NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints for the 1998 Buick Skylark. Most complaints involve electrical system (6) and engine and engine cooling (6). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined.
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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.”
“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”
“LACK OF ACCELERATION WHEN DRIVING, INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE BEEN TO THE DEALER, AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skylark Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 30 | 23 | $2,600 | 386 |
| Skylark Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.1 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $2,850 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 13, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 34 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (6), engine and engine cooling (6), vehicle speed control (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1998 Buick Skylark at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).