1997 Buick Skylark Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 16%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Buick Skylark, 16% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car had been stalling for more than a year but not as frequent. The most dangerous time it stalled was in the middle of interstate 240n. My wife and child was with me. It was rush hour and there were lots of traffic. We were terrified! Once I merged over to the side of the highway, we had to wait for about 20 minutes before the car started again. Mind you, we are on the side of a busy and dangerous interstate highway. I noticed when I tried to start the car after it had stalled, the theft system light was flashing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10291114, filed 2009-11, 155,000 miles“Horn button is under airbag in order to fix airbag must be replaced at a cost of $800 or I remove the fuse, I can't afford to replace airbag for a simple button so this becomes a safety issue. Since I have no horn am deeply concerned for my and my kids safety in case of an emergency (need to alert someone who is going to run into me ) please help.”
NHTSA complaint #754639, filed 2001-11“This car has been stalling out almost from the beginning of our purchase. It was a used vehicle but it was under warranty. It has been in the repair shop numerious times and I keep getting told it is a phantom problem and they cannot recreate it at the service dept. I have in the past thought the service departments are doing their job but after a year of having the same problem, something needs to be done. …”
NHTSA complaint #711168, filed 2000-04“The contact owns a 1997 Buick Skylark. The contact stated that the anti-theft system would activate independently, causing the vehicle to stall without warning. The failure was recurring with the illumination of the anti-theft warning light. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start with the key in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who diagnosed that the instrument panel cluster or central computer would need to be replaced. The contact was then referred to an authorized dealer for possible repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10576917, filed 2014-04, 54,000 miles“1997 Buick Skylark. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle recall the consumer was informed there was a short in the wiring system which was causing the battery to die. The consumer referenced recall # 02v070000.”
NHTSA complaint #10433382, filed 2011-11Related recalls
- 02V070000Mar 6, 2002On 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…Covers: Buick Skylark 1996–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1997, Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1997 +2 more
- 97V059000Apr 8, 1997The protective cover for the underhood fuse center was omitted. Without this cover, the positive terminal bolt on the fuse block is exposed and can contact…Covers: Buick Skylark 1997, Pontiac Grand AM 1997, Oldsmobile Achieva 1997
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 5 | 21% |
| 1997 | 13 | 16% |
| 1996 | 15 | 18% |
| 1995 | 31 | 36% |
| 1994 | 12 | 18% |
| 1993 | 4 | 9% |
| 1992 | 6 | 19% |
| 1991 | 7 | 18% |
| 1990 | 7 | 37% |
| 1988 | 1 | 7% |
| 1986 | 1 | 13% |
| 1984 | 2 | 25% |
Other parts of the 1997 Buick Skylark
16 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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