1998 Buick Skylark Problems, complaints & recalls

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick skylark. While parked, the vehicle was not able to start and the anti-theft warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that it took multiple attempts to start the vehicle. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the starter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v036000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000.

Tl* the contact was a passenger in a 1998 buick skylark. While driving approximately 50 mph, another vehicle ran a red light and crashed into the vehicle. The air bags deployed and a police report was filed. Due to the air bag deployment, the passenger sustained injuries to the eyes and the driver sustained injuries to the back that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed by the police department. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

Manifold gasket failed, leaking coolant into engine oil. *Tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick skylark. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the front drivers side air bags deployed. No crash occurred and no injuries were reported. Neither the manufacturer, nor the dealer were made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick skylark. When it rained, water flooded the drivers side floor mat and pedals. Also the airbag light would illuminate on the instrument control after it rained. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership. The failure mileage was 46000. Updated 1/28/10 *cn updated 02/03/10.

I had both 1999 and 1998 intrigues, both had problems with their running lights and blinking lights failing. Replace fuses, reblow. Sent to mechanics numerous times, unable to resolve. However, they said this was electrical problem with vehicle make. My supervisor said he noticed many intrigues on road with problems, and since then, I notice many intrigues with same problem. Maybe not immediate danger, but when blinker doesn't work, it creates a danger of being rear-ended. *Tr

Both side seat belts have stopped working in the back seat of the car. This has caused quite a problem with the law requiring passengers to wear seat belts. It is also a safety hazard. The stock rims of the vehicle slowly cut the tires and cause air leakage. This requires the owner to replace the tires before they would otherwise be needed. And also causes the 'low tire' warning light to repeatedly light up and need resetting. This is also a safety hazard as low tires can cause blow outs. *Jb

Dt: contact stated that on 7-11-05 had a new alternator put in. It failed on 8-13-05., And it was replaced on 8-14-05. It is not showing up on the tester as consistent. It was arching and draining the battery. The part number for the alternator was #8225-7. They will replace it in a certain amount of time; but that did not help the call now because car died the freeway. A mechanic told her they were putting bad regulators in these alternators. This included the following companies;: car quest, and bbb industries; 5640 commerce east, mobile, al 36619. Palladium; box 2710 ronoake, va 24001. *Ak

The consumer's anti-lock brakes went out while driving on dry conditions. Consumer was driving 40 mph when he started to brake. The orange and red brake light came on, and it was still on. He took the car to the dealer 2-3 days after the incident. The dealer inspected the car, and told the consumer that his brakes were ok that they were normal brakes. However, the anti-lock brakes were no longer functioning. The consumer did not have the anti-lock brakes repaired since the dealer was charging him $575.00. *Ak *sb

I was injured when the airbag of a 1998 buick skylark (n body) deployed when I started the vehicle. There was no impact, in fact the vehicle was sitting in a building and not even in motion. I sustained a brain shear injury and I am still recovering. I know of two other incidents where this occurred in n body gm vehicles. General motors paid for the repair of the vehicle but has not contacted me in regard to my injuries or lost wages.(I was out of work 2 months and recently returned on a limited basis. General...

We drove from home to olathe, ks and back to a kohl's at shawnee station on our way home. We parked the buick and when I tried to start the buick it failed to start. I thought it might be the battery. I waited a few minutes and tried to start the buick. The buick started but white smoke come out of the tailpipe and it began to shake tremendously like we were in a big storm. We had the buick towed to firestone and they said the air manifold rings let the anti-freeze up the motor and the shaking caused oil to leak. We were fortunate that this didn't happen somewhere else. *Jb

Faulty design of intake manifold on gm 3.8L engine used in 1998 thru 2004 engine. Plastic housing melts enough after 80,000 to allow engine coolant into the combustion chamber causing engine to hydrolock without warning. Car becomes immediately undrivable. *Jb

Sometimes when starting the vehicle driver has to hold the key in the crank position until the vehicle will start. There is a delay in starting. *Ak

Consumer received recall 040025000 concerning ignition switch. Dealer charged consumer for replacing the ignition switch .*Ak

Consumer complained about ignition switch problem. When turning the key vehicle will not start. *Ak

The consumer failed to locate the small places on the steering wheel where the horn is located. *La the consumer felt that this constitutes a dangerous hazard. Model vehicle: estate. *Sc

Consumer states that a bolt connected to the lower control arm came off. Please provide any additional information. Ts

Power window on the driver side failed to go up. Dealer notified ,and they informed that regultor motor needed to be replaced. Feel free to provide any further information.*Ak

Lack of acceleration when driving, intermittently. Vehicle been to the dealer, and the problem still occurring. Feel free to provide any further information.*Ak

Abs brake light illuminated and stayed on. Vehicle has to be shut down and restarted to disengage. Dealer has repaired problem once, but it seemed to have reoccurd. *Ak consumer stated that the problem still exist. *Yh

Consumer began to put vehicle into park after pulling into a parking space, when it surged forward, vehicle jumped a curb, crashed through a wall, and through a couple tables before coming to a stop, 2 people were injured in the accident. *Slc

Consumer was inside of a garage and was traveling about 35 mph, and steering wheel column fell in her lap. There were no injuries. Dealership was aware of problem.*Ak

Coolant leaked into cylinders causing engine to lock up compromising steering and breaks. Internal seal gave way near upper intake manifold. Service bulletin # 010601007..Area rep states too any miles on car for them to be concerned.

Consumer's vehicle will stall while traveling at any speed. When engine is warm and has been running, it is more likely to shut off. Dealership cannot determine cause of defect. Please provide any additional information/attachments. *Ak

Front control arm bushing is coming loose at only 28,972 miles which could cause other related probelms. Dealer claims they are aware of defect. *Ak *slc