1990 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 1990 Buick Skylark problems
The 1990 Buick Skylark is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. One of the most common issues is related to the power window motors, which may fail from overheating. This issue is often caused by the window motor being unable to handle the heat generated during operation, leading to a failure of the motor and the window becoming inoperable.
Another common problem with the 1990 Buick Skylark is related to the engine computer. This issue is often caused by the engine computer becoming dead due to the age of the car. If the engine computer is dead, the car will not be able to run properly, and it may stall while driving. This issue can be diagnosed by checking the engine computer for any fault codes, and by checking the voltage and ohms of the sensors.
The 1990 Buick Skylark is also known for issues related to the fuel system. The car may run very rich and have problems with the fuel pressure regulator. This issue can be caused by a loose hose or a problem with the fuel pressure regulator itself. A fuel pressure tester can be used to diagnose this issue.
Additionally, the 1990 Buick Skylark may have issues related to the engine coolant temperature sender. This issue can cause the engine to run too rich and turn the engine cooling fan on. The engine coolant temperature sender may be erratic, causing the engine to run too rich and turn the engine cooling fan on. This issue can be diagnosed by measuring the voltages and ohms of the sensors.
The 1990 Buick Skylark may also have issues related to the battery power cable inline quick disconnect connector. This issue can cause the Buick's power to completely shut off the whole car when driving. This issue can be diagnosed by checking the battery power cable inline quick disconnect connector for any corrosion or damage.
Finally, the 1990 Buick Skylark may have issues related to the engine wiring harnesses to sensors. This issue can cause exposure to the wiring and insulation, affecting signals to the computer. This issue can be diagnosed by checking the engine wiring harnesses to sensors for any frayed wire insulation or missing plastic conduit loom.
In conclusion, the 1990 Buick Skylark is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. These issues include problems with the power window motors, engine computer, fuel system, engine coolant temperature sender, battery power cable inline quick disconnect connector, and engine wiring harnesses to sensors. It is important to address these issues promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.
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.
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 is a 1998 Buick Skylark worth?
The value of a used 1998 Buick Skylark ranges from $202 to $866, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
How much is a 1990 Buick Riviera worth?
The value of a used 1990 Buick Riviera ranges from $1,509 to $6,696, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
What is the history of the Buick Skylark?
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.
Who makes Skylark cars?
Small car the Apollo Apollo the Buick of small cars for the third generation Buick started production of the Buick Apollo in 1973. After many years of restyling. And modifications in the year 1975.
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 .
1990 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Buick Skylark vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Buick Skylark
The NHTSA has received 31 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Buick Skylark. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Buick Skylark vehicles.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-27
- VIN: 1G4NJ14D3LM
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1990 BUICK SKYLARK (QUAD 4 ENGINE)-CHRONIC STALLING DUE TO FAULTY LOCKUP TORQUE CONVERTER.COIL HOUSING WAS REPLACED 3X IN SIX YEARS .ALLDATA LISTS TECH. SERVICE BULLETINS CONCERNING THESE PROBLEMS.LETTERS TO GM AND BUICK FIELD ZONE OFFICE SEEKING RESTITUTION RECEIVED NO RESPONSE WHATSOEVER.*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-31
- VIN: 1G4NV54U0LM
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING RACK AND PINION AS WELL AS GEAR BOX. SEVERE GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL,EVEN AT A SLIGHT TURN. BEEN REPAIRED BUT IT IS STILL DOING IT.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-01
- VIN: 1G4NV54U0LM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION MAKES A LOUD JOLTING BANG WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR WHETHER IT IS IN DRIVE,REVERSE OR PARK. DRIVER ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF CAR WHEN IN DRIVE GEAR. ALSO HAS A DEFECTIVE FUEL LINE HOSE, WHICH DURING MORNING CAR WARM-UP, CAR STARTED SMOKING, WHICH CAME FROM UNDER CAR FROM THE VAC. LINE(FUEL LINE). HAD THE LINE REPAIRED BUT TRANNY IS STILL A PROBLEM.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NM14N5LM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: MAIN REAR BUMPER SUPPORT HAS RUSTED AWAY - IT'S GONE. GM CLAIMS BECAUSE THE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED, THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. THE CAR ONLY HAS APPROX 103,000 MILES ON IT AND THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN GREAT SHAPE! ALL I WANT IS A RECALL FOR THEM TO REPLACE THIS BUMPER SO I CAN SELL IT WITH A CLEAR CONCIENCE!
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- VIN: 1G4NJ14D3LN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS BEEN STALLING INTERMITTENTLY, MOSTLY AT 50 MPH. ALSO ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN INTERMITTENTLY. *AK. DEALER REPLACED CRANK SENOR ASSEMBLY.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-01
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER HAS REPLACED ALTERNATOR FOUR TIMES. A MECHANIC WAS TELLING HIM "ALTERNATOR WAS BUILT TOO FRAGILE FOR AMOUNT OF AMPAGE." PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-30
- VIN: 1G4NV54U5LM
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING TURNS VEHICLE IS HARD TO STEER. CONTACTED DEALER . STEERING MECHANISM HAS RUSTED AND LOOSENED FROM THE FIREWALLS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NV546ULM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL HORN FAILED.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NV546ULM
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER FAILED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NV546ULM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT BEARING WHEEL FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NV546ULM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM FAN MOTOR FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NV54U7LM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED HEAD GASKET/VALVE COVER GASKET.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NV54U7LM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REPLACED STRUTS SHOCK ABSORBERS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NV54U7LM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: REPLACED ALTERNATOR TWICE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NV54U7LM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: REPLACED STARTER.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NV54U7LM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REPLACED REAR MAIN SEAL.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4ND54N0LM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PAINT CHIPPING ON VEHICLE CAUSING EXTENSIVE RUST.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4ND54N0LM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRIC MODULE FAILED.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-04-01
- VIN: 1G4NV54U1LM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: EXTERIOR BODY PAINT IS PEELING OFF VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-11
- VIN: 1G4NC54N3LM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CAR RAN OFF THE ROAD AND THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK WHICH CAUSED DRIVER TO HIT HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. PLEASE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NC54N4LM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AND HAS TO BE RESTARTED AGAIN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NC54N3LM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ALTERNATOR WENT OUT ON THE CAR AT 19,000 MILES PURCHASE CAR NEW AND THE MUFFLER HAD ROUGH OUT WAS REPLACED . TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G4NC54N3LM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ALTERNATOR WENT OUT ON THE CAR AT 19,000 MILES PURCHASE CAR NEW AND THE MUFFLER HAD ROUGH OUT WAS REPLACED . TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS OUT WITH NO WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED INTERMITTENTLY. TT
1990 Buick Skylark recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 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: IMPROPERLY TORQUED CONNECTIONS OF FRONT FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSES TO FUEL PIPES AT THE BODY RAIL COULD LOOSEN AND LEAK FUEL INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULDRESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: PROPERLY TORQUE THE FRONT FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSES AT THE BODY RAIL LINES TO PREVENT FUEL LEAKAGE.
Negative 1990 Buick Skylark car reviews
Positive 1990 Buick Skylark car reviews
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The best first car you could have imagined! While it may not be winning any car shows, it was for just that reason that it was such a great first car. You put on 50,000 miles in about 3 years with no major mechanical errors. Kind of a small backseat, but 5 high schoolers can fit in with only minor squeezing. Overall, it's a great first car and uber comfortable.
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I bought the Skylark brand new and enjoyed a nice ride for the first 7 to 8 years. Although the quad 4 engine was loud and not powerful enough for this car, the interior was nice and quiet. Unfortunately, after 7 years and 78,000 miles, major engine issues started to arise despite having the car serviced regularly since mile one. While I did not have any transmission issues with this car, the engine issues became very costly and I eventually had to junk the car at year 25. Looking back, I think a Toyota Camry V6 would have been a much better choice.
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The performance from my 2.3L Quad 4 is quite eager and satisfying, although it could benefit from more low-end torque. Comfort and fuel economy are good, as long as you don't drive with a lead foot. The interior design is good, but it would have been great if they had included more gauges (Oil temp, etc.). The build quality is good, and it is extremely reliable if you do proper maintenance. You should definitely consider getting one of these!
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This car may not be the fastest, but it is definitely one of the most comfortable I have ever driven. It is built like a rock and has not required any major repairs since purchase.
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This has been the best car I have ever owned by far (out of thirteen different vehicles).
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Buick Skylark problems:
Q&A: 1990 Buick Skylark - Common Issues & Solutions
Jun 12, 2016 ... Did you get the pictures? Buick Mechanic: Roy Belding.
1990 Buick Skylark Problems and Complaints - 26 Issues
Top 1990 Buick Skylark Problems · Power Window Motors May Fail From Overheating · Leaking Water Pump May Cause Coolant Loss and Overheating · Heater Core Under ...
Q&A: 1990 Buick Century - V6 Fuel Issues | JustAnswer
Nov 7, 2011 ... 1990 buick century: engine idles..sputters ... common problems on this engine. Ask ... I have a 1969 Buick Skylark 350 2GV carb with divorced ...
1990 Buick Skylark - backfires and quits running
Mar 15, 2009 ... I am assuming that you output checked the coils, meaning that you are sure that they can put out 80,0000 volts, no problem. ( you can use a ...
Buick problems - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk Community
Apr 27, 2011 ... I had the same problem with my 1990 Skylark about four years ago. It was doing the same thing, and replacing the torque converter clutch ...
Other years of Buick Skylark
Are you having problems with your 1990 Buick Skylark?
Savion Hill 2024-11-27
The car's low height has made it difficult to enter and exit. However, I am confident in my decision to purchase it and believe that its other features will make up for this inconvenience.