Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Buick Skylark owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In aug 2001 I had to have the turn signal lever on the steering column replaced due the headlights and turn signals becoming non operative. In feb 2002 I started to have random occurences of the headlights being nonfunctional while the switch was being operated, usually after turning the switch on and off for a few seconds the headlights would operate normally. In June 2003 the left and right turn signals started to randomly not operate properly. Sometimes the signal would not come on at all when activated, other times the signal would stay on, even though the turn would be completed. In sept 2003 the left signal will not operate normally, when the driver activates the signal indictacting a left turn, the signal will activate, but it will not blink, the light just comes on and stays like that. …
My horn stopped working. The problem was traced to the horn switch. My mechanic could not replace the horn switch because it is part of the driver's side air bag assembly, which had been discontinued. I had to have a bypass switch installed on the dashboard, which is inconvenient and awkward to use. In my opinion, the horn is a more important safety feature than the air bag. I am 71 years old and have never seen an air bag deploy, but my horn has prevented accidents many times.
While driving 45 MPH there was gray white toxic type smoke coming through vents of vehicle. Problem resulted in vehicle being engulfed in flames. Possible cause electrical system failure as noted by GM investigators and fire department. Vehicle was a total loss.
Dt*: the contact stated the horn failed, the fuse was inspected and had melted. The dealership determined the horn switch stuck causing the horn to short out and the wiring harness to melt. The horn, horn relay, and wiring harness were replaced.
Recall 00V287000. Took vehicle to dealer ralph Buick, 2501 south federal highway, del ray beach, fl 33483, [phone]; and dealer said no parts would be available until February 2001. However, engine check light stayed on, indicating a problem with engine system. Vehicle kept stalling which May cause a crash. Occupant was unable to jump start vehicle because of defect which could have caused vehicle to explode. Buick will not provide a rental car. Consumer states recall would not be performed due to mileage on vehicle. Signal lights and horn are inoperable.
The air bag light comes on sporadically, the horn blows at various times while parked and while driving, the driver's door lock sometimes fails to open with the key and often fails to operate with the other doors. Nothing serious has happened yet, however, the car has frightened other drivers when the horn blew steadlily for no reason. At times it is very distracting to have the air bag light stay on, but go off the next time or second time the car is started.
Intermittently horn assembly became inoperable. Dealer informed owner that the horn assembly needs to be replaced. To repair this defect, the entire unit would have to be replaced. Manufacturer has been notified. This problem is caused by flaw in design replacing the air bag system does not solve the problem because the horn contacts are an integral part of it. The driver thinks a simple procedure to clean or replace the contact activating the horn.
Driver and passenger seat belt mechanisms do not lock when driver has to make a sudden stop. Dealer stated seat belts work, just not to consumers weight. Consumer was involved in an accident on the second occasion, and the seat belt failed to restrain her from hitting the windshield, consumer suffered minor injuries, consumer requested the battery to be replaced, due to it being weak.
Consumer smelled fumes in passenger's compartment. Consumer contacted dealer, and noticed a fuel injection leak. Also, battery was getting very hot, and burning smell appeared in passenger's compartment; and sparks were coming from left side of ignition switch. Please provide any further details.
Horn sounds without being activated,occurs while driving and when stopped with ignition off. Dealer has advised that horn assembly is part of the driver air bag assy. I also notice what I believe to be an electrical short in the interior of the vehicle (smells like hot electrical wiring).
Related recalls
Electrical system › Starter assembly
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine starter fails to engage and the driver hold the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, producing heat that can melt switch parts.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit and verify that the vehicle will start with a properly charged battery in good operating condition (adequate reserve capacity, or cold cranking amps).
NHTSA investigations
Steering column fires
There is no summary currently available
Electrical complaints in other Skylark years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1995 Buick Skylark?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the electrical system of the 1995 Buick Skylark, 36% of the model year's 85 complaints. The component named most often is horn (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Buick Skylark electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-287 (starter assembly, Oct 2, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Buick Skylark electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.