VehicleVerdict

1995 Buick Skylark problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 119 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 23.8 times the median Skylark year — the 1995 model ranks #1 of 29 Skylark years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 35 reports (29% of the total).

119

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other Skylark years?

Skylark NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 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, 1995 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Skylark years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 Buick Skylark problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3529%
Brakes2118%
Airbags1210%
Lighting119%
Engine108%
Transmission76%
Speed Control54%
Seat Belts33%
Other33%
Steering22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Body & Structure22%
Fuel System22%
Seats22%
Child Seat11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 1995 Buick Skylark have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THERE WAS GRAY WHITE TOXIC TYPE SMOKE COMING THROUGH VENTS OF VEHICLE. PROBLEM RESULTED IN VEHICLE BEING ENGULFED IN FLAMES. POSSIBLE CAUSE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE AS NOTED BY GM INVESTIGATORS AND FIRE DEPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

“WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION.*AK CONSUMER HAS BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING WORNG WITH THE BRAKES, HOWEVER THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED TWICE. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 19, 1998 · crash

“WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON CRASH WITH A TELEPHONE POLE, THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG. THE CAR WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS BY ALL STATE INSURANCE, CONSUMER CONTACTED THE G.M. MOTOR COMP. THE COMPLAINT HANDED BY THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY DEP. THE CAN NO LOGER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 27, 1995 · crash

“WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON THE LIGHTS WILL TURN OFF. CONSUMER, THEREFORE, TURNED THE HIGH BEAMS ON, THEN TURNED THE LOW BEAMS BACK ON, AND THE HEADLIGHTS ARE OKAY. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO REPLACE ANY PARTS. CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS CONDITION HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 27, 1998

“WHILE PARKED VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS THE ENGINE THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 9, 2000 · fire

1995 Buick Skylark — common questions

Is the 1995 Buick Skylark reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 119 complaints put the 1995 model at #1 of 29 Skylark years. It is one of the Skylark years to avoid.

What are the most common 1995 Skylark problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (35 complaints), brakes (21 complaints), airbags (12 complaints).

Does the 1995 Buick Skylark have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1995 Buick Skylark. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1995 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.