Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 2 of 8 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Equipment. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Seat Belts. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
8 reports
72,060 miles · Jun 21, 2004
EquipmentStructure
I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT. I COMMUTE ABOUT 50 MILES TO SCHOOL AND BACK. I WAS IN BRICK NJ ON RT 70 ABOUT TO ENTER THE PARKWAY WHEN I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY HOOD. BEFORE THIS HAPPENED I WAS USING GALLONS OF COOLANT IN MY CAR. I PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT AND OPENED MY HOOD SO THE CAR COULD COOL. IT WAS THEN DRIVE ABLE TO THE N…
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I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT. I COMMUTE ABOUT 50 MILES TO SCHOOL AND BACK. I WAS IN BRICK NJ ON RT 70 ABOUT TO ENTER THE PARKWAY WHEN I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY HOOD. BEFORE THIS HAPPENED I WAS USING GALLONS OF COOLANT IN MY CAR. I PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT AND OPENED MY HOOD SO THE CAR COULD COOL. IT WAS THEN DRIVE ABLE TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC WHERE HE REPLACED MY INTAKE GASKET. DURING THE DURATION OF THIS DAY EVENT I HAD TO MISS 1 CLASS AND HAD TO ASK MY FATHER TO DRIVE ME SO I WOULDNT MISS MY OTHER TWO EXAMS FOR THE DAY. THE INTAKE COST ME 527.35. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10078537
197,967 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Equipment
ELECTRONIC DASHBOARD FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10071285
Mileage unknown · May 8, 1999
Seat Belts
SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FOR BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE INOPERABLE, RENDERING SEATBELT UNUSABLE. THE PLUNGER ACTIVATED BY THE CLOSING OF FRONT CAR DOORS HAS A CABLE ATTATCHED TO RELEASE THE BELTS. THE CABLE FOR BOTH FRONT DOORS IS BROKEN. THIS CAUSES THE SEAT BELTS TO REMAIN LOCKED, THEREFORE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER CANNOT USE T…
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SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FOR BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE INOPERABLE, RENDERING SEATBELT UNUSABLE. THE PLUNGER ACTIVATED BY THE CLOSING OF FRONT CAR DOORS HAS A CABLE ATTATCHED TO RELEASE THE BELTS. THE CABLE FOR BOTH FRONT DOORS IS BROKEN. THIS CAUSES THE SEAT BELTS TO REMAIN LOCKED, THEREFORE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER CANNOT USE THEIR RESTRAINTS. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A MANUFACTURING OR MATERIALS DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY THE AUTOMAKER OR SUPPLIER.
NHTSA ODI #706329
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 1998
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
WATER PUMP FAILED.
NHTSA ODI #534466
Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 1997
Wheels
WHEEL FELL OFF. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
NHTSA ODI #515872
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 1997
Visibility
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT STAY ON , HAVE TO HOLD SWITCH IN WHEN DRIVING. HAD VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND THEY STILL WON'T WORK. *AK
NHTSA ODI #809860
Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 1996
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ENGINE HEAD GASKET/ALSO OVERHEATED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #510203
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 1995
Seat Belts
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FAILURE, SEAT BELT WILL NOT COME OUT OF ITS HOUSING. TT
UNDER EXTENDED HEADLAMP USAGE, CIRCUITRY IN THE HEADLAMP SWITCH PANEL MIGHT EXPERIENCE INCREASED RESISTANCE AND EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILDUP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: HEADLIGHTS WOULD CYCLE ON AND OFF. SUDDEN LOSS OFHEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTIMER DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD RESULTIN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WITH MODIFIED SWITCH.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
EA91045 · Seat Belt Separation
Opened Nov 7, 1991 · Closed Oct 26, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
There is no summary currently available
PE91099 · Safety Belt Cut At D-RING
Opened Jul 15, 1991 · Closed Nov 7, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
There is no summary currently available
1986 Buick Skylark Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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