1986 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 1986 Buick Skylark problems
The 1986 Buick Skylark is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. One of the most prevalent issues is with the power window motors, which have a tendency to fail due to overheating. This problem is often attributed to the design of the window motor, which can overheat when the window is raised or lowered repeatedly in a short period of time.
Another common problem with the 1986 Buick Skylark is related to the cooling system, which is often reported to be weak and troublesome. This can lead to serious engine trouble if not kept under check, particularly in hot weather or during long periods of driving. Some owners have reported that upgrading the cooling system can help to alleviate this problem and keep the car running smoothly.
In addition to these mechanical issues, the 1986 Buick Skylark is also known for some general maintenance issues that are common to cars of its age. For example, some owners have reported problems with the power steering system, as well as general maintenance issues that are to be expected with a car of this age.
Despite these common problems, the 1986 Buick Skylark is generally considered to be a dependable and comfortable car that has a particularly cool '80s charm about it. With proper maintenance and care, many of these common problems can be avoided or minimized, allowing the Skylark to provide reliable transportation for many years to come.
How much horsepower does a 1986 Buick Skylark have?
1986 Buick Skylark Overview
Available powertrain includes a standard 92 horsepower, 2L NA I4 overhead valves (OHV) 8V engine and 5-Speed Manual transmission. It gives mileage of 21 MPG in city and 31 MPG on highway.
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.
What year was the last Buick Skylark made?
Buick Skylark (1964 to 1998)
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.
How much horsepower does a 1987 Buick Skylark have?
1987 Buick Skylark is 4 doors Sedan available in 0 variants MSRP ranges from $10285 to $10285. Buick Skylark offers 98 horsepower with the 5-Speed Manual transmission. It features 4 cylinder 2L NA I4 overhead valves (OHV) 8V engine .
How much horsepower does a 1986 Buick Skylark have?
1986 Buick Skylark Overview
Available powertrain includes a standard 92 horsepower, 2L NA I4 overhead valves (OHV) 8V engine and 5-Speed Manual transmission. It gives mileage of 21 MPG in city and 31 MPG on highway.
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
How much horsepower does a 1987 Buick Skylark have?
1987 Buick Skylark is 4 doors Sedan available in 0 variants MSRP ranges from $10285 to $10285. Buick Skylark offers 98 horsepower with the 5-Speed Manual transmission. It features 4 cylinder 2L NA I4 overhead valves (OHV) 8V engine .
1986 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:
- Equipment problems
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Buick Skylark vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Buick Skylark complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Buick Skylark.
STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-19
- VIN: 1G4NJ52M6TC
- Components: STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-15
- VIN: 1G4NJ69UXGM
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: ELECTRONIC DASHBOARD FAILURE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- VIN: 1G4NJ69L8GM
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GHVJ69LGM2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WATER PUMP FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GHVJ69LGM2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY FAILED.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-02
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHEEL FELL OFF. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-03-11
- VIN: 1G4NJ69UFGM
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-19
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ENGINE HEAD GASKET/ALSO OVERHEATED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-18
- VIN: 1G4NJ69L1GM
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FAILURE, SEAT BELT WILL NOT COME OUT OF ITS HOUSING. TT
1986 Buick Skylark recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1986 Buick Skylark.
- 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).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: UNDER EXTENDED HEADLAMP USAGE, CIRCUITRY IN THE HEADLAMP SWITCH PANEL MIGHT EXPERIENCE INCREASED RESISTANCE AND EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILDUP.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Buick Skylark problems:
Buick Skylark Problems and Complaints - 43 Issues
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