1996 Buick Skylark Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 18%of 85 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Buick Skylark, 18% of the 85 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,000 miles. 1 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.
“The engine of my car is a mess. It has always had a problem with the cooling system since I bought it three years ago. I have had this vehicle worked on so many times it is crazy. Now it seems that I need a new head gasket and whatever else cylinder one is kicking reports on. I will probably end up having to get another vehicle and I still owe $4,000.00 on this one. What the heck...”
NHTSA complaint #10045493, filed 2003-11“The contact owns a 1996 Buick Skylark. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked antifreeze onto the motor, which then leaked onto the ground. The dealer stated that the failure resided in the lower intake manifold and they would repair it for a fee. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 72,992 and failure mileage was 62,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10214413, filed 2008-01, 62,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Buick Skylark. While driving approximately 25 to 35 MPH, the radiator began leaking fluid. On june 22, 2006, a radiator was installed at 2,000 miles. The independent mechanic offered to re-diagnose the failure at the contact's expense. The dealer stated that they would have installed the same parts at the same rate. The vehicle can be driven; however, it continues to leak fluid. The failure mileage was 117,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10231850, filed 2008-06, 117,000 miles“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“Ongoing problem with engine check light coming on. On three occasions dealer replaced the oxygen sensor under warranty. However, problem reoccurred and oxygen sensor needed to be replaced again. Dealer notified, and has not informed consumer whether oxygen sensor will or will not be replaced at consumer's cost.”
NHTSA complaint #862218, filed 2000-05Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 3 | 13% |
| 1997 | 10 | 13% |
| 1996 | 15 | 18% |
| 1995 | 10 | 12% |
| 1994 | 17 | 25% |
| 1993 | 6 | 13% |
| 1992 | 4 | 13% |
| 1991 | 11 | 29% |
| 1990 | 5 | 26% |
| 1988 | 2 | 14% |
| 1986 | 2 | 25% |
| 1985 | 2 | 33% |
| 1984 | 2 | 25% |
Other parts of the 1996 Buick Skylark
18 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsElectrical system
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 27, 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