AN INCREASED RISK OF A VEHICLE FIRE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT COLLISION.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSTALL RIVETS ADJACENT TO THE LOCATIONS WHERE THE SUSPECT WELDS ARE LOCATED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE ENGINE HESITATED, THEN STALLED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER ASSIST STEERING, AND POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AFTER BEING RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR ERVICE. PREVIOUSLY, THE ON-BOARD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 15, 2006 · crash

“ABS BRAKE FAILURE, EXCESS WEAR OF THE FRONT BRAKE PADS, ALSO PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *AK GOODYEAR TIRE WENT BAD CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT, TOOK DEALER ALMOST A YEAR TO REPLACE. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE PADS WITH HIGH QUALITY PADS, EXCESSIVE WEAR STILL OCCURS,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 1, 1995

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE ENGINE HESITATED, THEN STALLED COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER ASSIST STEERING, AND POWER ASSIST BRAKING. AFTER BEING RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR ERVICE. PREVIOUSLY, THE ON-BOARD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 15, 2006 · crash

“TILT STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY FAILED AND STEERING WHEEL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE PINS CAME OUT OF THE ASSEMBLY AND THE ASSEMBLY SHOWS EXTREME WEAR WHERE THE PINS SHOULD INSERT. PINS CANNOT BE REINSTALLED. REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF STEERING COLUMN. THERE ARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 19, 2011

“CONSUMER HAD A FRONT IMPACT CRASH AT 35 MPH, AND DRIVERS AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUFFERED KNEE AND BACK INJURIES, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 18, 2001 · crash

1994 Buick Skylark — common questions

Is the 1994 Buick Skylark reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 95 complaints put the 1994 model at #4 of 29 Skylark years. It is one of the Skylark years to avoid.

What are the most common 1994 Skylark problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (19 complaints), brakes (17 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints).

Does the 1994 Buick Skylark have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 Buick Skylark. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 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.