1996 Buick Skylark Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1996 Buick Skylark. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 02V070000Mar 6, 20021,589,948 vehicles potentially affected
  Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
  Covers: Buick Skylark 1996–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1997, Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1997 +2 more

  Reported issue: On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.

  Possible consequence: If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.

  Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began march 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact…

  Full campaign details →

• 98V027000Feb 17, 1998249,420 vehicles potentially affected
  Interior lighting
  Covers: Buick Skylark 1996, Chevrolet Cavalier 1996, Pontiac Sunfire 1996 +3 more

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 101, "controls and displays."

  Possible consequence: The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

  Remedy: Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.

  Full campaign details →

• 96V249000Dec 17, 1996424 vehicles potentially affected
  Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
  Covers: Buick Skylark 1996, Pontiac Grand AM 1996

  Reported issue: The steering column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened during assembly.

  Possible consequence: An undertorqued pinch bolt can rattle and cause looseness in the steering system. If the pinch bolt backed out of the joint completely, rotation of the steering shaft against the connector could cause increasing looseness in the steering system and result in loss of steering and an accident.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column pinch bolt for correct torque and, if necessary, tighten the bolt to the specified torque.

  Full campaign details →

• 96V211000Oct 28, 199648,689 vehicles potentially affected
  Air bags › Frontal
  Covers: Buick Skylark 1996, Oldsmobile Achieva 1996

  Reported issue: During deployment of the passenger air bag, the air bag fabric can snag on a reinforcement inside the instrument panel, causing the expanding air bag to lift the instrument panel pad and then deploy under the instrument panel instead of through the door in the instrument panel.

  Possible consequence: In a crash, the front seat passenger could receive more severe injuries if he or she contacts a broken reinforcement or if the snagging affects the deployment of the air bag.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect the instrument panel pads and, if necessary, install a plastic edge protector to the instrument panel pad reinforcement. On certain early-production vehicles, the instrument panel pad will be replaced.

  Full campaign details →

← All problems reported for the 1996 Buick Skylark