1997 Buick Skylark recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.
What could happen: IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CON…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 SKYLARK.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 02V070000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.
Consequence: IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
What could happen: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 SKYLARK.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07E021000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
Summary: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED BY GENERAL MOTORS. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.
What could happen: A STALLED VEHICLE CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. A FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MRAS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 1-877-335-7443.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 SKYLARK.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07E015000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-877-335-7443.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.
Consequence: A STALLED VEHICLE CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. A FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MRAS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 1-877-335-7443.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET DELPHI FUEL PUMP MODULES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
4. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. THE PROTECTIVE COVER FOR THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER WAS OMITTED. WITHOUT THIS COVER, THE POSITIVE TERMINAL BOLT ON THE FUSE BLOCK IS EXPOSED AND CAN CONTACT THE INSULATED NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. IF THE INSULATION ON THE NEGATIVE CABLE BECOMES SUFFICIENTLY WORN, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN THE POSITIVE TERMINAL AND NEGATIVE CABLE RESULTING IN EXTREMELY HIGH CURRENT FLOW.
What could happen: THIS HIGH CURRENT FLOW CAN CAUSE ARCING AND RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE PROTECTIVE COVER AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER TO THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 SKYLARK.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V059000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Summary: THE PROTECTIVE COVER FOR THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER WAS OMITTED. WITHOUT THIS COVER, THE POSITIVE TERMINAL BOLT ON THE FUSE BLOCK IS EXPOSED AND CAN CONTACT THE INSULATED NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. IF THE INSULATION ON THE NEGATIVE CABLE BECOMES SUFFICIENTLY WORN, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN THE POSITIVE TERMINAL AND NEGATIVE CABLE RESULTING IN EXTREMELY HIGH CURRENT FLOW.
Consequence: THIS HIGH CURRENT FLOW CAN CAUSE ARCING AND RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE PROTECTIVE COVER AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER TO THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING APRIL 1997. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
5. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL, SOME WELDS WERE MISSED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
What could happen: IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END COLLISION, THE VEHICLE SHEET METAL STRUCTURE WILL NOT PERFORM AS DESIGNED CAUSING UNEXPECTED DAMAGE TO THE FUEL TANK OR FUEL LINES, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF THIS IS A FUEL LEAK AND AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE MISSING WELDS AND, IF NECESSARY, PLACE THREE WHELDS BETWEEN THE INVOLVED PANELS APPLYING PRIMER, SEALER AND ANTI-CORROSION MATERIALS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 SKYLARK.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V212000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL, SOME WELDS WERE MISSED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END COLLISION, THE VEHICLE SHEET METAL STRUCTURE WILL NOT PERFORM AS DESIGNED CAUSING UNEXPECTED DAMAGE TO THE FUEL TANK OR FUEL LINES, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. IF THIS IS A FUEL LEAK AND AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE MISSING WELDS AND, IF NECESSARY, PLACE THREE WHELDS BETWEEN THE INVOLVED PANELS APPLYING PRIMER, SEALER AND ANTI-CORROSION MATERIALS.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING OCTOBER 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1997 Buick Skylark owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (20), Hydraulic (17), Electrical system (14), Engine (13), Airbags (12).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
05/24/2015 · Brakes
THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR, THERE HAVE BEEN ISSUES WITH THE ABS - ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ROAD IS WET AND DRIVING DOWN HILL. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES IN THESE CONDITIONS, THE CAR DOES NOT ALWAYS STOP EVEN WHEN PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. YOU WILL HERE A CLICKING OR GRINDING TYPE OF NOISE. IT'S NOT THE PADS OR ROTORS BECAUSE IT HAPPENS WH…
06/10/2014 · Airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK SKYLARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND AN INJURY WAS SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
04/02/2014 · Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK SKYLARK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WOULD ACTIVATE INDEPENDENTLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING LIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECH…
11/01/2011 · Electrical system
1997 BUICK SKYLARK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING SYSTEM WHICH WAS CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DIE. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 02V070000.
11/05/2009 · Electrical system
THE CAR HAD BEEN STALLING FOR MORE THAN A YEAR BUT NOT AS FREQUENT. THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME IT STALLED WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSTATE 240N. MY WIFE AND CHILD WAS WITH ME. IT WAS RUSH HOUR AND THERE WERE LOTS OF TRAFFIC. WE WERE TERRIFIED! ONCE I MERGED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, WE HAD TO WAIT FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR STARTED AGAIN. M…
06/17/2008 · Body / structure
WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR LEAKS. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR A FEW YEARS. PREVIOUSLY IT WAS IN A GARAGE, SO WE DON'T NO FOR SURE HOW LONG THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON. WE BROUGHT IT TO A GARAGE TO BE FIXED, THEY WORKED ON THE AREA OF THE COWL SECTION. BUT COULDN'T FIX IT. ALSO THE AIR CONDITIONING NEVER WORKED RIGHT AND HAD TO HAVE A CHARGE EVERY YEAR. FINALL…
04/03/2008 · Engine
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK SKYLARK. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS PRESENT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. HE CHECKED THE WATER AND OIL LEVELS DAILY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
11/18/2007 · Steering · fire
CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY, WITH NO KEY AND IN PARK. MY SON HAD COME IN THE HOUSE AND SAID MOM YOUR CAR IS SMOKING. I HAD PARKED THE CAR APPROX 20 MINS BEFORE AFTER A 6 MILE TRIP, IT WAS WINTER, THANK GOD I DID NOT PARK IN THE GARAGE OR IT WOULD HAVE GONE UP IN SMOKE TOO, AS I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY AND IT TOOK A LONG TIME FOR THE TRUCKS TO ARRIVE. I A…