1997 Buick Skylark problems
Owners have filed 111 complaints about the 1997 Buick Skylark with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 17.1% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 14.4%.
Complaints111
Crashes9
Fires0
Injuries8
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 17.1% · 19
Electrical system 14.4% · 16
Engine and engine cooling 12.6% · 14
Air bags 10.8% · 12
Vehicle speed control 5.4% · 6
Power train 5.4% · 6
Suspension 5.4% · 6
Visibility 4.5% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 9 describe a crash and 8 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Buick Skylark in this data, 1997 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 1995 draws the most.
Filing volume has held steady, 5 in the last three years against 5 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 55,016 miles.
In owners' own words
Recall 97v059000: consumer was traveling on the highway 35mph and abs brake system blew up in her face. There was white smoke inside of vehicle brake system was grabbing slowly. Consumer drove vehicle home very slowly. Consumer stated that she had very little braking power. Service brakes, hydraulic
Heard noise coming from wheels. Took to dealer & told nothing wrong. Noise got louder. Back at dealer's & mechanic said brake pads & rotors went bad. Has extended & factory warranty, but told brakes & rotors not included. Brakes & rotors need replacing. Defective rear shocks. Service brakes, hydraulic
When the brakes are applied the pedal becomes soft, causing extended stopping distances which resulted in two minor collisions. The passenger sustained minor injuries.Also, brake pads were replaced . Manufacturer has been notified. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…