1985 Buick Skylark Problems
- Complaints
- 6filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.8L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Buick Skylark (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 1985 Buick Skylark. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by fuel system (2) and steering (2). Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling2 33%
- Fuel system2 33%
- Steering2 33%
- Other or unknown1 17%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “Hi! I don't know if this is applicable if I am not the original owner. I was on the freeway...car just died, no problem with restarting, just like no fuel going to motor, after cooling down for a while , it was okay mechanic could find nothing wrong. I finally had to go to get a catalytic convertor, in nov./1999 and now in january of 2000, I need a new convertor, again. The repairman said it was running too rich, causing the inside of the convertor to melt, and then break inside. A new one in 2 months??? Please excuse this plea if I am not suppose to be writing as the second owner. …”
NHTSA complaint #717192, filed 2000-01Fuel system: “Power steering fluid is not getting to the bracket. Tt consumer states steering bracket is going out, power steering fluid does not reach bearing, this is what consumer was told by two different Buick dealers consumer states what is dangerous about this, is when you want to turn right or left it sticks and vehicle want sto continue to go straigh. Also consumer has a fuel leak the fumes are coming inside vehicle very strong odor have to keep the windows down.”
NHTSA complaint #973321, filed 1995-10Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1985 Buick Skylark version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skylark FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Skylark FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Skylark FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Skylark FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Skylark FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Skylark FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Skylark FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 84V132000Oct 16, 1984Vehicle speed control › SpringsCovers: Buick Skylark 1985, Chevrolet Celebrity 1985, Pontiac 6000 1985 +1 more
The throttle linkage may bind because during normal operation, the throttle body case may interfere with the linkage. This interference could prevent the throttle from closing even though the driver has removed his foot from the accelerator pedal.
Recall details for the 1985 Buick Skylark → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA91045Seat belt separationClosed · Nov 7, 1991
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Buick Skylark.
Other model years of the Buick Skylark
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 24 | 94,500 | 1 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 79 | 55,033 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 85 | 95,280 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 85 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 68 | 110,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 46 | — | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 32 | — | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 38 | 88,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 19 | 138,000 | 1 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 14 | — | 3 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 8 | 135,014 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 6 | — | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 8 | — | 3 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
All Buick Skylark model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Buick Skylark have?
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 1985 Buick Skylark as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Buick Skylark is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by fuel system with 2.
Has the 1985 Buick Skylark been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1985 Buick Skylark get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Buick Skylark (Skylark, 2.8L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.