Buick Skyhawk problems
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Buick Skyhawk model years
Common Buick Skyhawk problems
The Buick Skyhawk, produced from 1975 to 1989, was a compact car that faced various issues throughout its model run. These problems stemmed from a combination of factors, including GM's design philosophy, engineering choices, and badge engineering practices.
- Inadequate brakes: The Skyhawk's brakes were woefully inadequate, further exacerbating the handling issues. This problem was particularly concerning given the car's oversteer tendencies, as it could lead to dangerous situations in emergency braking situations.
- Unfinished car: The Skyhawk was criticized for being an unfinished car, with many issues left unaddressed. This sentiment was reflected in a Road & Track review, which stated, "In the final analysis, the Skyhawk loses points because it isn’t a finished car".
- Uneven-fire V6 engine: The Skyhawk was equipped with a V6 engine in its original uneven-fire version, which always sounded and felt like a V8 with two dead spark plugs. This issue made the engine feel rough and unrefined, detracting from the driving experience.
- Power window motor failures: The Skyhawk's power window motors were prone to overheating and failing, causing inconvenience and potentially requiring costly repairs.
- Badge engineering: The Skyhawk was a product of GM's Badge Engineering Department, which tapped Chevy several times to provide small cars for Pontiac, Olds, and Buick dealers. This practice led to a lack of differentiation between models, with Buick's V6 being one of the few distinguishing features.
- Deteriorating quality: The Skyhawk's quality deteriorated over time, with issues such as glued-on letters falling off and electrons in the dash circuitry crossing paths, causing problems like the radio changing stations spontaneously and the speedometer reading going to 0 mph and back to normal.
- Lack of reliability: The Skyhawk was not known for its reliability, with issues such as blown head gaskets, holes in engine blocks, and damaged internal parts reported by owners. These problems were costly to repair, with engine replacements costing around $6,000-$8,000.
- Heavy depreciation: The Skyhawk, particularly the 2008 model year, depreciated heavily over the years. This depreciation made the car less attractive as a long-term investment, as it would sell for a much lower price in the future.
In summary, the Buick Skyhawk faced numerous issues throughout its production, including handling problems, inadequate brakes, unfinished design, rough engines, power window failures, badge engineering, deteriorating quality, lack of reliability, and heavy depreciation. These problems significantly impacted the car's overall appeal and usability, contributing to its eventual discontinuation.
What was the last year they made the Buick Skyhawk?
| Buick Skyhawk | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1974–1989 |
| Model years | 1975–1980 1982–1989 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Subcompact (1975–1980) compact (1982–1989) |
How much horsepower does a 1975 Buick Skyhawk have?
(In the C/D mileage cycle, the Skyhawk delivered 18.5 mpg compared to 18.0 in the Monza.) Similar personalities are to be expected because both engines are rated at 110 net hp.
What is the rarest Buick ever made?
1966 Buick Wildcat GS
This classic 60's Buick was no slouch on the performance end either, with a zero to 60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. Only 1,244 units of this special edition Wildcat were ever built, making it one of the rarer Buicks you can buy.
What replaced the Skyhawk?
The Skyhawks have been replaced by F-16s in combat roles but are still used for pilot training.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Buick Skyhawk years
We have researched Buick problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Buick Skyhawk cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Buick Skyhawk model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Buick Skyhawk model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Buick Skyhawk years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Buick Skyhawk car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Buick Skyhawk , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Tires problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Buick Skyhawk vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Skyhawk model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Skyhawk model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Buick Skyhawk . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Buick Skyhawk vehicles.
List of Buick Skyhawk complaints
Buick Skyhawk 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-14
- Date Complaint: 2011-12-05
- VIN: 1G4NV54NXPC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 BUICK SKYHAWK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHENEVER IT CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY RESTART ONCE THE ENGINE WAS COOLED DOWN. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY A DEALER TO UN PLUG A FOUR PRONGED CONNECTER THAT LEADS TO THE TRANSMISSION TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT FELT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THIS PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM SLOWING DOWN ON HILLS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
Buick Skyhawk 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-12
- Date Complaint: 2004-06-25
- VIN: 1G4NJ52M6WC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN IT RAINS VEHICLE WOULD LEAK, CAUSING SEVERE WATER DAMAGE THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WILL BE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANALYSIS. *AK
Buick Skyhawk 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2002-10-25
- VIN: 1G4NJ5437NG
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE CONSUMER IS CONCERN WHEN THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER. WATER COMES IN THOUGH THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING WATER INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS
Buick Skyhawk 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1993-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2002-01-02
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THERE WAS A RECALL ON POWER OPERATED WINDOWS. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR RECALL REPAIRS, AND THREE YEARS LATER PROBLEM REOCCURRED.*AK
Buick Skyhawk 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-17
- Date Complaint: 2001-12-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G4NV55M9SC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH ON A SIDE STREET AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. SHE SAW SMOKE INSIDE OF CAR, AND PULLED OVER. FIRE STARTED IN TURN SIGNAL INSIDE OF TRUNK AREA. DEALERSHIP WILL BE NOTIFIED.*AK
Buick Skyhawk 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-16
- Date Complaint: 2001-11-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G4NNJ52MXW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING UNDER FIVE MILES . WHILE COMING INTO PARKING LOT SHE WAS BRAKING TO PARK AND VEHICLE SHOT OFF LIKE A BULLET. *AK
Buick Skyhawk 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-12-06
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ABS INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD FLASH WHEN MAKING A TURN, VEHICLE WOULD STALL WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Buick Skyhawk 1975
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-11
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: IN 1975, MY FATHER BOUGHT THE SKYHAWK AS A SPECIAL ORDER. WE HAD THE VEHICLE ABOUT 6 MONTHS WHEN, WHILE DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 495 IN MARYLAND, THE FRONT LEFT TIRE STARTED PEELING THE STEEL OF THE STEEL BELTED TIRE. WE WERE FORTUNATE AT THAT TIME TO HEAR THE NOISE OF THE STEEL AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL, SO WE PULLED OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER. WE WERE FORTUNATE TO HAVE A MD STATE TROOPER ASSIST US WITH THE SPARE (DONUT) TIRE. WE CONTINUED THE DRIVE TO DELAWARE ON THE DONUT. SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THAT INCIDENT, THE REAR LEFT TIRE BLEW WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 395 AT SHIRLINGTON (ARLINGTON, VA) AT THE BASE OF THE FEED-IN RAMP. SOON AFTER, THE RIGHT REAR STARTED SPLITTING STEEL, AT WHICH POINT MY FATHER HAD ALL THE TIRES REPLACED WITH GOODYEAR RATHER THAN CONTINUING TO GO BACK TO FIRESTONE AND GETTING A NEW TIRE AND CREDIT FOR THE DEFECTIVE ONE. ALTHOUGH WE NO LONGER HAVE THE CAR (IT DIED), FIRESTONE HAD THE SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR TIRES IN 1975. THE NEWS SEEMS TO INDICATE THAT THIS IS A FAIRLY NEW PROBLEM, BUT AS YOU CAN SEE FROM MY COMMENTS, THIS WAS HAPPENING 25 YEARS AGO, ONLY ON SUB-COMPACT CARS INSTEAD OF SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. ALTHOUGH MY DAD PASSED AWAY, I WAS WITH HIM FOR ALL 3 INCIDENTS, SO IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL ME. THANKS AND HAVE A GOOD WEEK!! *AK( DOT NUMBER: )
Buick Skyhawk 1989
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
- Date Complaint: 1998-06-03
- VIN: 1G4JS8U5KJ4
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WHEN HIITING A BUMP THE HATCHBACK COMES OPEN. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN. *AK
Buick Skyhawk 1987
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-23
- Date Complaint: 1997-04-02
- VIN: 1G4JS81K7HK
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE LOCKS UP WHETHER IN REVERSE OR IN DRIVE. *AK
Buick Skyhawk 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-02-16
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: UNSPECIFIED.
Buick Skyhawk 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-02-16
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: UNSPECIFIED.
Buick Skyhawk 1989
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-14
- Date Complaint: 1997-01-02
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH DISC ASSEMBLY FAILURE. *AK
Buick Skyhawk 1987
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-02
- Date Complaint: 1996-05-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G4JS81K4HK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. *AK
Buick Skyhawk 1983
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-11
- Date Complaint: 1995-09-08
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE OR WHEN WARMING UP THE CAR THE STEERING EFFORT INCREASES. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
Latest 5 recalls Buick Skyhawk
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 14 recalls for different components of the Buick Skyhawk.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Buick Skyhawk 1987
- Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Model: Buick Skyhawk 1989
- Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Model: Buick Skyhawk 1983
- Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Model: Buick Skyhawk 1985
- Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Model: Buick Skyhawk 1989
- Report Received Date: 1988-12-06
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: A FUEL TANK LEAK COULD OCCUR DUE TO SMALL CREASES ON THE TANK UNDERSIDE CRACKING DURING PRESSURE CYCLING WHICH OCCURS DURING NORMAL OPERATION.
- Consequence: IN PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THIS CONDITION COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FUEL TANK.
Are you having problems with your Buick Skyhawk?
