1981 Buick Skylark problems
The Buick Skylark is a passenger car formerly produced by Buick. The model was made in six production runs, during 46 years, over which the car's design varied dramatically due to changing technology, tastes, and new standards implemented over the years. It was named for the species of bird called skylark.
The Skylark name first appeared on a limited production luxury convertible using the Buick Roadmaster's chassis for two years, then was reintroduced in 1961 as a higher luxury content alternative to the entry-level Buick Special on which the Skylark was based upon. It was then positioned as Buick's luxury performance model when the Buick GSX was offered. As GM began downsizing during the late 1970s, the Skylark became the entry-level model when the Special nameplate was used as a trim package designation, then in the 1980s was offered as a front-wheel-drive vehicle where it was both a coupe and sedan for three different generations.
1953–1954
Created to mark Buick's 50th anniversary, the Roadmaster Skylark joined the Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta and Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado as top-of-the-line, limited-production specialty convertibles introduced in 1953 by General Motors to promote its design leadership. Of the three, the Skylark's run of 1,690 units proved the most successful, and an amazing sales feat considering the car's 1953 list price of slightly in excess of US$5,000 ($56,940 in 2023 dollars ) was over 50% more than the well-equipped US$3,200 Roadmaster convertible on which it was based ($36,442 in 2023 dollars ). It was comparable in price to the 1953 Packard Caribbean with a similar retail price.
Production ran for two years. Based on the model 76R two-door Roadmaster convertible, the 1953 Skylark (designated model 76X) had identical dimensions (except height), almost identical appearance, shared its drive train, and had all its standard equipment, plus its few remaining options, including power windows, power brakes, full carpeting, and a "Selectronic" AM radio. Only air conditioning was not offered, unnecessary in either convertible.
Importantly, the new Skylark featured Buick's new 322 in3 (5.3 L) Fireball V8 in place of the automaker's longstanding straight 8, and a 12-volt electrical system, both division firsts. It debuted full-cutout wheel openings, a styling cue that spread to the main 1954 Buick line. Accenting its lowered, notched beltline was a new "Sweepspear" running almost the entire length of the vehicle, a styling cue that was to appear in various forms on many Buick models over the years.
The 1953 Skylark was handmade in many respects. Only stampings for the hood, trunk lid, and a portion of the convertible tub were shared with the Roadmaster and Super convertibles. All Skylark tubs were finished with various amounts of lead filler. The inner doors were made by cutting the 2-door Roadmaster's in two then welding the pieces back together at an angle to produce the rakish door dip. An overall more streamlined look was reinforced by cutting the windshield almost 3 inches (7.6 cm) shorter and lowering the side windows and convertible top frame proportionately. Seat frames and steering column were then dropped to provide proper headroom and driving position. Front legroom was 44.7 inches (114 cm). Authentic wire wheels were produced by Kelsey-Hayes, chromed everywhere except the plated and painted "Skylark" center emblem.
The Skylark returned in 1954 with radically restyled styling unique to the Buick line, which included wheel cutouts that could be painted in a contrasting color to the body's. The trunk was sloped into a semi-barrel, and tail lights moved to large chromed fins projecting atop the rear fenders.
Re-designated model 100, the car was based on the all-new shorter Century/Special series 40 chassis and not the larger series 60 Roadmaster/Super chassis, also all-new for 1954. Once again, all Skylarks were built as 2-door convertibles and carried the same luxury equipment as before, but front leg room dropped 2.4 inches (6.1 cm). While smaller and lighter, the Skylark received a performance boost by retaining the big Buicks' powertrain, an evolutionary improvement of 1953's with the highest output in the division's lineup.
The 1954 Skylark once again had unique sheet metal stampings for its elongated wheel cutouts and new semi-barrel trunk, though fabrication was done without hand labor. The hood ornament was unique, adopted the following year across the Buick product line.
Sales proved to be poor, reflecting the Skylark's continued high price of US$4,843 ($54,947 in 2023 dollars ) coupled with a perceived step-down from the Roadmaster/Super series using the Century's chassis, slumping far enough to cause the model's cancellation at the end of the 1954 model year, with only 836 being manufactured.
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Common 1981 Buick Skylark problems
The 1981 Buick Skylark is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most prevalent issues is the failure of power window motors due to overheating. This problem is often attributed to the design of the power window system, which can cause the motors to work harder than necessary and overheat, leading to failure.
Another common issue with the 1981 Buick Skylark is related to the engine. The car was available with a 2.8-liter V6 engine, which was known for its lack of power and reliability issues. The engine was part of the X-Platform cars, which were based on the unspeakably terrible Chevy Citation and were known for their poor quality and high warranty claims. The X-Platform cars, including the Skylark, were responsible for damaging General Motors' long-term fortunes and causing millions of people to switch to imports.
The 1981 Buick Skylark was also known for its poor handling and ride quality. The car was based on the X-Platform, which was designed for front-wheel drive and compact size. However, the platform was criticized for its poor handling and ride quality, which was attributed to the car's short wheelbase and independent front suspension. The Skylark was also known for its poor braking performance, which was attributed to the car's lightweight design and small brakes.
In addition to these issues, the 1981 Buick Skylark was also known for its poor build quality and lack of durability. The car was criticized for its cheap interior materials, which were prone to wear and tear, and its poor fit and finish. The car was also known for its poor rust protection, which was attributed to the car's thin sheet metal and poor paint quality.
In summary, the 1981 Buick Skylark was known for several common problems, including power window motor failure, engine reliability issues, poor handling and ride quality, poor braking performance, poor build quality, and lack of durability. These issues were attributed to the car's design, engineering, and materials, and were responsible for damaging General Motors' long-term fortunes and causing millions of people to switch to imports.
Are Buick Skylarks rare?
This steep price tag made Skylark a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Despite its high cost, 1,690 Skylarks hawked. This low production number has made Skylark a rare and highly valued car today. The 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible is one of the most beautiful and rarest American cars of all time.
What engine did the Buick Skylark have?
The base engine in Buick Skylarks (and Buick Special sedans) became a 250-cubic-inch 250 cu in (4.1 L) Chevrolet I6, that produced 155 hp (116 kW) at 4200 rpm using a single-barrel Rochester carburetor.
When did Buick stop making Skylark?
And the Skylark was discontinued. But the name would return in 1961. As the luxury version of Buick's new compact special as the special Skylark. It shared its unibody construction with the other
What was the last model of the Buick Skylark?
The first generation launched in 1964 and was followed by five more iterations until the end of the 1990s when the GM-owned brand decided to pull the plug on it altogether. The last one rolled off the line in the 1998 model year, thus bidding farewell to the nameplate.
What engine did the Buick Skylark have?
The base engine in Buick Skylarks (and Buick Special sedans) became a 250-cubic-inch 250 cu in (4.1 L) Chevrolet I6, that produced 155 hp (116 kW) at 4200 rpm using a single-barrel Rochester carburetor.
Are Buick Skylarks rare?
This steep price tag made Skylark a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Despite its high cost, 1,690 Skylarks hawked. This low production number has made Skylark a rare and highly valued car today. The 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible is one of the most beautiful and rarest American cars of all time.
When did Buick stop making Skylark?
And the Skylark was discontinued. But the name would return in 1961. As the luxury version of Buick's new compact special as the special Skylark. It shared its unibody construction with the other
What was the last model of the Buick Skylark?
The first generation launched in 1964 and was followed by five more iterations until the end of the 1990s when the GM-owned brand decided to pull the plug on it altogether. The last one rolled off the line in the 1998 model year, thus bidding farewell to the nameplate.
1981 Buick Skylark car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Skylark problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Buick Skylark vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Buick Skylark complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Buick Skylark.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-03
- VIN: 1G4AC69X48W
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEMS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-03
- VIN: 1G4AC69X48W
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED. *SKD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-03
- Number Of Injuries: 4
- VIN: 1G4AC69X48W
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ODOR/FUMES EMITTING INSIDE OF VEHICLE, RESULTING IN INJURIES.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-03
- VIN: 1G4AC69X48W
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION MOUNT PROBLEMS.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-03
- VIN: 1G4AC69X48W
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CHOKE PULLOFF FAILED.
1981 Buick Skylark recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1981 Buick Skylark.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
- Summary: THE ENGINE-TO-BODY GROUND CABLE ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING MANUFACTURE. THE CABLE COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK DUE TO THE RELATIVE MOTION BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND BODY DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
- Remedy: A NEW GROUND CABLE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH THE POWER STEERING HOSE INCORRECTLY ROUTED. THE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY THEN CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN DETERIORATION AND EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE HOSE AND LEAKAGE OF POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HOSES AND INLET PIPE AND ADD A CLIP AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Buick Skylark problems:
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Mar 7, 2009 ... Is this a common problem? Thanks ... 1982 to 1991 Buick Skylark ( All Four Doors ) ... 1977 to 1981 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser ( All Four Doors )
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