1994 Buick Skylark: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Buick Skylark: 2 recalls, 68 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #94V122000 · 1994 · 1,681 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were constructed with welds in the rear compartment pan assembly that are not sufficient to comply with the requirements pertaining to fuel tank leakage in the event of a rear impact collision. The fuel tank assemblies do not comply with fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity."
Why it matters: This can result in an increased risk of a vehicle fire in the event of a rear impact collision.
The fix: Dealer will install rivets adjacent to the locations where the suspect welds are located.
Electrical Vehicle recall #00V287000 · 2000 · 699,617 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A fire could occur in the steering column and spread to the interior of the car.
The fix: 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). This campaign does not cover battery replacement or unrelated starting system or electrical system repairs.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (17): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (12): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2), brake failure / soft pedal (2).
- Electrical (12): the most common themes are electrical failure (6), stalls / loses power (3).
- Steering (11): the most common themes are steering problems (11).
The 1994 Buick Skylark has 68 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 10 Skylark model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 48). Complaints peaked in 1999 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 110,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (46 complaints, 1 recalls), 1995 (85 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 22 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 Buick Skylark.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1994 Buick Skylark have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1994 Buick Skylark. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 Buick Skylark problems?
Owners have filed 68 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (17), brakes (hydraulic) (12), electrical (12).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Buick Skylark get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.3 L, Automatic 3-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 Buick Skylark repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.