Most common 1997 Buick Skylark problems
Share of the 79 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Buick Skylark complaints by model year
Best Skylark years: 1998. Compare all years →
1997 Buick Skylark recalls (3)
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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.
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.
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
The 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 the insulated negative battery cable.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of the protective cover and, if necessary, install a protective cover to the underhood fuse center.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
During assembly of the left rear quarter panel, some welds were missed. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 301, "fuel system integrity."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for the missing welds and, if necessary, place three whelds between the involved panels applying primer, sealer and anti-corrosion materials.
What 1997 Buick Skylark owners say
Brakes
The entire time I have owned this car, there have been issues with the ABS - especially when the road is wet and driving down hill. When applying the brakes in these conditions, the car does not always stop even when pushing the brake pedal to the floor. You will here a clicking or grinding type of noise. It's not the pads or rotors because it happens when they have been replaced. In these conditions, I have to make sure I have plenty of room so I won't hit the car in front of me. I have on several occasions not been able to stop at a red light and gone through the intersection. It happens more frequently in icy conditions even when driving super slow. From reading other online complaints, I see I'm not the only one. I believe this is a manufacturer's safety defect.
When the brakes are applied the pedal becomes soft, causing extended stopping distances which resulted in two minor collisions. The passenger sustained minor injuries.also, brake pads were replaced . Manufacturer has been notified.
Electrical system
Tl* 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. The approximate failure mileage was 54000.
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. I had no idea why the theft system light was flashing or if it had anything to do with the car not starting. I called a technician I know and explained to him that the car sounded like it was to start but keep stalling. He asked me to look at the dash and tell him what I saw. …
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Buick Skylark. The contact stated that the air bags deployed unexpectedly. A police report was not filed and an injury was sustained. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and the current mileage was 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Air bag light illuminated. Dealer found nothing wrong. Vehicle was involved in a hit and run accident which caused vehicle to hit a telephone pole. Upon impact, front air bags did not deploy. Driver was wearing a seat belt. Driver sustained head and back injuries.
1997 Buick Skylark engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 29 / 23 |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Buick Skylark a good car?
Based on 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Skylark rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Skylark at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Buick Skylark?
The brakes — 16 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the electrical system (13) and air bags (12).
How many recalls does the 1997 Buick Skylark have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1997 Buick Skylark, the most recent from March 6, 2002 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Buick Skylark?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1998. See the full Buick Skylark years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Buick Skylark problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.