1994 Buick Skylark Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe two long-running patterns: a tilt steering column whose pivot pins work loose and drop the wheel, and engine cooling problems that progress from coolant loss to head gasket and intake gasket repairs. Many reports arrive at high mileage, and electrical complaints cluster around the ignition switch, horn, and wiring, sometimes involving smoke or fire at the column or door switch.

1. 1
   Steering

   Tilt steering column pins loosen, wheel drops

   • 11 complaints (16%)
   • median 90,257 mi at 10.0 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
   • filed 1999–2011

   Owners describe the pins that hold the tilt steering wheel coming out of their holes, leaving the wheel loose, unable to lock in position, or dropping toward the driver's lap while driving. Some reports say the wheel became difficult to steer at speed, and a few note the column had to be replaced because the pins could not be reinstalled. Dealers are described as recognizing the looseness, and one owner reported the shaft was re-notched several times before column replacement was recommended. Reported from around 54,000 to 129,000 miles, in everyday driving and sometimes while turning or at highway speed.

   What to check: With the car parked, grip the wheel and push/pull firmly in tilt positions to feel for play, and check whether the column has been repaired or replaced. Ask for any prior column service records.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Ac heating - heater core went out- AC still not working computer control- Buick reprogrammed computer chip- my complaint was erratic idling. It fixed problem. Paint peeling this year struts and springs on suspension are not lasting long tires- probably my fault for not rotating transmission- I replaced it with salvaged one at 170,000- heard a lot of complaints about this 4t60e transmission. Brakes- front ones last 1,000 miles. I replace all hardware. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10070104, filed 2004-01, 110,000 miles

   “Tilt steering wheel assembly failed and steering wheel became detached from the steering column. Upon further inspection the pins came out of the assembly and the assembly shows extreme wear where the pins should insert. Pins cannot be reinstalled. Requires replacement of steering column. There are many reports of steering column defects online including highway speed loss of control crashes. Why has a recall not been issued.”

   NHTSA complaint #10441798, filed 2011-12, 54,000 miles
2. 2
   Engine cooling

   Coolant loss, head gasket and intake gasket leaks

   • 6 complaints (9%)
   • typically at 6.7 yrs old
   • filed 1998–2006

   Complaints describe coolant loss that continues after heater core and water pump replacement, with mechanics eventually identifying the lower intake manifold gasket or a cracked cylinder head. Some owners report the temperature gauge rising suddenly at highway speed followed by smoke from the tailpipe, while others note a cracked head found without any prior overheating. One owner reports being told the cylinder head was cracked and that the car should not be driven. Reported across a wide mileage range, often on higher-mileage cars; several describe repeated leak repairs before the gasket or head was diagnosed.

   1 related service bulletin

   What to check: Check coolant level and condition before and after a test drive, look for residue at the intake manifold seams, and ask whether the intake gaskets, heater core, or water pump have been replaced. A pressure test and a look at the oil for coolant contamination are worth requesting.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I have been told by a mechanic that I have a cracked head in the cylinder. The car has been a great car, it has never overheated. We have replaced the front brakes eight times. Could there be apossible problem with the engine since the car has never overheated. The mechanic thought I bought this car with a cracked head. This car was a demo model from the dealership”

   NHTSA complaint #711886, filed 1999-09

   “I own a 1994 Buick Skylark. It developed a coolant leak. I had the heater core replaced on advise of a mechanic that until recently was at a GM dealership. It still leaked when the engine was cold. It was then determined that it was the water pump so I had that replaced. It still leaked. Now I have to have the lower intake manifold gasket replaced at an estimated cost of $660.00. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10151838, filed 2006-03
3. 3
   Electrical system

   Ignition switch and steering column electrical heat or fire

   • 11 complaints (16%)
   • median 91,500 mi at 14.4 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2011

   Owners report the ignition switch and key becoming very hot when driving with the air conditioning or lights on, and some describe smoke or flames from the steering column after a no-start or extended cranking attempt. Complaints also mention fires traced to wiring in the column and dash area, and to a door lock switch, with the interior damaged. Separately, owners report the ignition switch failing before the recall notice arrived, stalling the car while driving. Reports span low and high mileage; several involve repeated starting attempts or running accessories such as the air conditioning and headlights.

   Recall 00V287000

   What to check: Confirm whether recall 00V287000 (ignition switch heat from extended cranking) was completed, and ask a shop to inspect the ignition switch and column wiring for heat damage or melted parts, especially if the key or switch feels warm.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Fire caused by a short in the electrical system (wireharness) in steering column & ignition system, melted the entire steering column, dash area, drivers seat, interior roof, and dash. I want my car replaced. I loved that care and I will never get from the insurance company what the car was really worth to me. Let me know what I can do to have this car replaced by the manufacturer. Thanks, sharyn r. Schnaak.”

   NHTSA complaint #705737, filed 1999-04

   “While sitting in car with engine running passenger noticed smoke coming from passenger's side door lock switch, yellowish in color. Consumer exited vehicle, fire department was called, flames were coming out of door. They stated it was an electrical fire, vehicle was towed to a mechanic. Please provide any further information.”

   NHTSA complaint #8012554, filed 2002-06
4. 4
   Engine cooling

   Engine stalls or hesitates and cuts out

   • 8 complaints (12%)
   • median 175,190 mi at 12.9 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1996–2013

   Owners report the engine hesitating or shutting off when accelerating from a stop, at highway speed, or without warning at any speed, with the service engine light coming on and unstable idle. Some note the computer was reprogrammed or the on-board computer replaced to address irregular running, and one complaint describes stalling followed by loss of power steering and power brake assist. Dealers are often described as unable to identify the cause. Reported across a broad range of ages and mileages, including on higher-mileage cars; circumstances vary from cold starts to steady highway driving.

   1 related service bulletin

   What to check: Ask whether the engine control module has been replaced or reprogrammed, and have a shop scan for stored codes and check idle quality and cold-start behavior during the test drive.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Consumer had contacted dealer in reference to a recall 00 v 287000/manufacturer's recall 00079. Dealer contacted concerning recall problem. Consumer noted that vehicle was making a tracking noise upon starting. Also, vehicle cut off.”

   NHTSA complaint #886468, filed 2001-04

   “The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle engine hesitated, then stalled completely. The vehicle lost power assist steering, and power assist braking. After being restarted, the vehicle stalled several more times. The vehicle was taken in for ervice. Previously, the on-board computer was replaced by a service dealer in an attempt to correct the same problem. Updated 12/01/06.”

   NHTSA complaint #10166235, filed 2006-08, 175,190 miles
5. 5
   Brakes

   Soft or fading brake pedal and short pad life

   • 8 complaints (12%)
   • typically at 2.2 yrs old
   • filed 1995–1998

   Complaints describe a brake pedal that sinks toward the floor, giving a soft feel and longer stopping distance, sometimes intermittently during sharp turns and occasionally with ABS involved. Owners also report front pads wearing out very quickly and repeat pad and hardware replacement, with the dealer unable to identify the cause of the pedal behavior. Reported under normal driving at various mileages; one owner notes very short front pad life and repeated replacement.

   What to check: Test the pedal for firmness with the engine running and the car stationary, look for fluid weeping at the wheel cylinders and lines, and ask for brake service records including pad and rotor replacement dates.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Abs brake failure, excess wear of the front brake pads, also pedal goes to the floor when brakes are applied. Goodyear tire went bad causing vehicle to pull to the right, took dealer almost a year to replace. Dealer replaced brake pads with high quality pads, excessive wear still occurs, consumer states brakes also sometimes fade when applied.”

   NHTSA complaint #803425, filed 1996-10

   “Intermittently while driving and making a sharp turn, a noise coming from the panel and applied the brakes which malfunctioned, causing the pedal to go to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance which almost caused an accident. Been to dealer. Dealer cannot determine problem. Please provide details.”

   NHTSA complaint #826462, filed 1998-08

Buying note. On a car of this age, prioritize the steering column and brake pedal feel on the test drive, and confirm whether the ignition switch recall was performed. Service records showing recent cooling system gasket, water pump, and heater core work are worth asking for, since coolant leaks are a recurring theme in owner reports.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 44 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.