1988 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 1988 Buick Skylark problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1988 Buick Skylark, several common problems have been reported. Here is a list of these issues along with detailed descriptions:
- Brake Pedal Too Close to Accelerator Pedal: Owners have reported that the brake pedal is too close to the accelerator pedal, causing them to be depressed simultaneously, which can result in accidents. This issue poses a safety concern as it affects the driver's ability to control the vehicle effectively.
- Headlight Malfunction: Complaints include instances where the headlights of the 1988 Buick Skylark went off while driving on the highway. This poses a significant safety risk, especially during nighttime or in conditions of poor visibility, potentially leading to accidents.
- Front Passenger Seatbelt Issue: Owners have reported problems with the front passenger seatbelt not retracting properly. This issue compromises passenger safety in the event of a collision or sudden braking, highlighting a critical safety concern.
- Engine Problems: Complaints about the head gasket blowing and the engine locking up, requiring a new engine, have been documented. Engine issues can be costly to repair and significantly impact the performance and reliability of the vehicle.
- Stalling Without Warning: Some owners have experienced the vehicle stalling during operation without any prior warning. This recurring problem, especially when driving, poses a safety hazard as it can lead to accidents or breakdowns on the road.
- Paint Peeling: Reports indicate that the paint on certain Buick Skylark models from the mid to late 1980s is peeling badly. While this may not affect the vehicle's performance, it can impact its appearance and potentially lead to rusting if left unaddressed.
- Electrical Issues: Complaints mention unexpected loss of tail lamp and side marker lamp function, reducing visibility to other drivers. Electrical problems can compromise road safety, especially during nighttime or adverse weather conditions.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1988 Buick Skylark highlight a range of safety, performance, and reliability issues that may require attention and maintenance to ensure the vehicle's optimal functioning. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and adherence to recommended maintenance schedules can help address these issues and enhance the overall driving experience.
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 .
Is 2015 Buick LaCrosse a reliable car?
Additionally, the LaCrosse is the only car in the segment to earn a perfect reliability rating. With the exception of a tiny trunk and a sluggish available mild-hybrid powertrain, this car has few flaws.
Was Buick Skylark a muscle car?
No, the Skylark is not a muscle car. That is one of the reasons why Buick made the Gran Sport-now, the Gran Sport is a muscle car, and as you all know is much different than a Skylark.
What was the fastest Buick in 1987?
in 1986 and 1987 the Buick GN and T-type Regal were the fastest production cars made.
1988 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:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Buick Skylark vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Buick Skylark complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Buick Skylark.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-23
- VIN: 1G4ND54UJM1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING OVER RAILROAD VEHICLE WILL START SHAKING. CONSUMER HAS TO STOP, THEN VEHICLE WILL DRIVE FINE. SOMETIMES HAS TO KEEP ACCELERATING SO ENGINE WON'T SHUT DOWN.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NC54D2JM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PAINT IS PEELING BADLY. VARIOUS SOURCES OF INFORMATION INDICATE A DEFECT WITH CERTAIN NEW PAINT FORMULAS USED DURING THE MID TO LATE 1980'S CAUSING CHIPPING AND PEELING ON NUMEROUS MODELS OF VEHICLES MADE DURING THIS PERIOD. NO SAFETY DEFECT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NM14D9JM
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-18
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G4NC54UXJM
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: STARTED THE VEHICLE AND PUT THE GEAR IN REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS WITHOUT PUTTING FOOT ON GAS PEDAL. PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND WENT INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S BACK YARD AND HIT A TREE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: INADEQUATE OR SOFT BRAKES CONTRIBUTED TO A CRASH.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NC54D6JM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NC54D6JM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NC54D6JM
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRES FAILED (TRIBUNE P 185/80/R13).
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-07
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G4NC54E8JM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AND CAR CUT OFF, RESTARTED AND ATTEMPTED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. RAISED HOOD AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH. INSURANCE EXPERT SAID CAUSE OF FIRE WAS FROM FUEL FEED HOSE . *AK *SLC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-04
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATES, AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE IS STILL ACCELERATES. CAUSE OF THIS ACCELERATION IS UNKNOWN. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-27
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G4NC54B4JM
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE TAKES OFF AND THE ONLY WAY THE VEHICLE WILL STOP IF THE DRIVER HIT SOMETHING. ALSO DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WILL PICK UP SPEED NOT WHEN VEHICLE IS ON LEVEL ROAD. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-11-26
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DURING VEHICLE OPERATION THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS BEEN A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM AND THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-11
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PEDAL TOO CLOSE TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING THEM TO BE DEPRESSED SIMULTANEOUSLY, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *DH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-13
- VIN: 1G4NJ14U9JM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE THE HEADLIGHT WENT OFF BY THEMSELVES. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- VIN: 1G4NC54U7JM
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE DOOR. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-26
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE HEAD GASKET BLOW AND ENGINE LOCKED UP NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. TT
1988 Buick Skylark recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1988 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN ANUNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
- Consequence: LEAKING FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: UNEXPECTED LOSS OF TAIL LAMP AND SIDE MARKER LAMP FUNCTION MAY OCCUR, REDUCING OTHER DRIVERS ABILITY TO SEE THE VEHICLE.
- Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNINGIN CONDITIONS OF POOR VISIBILITY, SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME.
- Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH PANEL.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Buick Skylark problems:
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