1996 Buick Skylark Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 19%of 85 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Buick Skylark, 19% of the 85 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving down a hill in the normal flow of traffic in a lower gear my husband, who was driving, stopped to let my nephew utilize the restroom. When we started to leave my husband put the car in reverse with his foot on the brake and the car didn't stop, the brakes had completely stopped working. There was no warning light or sound. We waited approximately one hour and tried the brakes again and they worked. We started back to alabama, and again, without a warning light or sound the brakes went out causing a near accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #714784, filed 1999-11“Have had knocking noise in right rear brakes. Dealer stated that brake springs weren't functioning right and have continually resurfaced my drums. Replaced drums on9/23/97 per service bullitin #235015. Now brake drums are at max specs because they can't resolve the problem, but only temp fix if by resurfacing drums, now they won't fix because they state that its they way I drive the car, when all along thry said it was the springs sticking and heating up the brakes. My drums need replacing and they won't fix it any longer”
NHTSA complaint #701482, filed 1998-12“Since I bought the car 01/17/97, I have had numerous problems: emergenchy/parking brake pops out when parking the car and putting parking brake on, brakes fail to perform properly and brake pads wear down excessivly, dash board (check engine, ABS, ets, seat belt light blinks when wearing and doesnt blink when not wearing occassionally, theft system light comes on but I do not have a theft system)and dome lights come on sparatically, sometimes the dome light comes on when car of off and no one near car, recall was performed since than it only happens about half as much. …”
NHTSA complaint #709641, filed 1999-08“Rotors had to be replace twice. The didn't turn them before stating they neeed to be replaced. Since they have worked on the vehicle all kinds of electronic problems have occurred. Dealer has never given the consumer a reason why they needed to replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #865236, filed 2000-07“Whenever driving ABS brake light would come on. Radio would fail to work after turning it on. Been to dealer & informed by mechanic that problem was electrical wiring. Would need to break down wire component to locate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #876011, filed 2000-12Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10023171Oct 31, 2007Abs pump running when not needed.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 3 | 13% |
| 1997 | 16 | 20% |
| 1996 | 16 | 19% |
| 1995 | 17 | 20% |
| 1994 | 13 | 19% |
| 1993 | 10 | 22% |
| 1992 | 7 | 22% |
| 1991 | 2 | 5% |
| 1990 | 2 | 11% |
| 1988 | 3 | 21% |
| 1984 | 3 | 38% |
Other parts of the 1996 Buick Skylark
18 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Buick Skylark
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology