Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick skylark. While parked, the vehicle was not able to start and the anti-theft warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that it took multiple attempts to start the vehicle. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the starter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v036000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000.
The worst 1998 Buick Skylark problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Acceleration5
- Electrical5
- Airbags4
- Brakes3
- Engine3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Acceleration5
- Electrical5
- Airbags4
- Brakes3
- Engine3
- Body2
- Seat belts2
- Fuel system1
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Visibility1
Recalls 1
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. The fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. Owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. 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 1‑800‑630‑2438, pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.
Recall number 04V036000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Buick Skylark 44
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- Vehicle Recalls
- This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85...
1998 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 | 30 | 23 |
| 3.1L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 27 | 21 |
What 1998 Buick Skylark owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact was a passenger in a 1998 buick skylark. While driving approximately 50 MPH, another vehicle ran a red light and crashed into the vehicle. The air bags deployed and a police report was filed. Due to the air bag deployment, the passenger sustained injuries to the eyes and the driver sustained injuries to the back that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed by the police department. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Manifold gasket failed, leaking coolant into engine oil.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick skylark. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the front drivers side air bags deployed. No crash occurred and no injuries were reported. Neither the manufacturer, nor the dealer were made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick skylark. When it rained, water flooded the drivers side floor mat and pedals. Also the airbag light would illuminate on the instrument control after it rained. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership. The failure mileage was 46000. Updated 1/28/10 *cn updated 02/03/10.
Dt: contact stated that on 7-11-05 had a new alternator put in. It failed on 8-13-05., and it was replaced on 8-14-05. It is not showing up on the tester as consistent. It was arching and draining the battery. The part number for the alternator was #8225-7. They will replace it in a certain amount of time; but that did not help the call now because car died the freeway. A mechanic told her they were putting bad regulators in these alternators. This included the following companies;: car quest, and bbb industries; 5640 commerce east, mobile, al 36619. Palladium; box 2710 ronoake, va 24001.
I was injured when the airbag of a 1998 buick skylark (n body) deployed when I started the vehicle. There was no impact, in fact the vehicle was sitting in a building and not even in motion. I sustained a brain shear injury and I am still recovering. I know of two other incidents where this occurred in n body gm vehicles. General motors paid for the repair of the vehicle but has not contacted me in regard to my injuries or lost wages.(I was out of work 2 months and recently returned on a limited basis. General motors blames the deployment on moisture on the floor of the vehicle. I live in western new york where with our weather it is impossible not to have moisture on the floor. One of the other people who experienced a deployment is also injured. Please look in to this matter as the potential for injury is very great. Thanks mike hall ps I have the parts from the deployment that I was involved in.
Sometimes when starting the vehicle driver has to hold the key in the crank position until the vehicle will start. There is a delay in starting.
Consumer received recall 040025000 concerning ignition switch. Dealer charged consumer for replacing the ignition switch .
Consumer complained about ignition switch problem. When turning the key vehicle will not start.
Compare the 1998 Buick Skylark
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Questions about the 1998 Buick Skylark
Is the 1998 Buick Skylark reliable?
Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 1998 Buick Skylark, fewer than a typical Skylark model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Buick Skylark?
Acceleration and speed control, with 5 complaints. Next is electrical (5).
How many recalls does the 1998 Buick Skylark have?
1 recall, covering electrical system.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Buick Skylark get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Buick Skylark range from 21 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 30 highway.
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