Tl* the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. When the contact started the vehicle, the driver's side air bag deployed. The driver sustained injuries to the face, neck, chest, right shoulder, and mouth. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,818.
The worst 1996 Buick Skylark problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags18
- Brakes16
- Electrical15
- Engine15
- Seat belts8
- Visibility4
- Wheels4
- Body3
- Lights3
- Steering3
- Transmission3
- Fuel system2
- Tires2
- Acceleration1
- Seats1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Buick Skylark
Recalls 4
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
- Risk
- If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began march 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737, buick at 1‑800‑521‑7300, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.
Recall number 02V070000 · Recall details
Interior lighting
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 101, "controls and displays."
- Risk
- The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.
Recall number 98V027000 · Recall details
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
- What is wrong
- The steering column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened during assembly.
- Risk
- An undertorqued pinch bolt can rattle and cause looseness in the steering system. If the pinch bolt backed out of the joint completely, rotation of the steering shaft against the connector could cause increasing looseness in the steering system and result in loss of steering and an accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering column pinch bolt for correct torque and, if necessary, tighten the bolt to the specified torque.
Recall number 96V249000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- During deployment of the passenger air bag, the air bag fabric can snag on a reinforcement inside the instrument panel, causing the expanding air bag to lift the instrument panel pad and then deploy under the instrument panel instead of through the door in the instrument panel.
- Risk
- In a crash, the front seat passenger could receive more severe injuries if he or she contacts a broken reinforcement or if the snagging affects the deployment of the air bag.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the instrument panel pads and, if necessary, install a plastic edge protector to the instrument panel pad reinforcement. On certain early-production vehicles, the instrument panel pad will be replaced.
Recall number 96V211000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Buick Skylark 56
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Fuel system, gasoline
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- Equipment
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- ABS pump running when not needed
- 4T40E or 4T45E will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes
1996 Buick Skylark fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 29 | 23 |
| 3.1L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 27 | 21 |
What 1996 Buick Skylark owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Airbag deployment, on may 5 2016, 10 pm, went out to put windows up in car, vehicle was stationary,opened door, leaned in to turn on key, when I turned on key, heard loud explosion, two thoughts before I blacked out, thought I had been shot & what the hell was pulling me backwards so fast, came to in a few seconds laying on the ground, noticed that airbag had deployed, could not get up & crawled to house, this was a very violent & traumatic experience, went to hospital where they xrayed my neck & found no broken bones, my face was actually 2 to 3 inches away from steering wheel when deployment happened, I believe the attached hinge parts that opened when bag deployed actually hit me in face, bruised lip & blood blisters on left side of my face, though my neck was not broken, hospital did not check me for cuncusion probably due to the fact I do not have insurance, I am positive I had one, still having problems focusing, along with excessive forgetfulness, for three days I could feel that my body had been twisted away from my spine, this was very violent and hope that it never happens to anyone else, still recovering.
The airbag exploded while I was driving the car and then caused the horn to continuously go off. Not five minutes into my drive it went off while I was accelerating from being stopped at a red light. I was pulled over on a side street when the horn started going off. The air bag bruised and burned my left arm, however medical attention was not required. I had a water leak somewhere that caused water to build up primarily on my driver side floor board, however eventually the back floor boards became wet as well. It is believed that the water caused an electrical malfunction and set off the air bag. It seems standing water is an issue for these cars and can cause an issue with a control box located under the seat, which is an awful combination. This accident could have been way worse than it was, and it forced me to buy a new care earlier than I was financially prepared to do.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. The contact stated that the driver side seat belt was defective. The contact stated that the seat belt was installed backwards and there were two right hand seat belts in the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 8/28/14*cn updated 8/29/14
Went to start to car after driving all afternoon and passenger side airbag deployed causing damage to the dash and windshield.
When car put in reverse, airbag deployed causing knot and bruising to arm. 4/14/14 called 800‑222‑1020 and spoke to franklin that stated airbags are not covered even for defect after warranty of car is over. Called berglund local dealer in roanoke va and spoke to the service department and the service manager that said they would have to be paid $99 to even look at airbag. Called insurance and filed claim and adjustor said obvious defect in airbag since no exterior damage to car. Where does this leave me? I am handling this situation for my aunt, that actually owns the car. Thanks. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. All of the gauges on the instrument panel were fluctuating up and down. Neither the speedometer nor the fuel gauge displayed accurate readings. The dealer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle and that the repair would be the contact's responsibility. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v070000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). The current and failure mileages were 86,000.
On july 30 2008 the drivers side airbag deployed in my 1996 buick skylark. I was sitting at a red light when this occurred. Minor injuries bruises and a small cut on my chest area. After reviewing the recalls on this car, I realize that I have other problems related to other recalls. Upon contacting the local buick dealer, I was told my car did not match any of the recall companies? Perhaps it should have made the campaign list.
I got a letter from gm , buick motor division, that was a " customer advisory" not a recall that said if my 1996 buick has ever been wet or had water soak the floor board on the passenger side the air bags might deploy at any time due to a malfunction of the control box located under the front passenger seat. It said I need to have the car serviced asap to correct the problem if it has indeed been wet . And it has been wet on several occasions due to failure of the door gaskets and rear window seal and possibly the trunk gasket. I feel that gm should pay at the least for the dealer to decide if the control box needs to be replaced or not . If not for the repairs needed to insure that the air bags don't deploy for no reason while I'm going down the road causing an accident. Air bags are supposed to help you not hurt you. J.m.k.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 buick skylark. While driving approximately 25 to 35 MPH, the radiator began leaking fluid. On june 22, 2006, a radiator was installed at 2,000 miles. The independent mechanic offered to re-diagnose the failure at the contact's expense. The dealer stated that they would have installed the same parts at the same rate. The vehicle can be driven; however, it continues to leak fluid. The failure mileage was 117,000.
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Questions about the 1996 Buick Skylark
Is the 1996 Buick Skylark reliable?
Owners have filed 85 complaints about the 1996 Buick Skylark, 1.8 times a typical Skylark model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Buick Skylark?
Airbags, with 18 complaints, typically around 97,000 miles. Next is brakes (16).
How many recalls does the 1996 Buick Skylark have?
4 recalls, covering electrical system, interior lighting and steering.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Buick Skylark airbags?
Yes, 1 recall: 96V211000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Buick Skylark have bad airbags?
The Buick Skylark model years with the most airbags complaints are 1996 (18 complaints), 1995 (12 complaints) and 1997 (12 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Buick Skylark get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Buick Skylark range from 21 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 29 highway.
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