1988 Buick Skylark Problems
- Complaints
- 14filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Buick Skylark (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 14 consumer complaints for the 1988 Buick Skylark. The part named most often is brakes, with 3 complaints (21% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control (3) and engine cooling (2). Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns 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.
- Brakes3 21%
- Engine cooling2 14%
- Seat belts2 14%
- Electrical system1 7.1%
- Exterior lighting1 7.1%
- Fuel system1 7.1%
- Other or unknown1 7.1%
- Suspension1 7.1%
- Tires1 7.1%
Example complaints
Vehicle speed control: “Started the vehicle and put the gear in reverse and the vehicle accelerated backwards without putting foot on gas pedal. Put vehicle in neutral, the vehicle was out of control and went into the neighbor's back yard and hit a tree. Vehicle was towed to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #822708, filed 1998-04Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1988 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 | 2.3L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Skylark FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Skylark FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Skylark FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
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
- 92V150000Oct 19, 1992Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Buick Skylark 1988–1989, Pontiac Grand AM 1988–1989, Oldsmobile Calais 1988–1989
Front fuel feed hose assembly could crack or separate at the coupling on the engine end of the hose assembly, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
- 90V042000Mar 5, 1990Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Buick Skylark 1988–1989, Pontiac Grand AM 1988–1989, Oldsmobile Calais 1988–1989
Front fuel feed hose assembly could crack or separate at the coupling on the engine end of the hose assembly, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
- 87V169000Oct 26, 1987Exterior lighting › Headlights › SwitchCovers: Buick Skylark 1988
Unexpected loss of tail lamp and side marker lamp function may occur, reducing other drivers ability to see the vehicle.
Recall details for the 1988 Buick Skylark → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1988 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 1988 Buick Skylark have?
NHTSA recorded 14 consumer complaints for the 1988 Buick Skylark as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Buick Skylark is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 3 complaints (21% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 3.
Has the 1988 Buick Skylark been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1988 Buick Skylark get?
The EPA rates the 1988 Buick Skylark (Skylark, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 21 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 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 28, 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.