Most common 1998 Buick Skylark problems
Share of the 24 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 →
1998 Buick Skylark recalls (1)
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, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the…
What 1998 Buick Skylark owners say
Speed control & acceleration
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.
Please advise if there have been any recalls on this vehicle. The 1998 Buick Skylark is not listed in this program to request recall information. Note: disregard engine remarks (see throttle control heading).
Electrical system
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.
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.
Air bags
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.
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.
1998 Buick Skylark engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 30 / 23 |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Buick Skylark a good car?
Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Skylark rates better than average: 71% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Skylark at the same age. It is one of the best Skylark years by this measure. 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 1998 Buick Skylark?
The speed control & acceleration — 5 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about accelerator pedal. Next are the electrical system (5) and air bags (4).
How many recalls does the 1998 Buick Skylark have?
There is 1 recall for the 1998 Buick Skylark, the most recent from January 27, 2004 (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 1998 Buick Skylark problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 13% 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.