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1998 Buick SkylarkProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 24 owner complaints about the 1998 Buick Skylark, most often about the vehicle speed control. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints246 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem5Vehicle speed control

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 23, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Buick Skylark has problems

24 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Vehicle speed control51
Electrical system50
Air bags43
Service brakes, hydraulic30
Engine and engine cooling30
Structure20
Seat belts20
Visibility10
Equipment10
5 other systems50

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1998 Buick Skylark recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Ignition: switch

Recall 04V-036 · Jan 27, 2004 · 1,415,231 vehicles

Risk. IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Buick.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other Skylark year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Skylark median. How we score

'66'67'68'70'71'75'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'00
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1998 Buick Skylark safety ratings

1998 Buick Skylark 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Skylark owners report

Recent vehicle speed control complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

LACK OF ACCELERATION WHEN DRIVING, INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE BEEN TO THE DEALER, AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Complaint 8016213 · Aug 13, 2002
WHEN CONSUMER IS DRIVING VEHICLE ROARS UP HIGH LIKE IT WANTS TO GET AWAY. WHEN TRAVELING UPWARDS THE VEHICLE WILL SPEED UP WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. ALSO, VEHICLE WILL HESITATE. *AK
Complaint 870536 · Sep 14, 2000
PLEASE ADVISE IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. THE 1998 BUICK SKYLARK IS NOT LISTED IN THIS PROGRAM TO REQUEST RECALL INFORMATION. NOTE: DISREGARD ENGINE REMARKS (SEE THROTTLE CONTROL HEADING).
Complaint 712873 · Oct 6, 1999

Own a 1998 Skylark?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.