1989 Buick Skyhawk problems

Common 1989 Buick Skyhawk problems

The Buick Skyhawk, produced from 1975 to 1989, was a front-wheel-drive variant of the Chevrolet Cavalier. While the 1987 model year Skyhawk mentioned in the search results is said to be in pristine condition with low miles, there are common problems with the Buick Skyhawk that may affect the 1989 model year.

• Poor Handling: The Skyhawk, like other J-platform cars, was known for poor handling and short-lived air conditioning. This could lead to uncomfortable rides and frequent repairs.

• Electrical Issues: Electrical problems, such as radios quitting after the first month of ownership, were also common in the Skyhawk and other J-platform cars. This could result in inconvenience and additional repair costs.

• Quality Control: The Skyhawk, along with other GM cars of the era, suffered from poor quality control. This led to issues such as engine fans wired backwards, pulling hot air into the engine rather than cooling it, and defective connecting rods that could fail disastrously, causing engine fires.

• Cost: The Skyhawk was part of GM's shift away from rear-wheel-drive vehicles, which resulted in higher production costs. This, combined with weak sales and a higher cost to build than the rear-wheel-drive car it replaced, made the Skyhawk a less profitable model for GM.

While the specific 1989 Buick Skyhawk mentioned in the search results may not have these issues, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems when considering a purchase. Regular maintenance and repairs, as outlined in a Buick repair manual, can help mitigate some of these issues and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.

What year was the Buick Skyhawk made?

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?

The 1931 95 Phaeton is one of rarest Buick models ever made with only 392 originally built. Only a few are known to still exist today, and this is one of those extraordinary examples.

What is the rarest Buick?

The 1972 GSX is by far the rarest of them all, with only 44 built, but things become even more interesting if we break it down to optional extras and transmissions.

Is there a Buick Skyhawk?

The Buick Skyhawk was a badge engineered version of the Chevrolet Monza. It was produced from 1975-1989.

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.

Is Buick owned by Toyota?

Buick is owned by General Motors (GM), who also owns GMC, Cadillac, and Chevrolet.

Is Buick a Japanese car?

Buick (/ˈbjuːɪk/) is a division of the American automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM). Started by automotive pioneer David Dunbar Buick in 1899, it was among the first American automobile brands and was the company that established General Motors in 1908.

1989 Buick Skyhawk car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Skyhawk problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Structure problems
• Latches/locks/linkages problems
• Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Buick Skyhawk vehicle components and the number of complaints received.