The Buick Skyhawk spans 1981–1990 with 20 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1989, 1987, 1985 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1984. It delivers up to 27 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Buick Skyhawk is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1990 across multiple generations.
How to read a Buick Skyhawk VIN — every digit explained
Every Buick Skyhawk carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Buick and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Skyhawk.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Skyhawk, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Buick Skyhawk have?
The Buick Skyhawk has 20 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1990. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1989 Buick Skyhawk recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. A fuel tank leak could occur due to small creases on the tank underside cracking during pressure cycling which occurs during normal operation.
Risk. In presence of an ignition source, this condition couldresult in a fire.
Fix. Replace fuel tank.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
Risk. This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Fix. Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
1988 Buick Skyhawk recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
Risk. This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Fix. Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
1987 Buick Skyhawk recalls 3
Parking Brake:conventional:mechanical
What's wrong. Parking brake lever mechanisms may not properly engage when applied as required by fmvss 105. Consequence of defect: vehicle could unexpectedly roll away uncontrolled, which could result in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace parking brake lever assembly.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
What's wrong. The fuel feed and/or return hose/pipe assemblies could crack or separate, allowing fuel to leak into the underhood area.
Risk. This could result in an underhood fire, without priorwarning, and cause injury to occupants.
Fix. Replace both fuel feed and return hose/pipe assemblies.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
Risk. This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Fix. Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
1986 Buick Skyhawk recalls 2
Exterior Lighting
What's wrong. Incorrect tail lamp lens were installed, lens do not conform to fmvss 108, lamp reflective device and associated equipment. Consequence of defect: in times of reduced visibility, an approaching vehicle may not be aware of this vehicle which could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Fix. Correct tail lamp lens will be installed.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
Risk. This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Fix. Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
1985 Buick Skyhawk recalls 2
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
What's wrong. The engine air cleaner plastic trim cover could fall off the air cleaner assembly and land on the exhaust manifold creating a fire hazard. Consequence of defect: if the car is being operated at the time that the plastic trim cover falls off, an engine compartment fire could occur without warning.
Fix. Remove the trim cover and discard.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
Risk. This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Fix. Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
1984 Buick Skyhawk recalls 3
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
What's wrong. Some vehicles have bucket seat back locks that do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard 207, anchorage of seats. In event of a crash, the seat back lock may not function.
Fix. Inspection of seat back locks will be performed. Locks that have bent, broken or missing hooks will be replaced.
Seats
What's wrong. The metal floor pan anchor bar could fatigue and break around the left front outer seat adjuster stud of the drivers seat, allowing the stud to separate from the floor pan anchor bar.
Risk. Drivers seat could tip rearward unexpectedly; this couldresult in loss of control and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Fix. Install a reinforcement bracket on the floor pan anchor bar at the left front outer seat adjuster position of the drivers seat.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
Risk. This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Fix. Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
1983 Buick Skyhawk recalls 5
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)
What's wrong. Internal corrosion of pulsair check valve assembly could permit exhaust gas to melt the plastic shut off valve and draw valve pieces into the air cleaner and throttle body.
Risk. If valve pieces lodge against throttle plate, engine maynot return to idle resulting in loss accelerator control and possibly a crash.
Fix. Replace pulsair check valve and shut off valve with newly designed valves.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors
What's wrong. Possible fuel leakage could occur at the throttle body injection fuel feed pipe connection on the involved vehicles.
Fix. The fuel feed line fitting bolt and two washers will be replaced by the dealer at no cost to owner.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:differential Proportional Valve
What's wrong. The brake proportioner valves may break and separate from the master cylinder. This would allow brake fluid to leak and would result in a partial loss of the brake system.
Fix. The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace all suspect valves.
Seats
What's wrong. The metal floor pan anchor bar could fatigue and break around the left front outer seat adjuster stud of the drivers seat, allowing the stud to separate from the floor pan anchor bar.
Risk. Drivers seat could tip rearward unexpectedly; this couldresult in loss of control and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Fix. Install a reinforcement bracket on the floor pan anchor bar at the left front outer seat adjuster position of the drivers seat.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
Risk. This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Fix. Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
1982 Buick Skyhawk recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
What's wrong. Under certaain conditions, the hose clamps on the fuel tank filler pipe and fuel tank filler vent pipe could fracture. The fracture of these clamps could cause fuel leakage at any of the four pipe to hose connections. Leakage can occur during refueling, or while driving, if the fuel tank is above 3/4 full.
Fix. Dealer will inspect and replace the hose clamps on the fuel tank filler pipe and vent pipe at no cost to owner.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
Risk. This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Fix. Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
Best and worst years for the Buick Skyhawk
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 10 tracked years, the worst years are 1989, 1987, 1985 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1984.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Skyhawk | — | Best | |
| 1982 Skyhawk | — | Best | |
| 1983 Skyhawk | Steering | Average | |
| 1984 Skyhawk | — | Best | |
| 1985 Skyhawk | — | Avoid | |
| 1986 Skyhawk | — | Average | |
| 1987 Skyhawk | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 1988 Skyhawk | — | Average | |
| 1989 Skyhawk | Structure | Avoid | |
| 1990 Skyhawk | — | Average |
What are the most common Buick Skyhawk problems?
The most-reported Buick Skyhawk problems are Tires (1 reports), Steering (1 reports) and Hydraulic (1 reports) — out of 9 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Electrical System 2 Read
Possible electrical fire started under the hood. *ak
While traveling abs indicator light would flash when making a turn, vehicle would stall when depressing brakes. Please provide further information.*ak
Structure 1 Read
When it rains vehicle would leak, causing severe water damage throughout the vehicle. Consumer will be taking the vehicle to the dealership for analysis. *ak
Latches/locks/linkages 1 Read
When hiiting a bump the hatchback comes open. Dealer has not seen. *ak
Power Train 1 Read
Clutch disc assembly failure. *ak
Service Brakes 1 Read
While traveling abs indicator light would flash when making a turn, vehicle would stall when depressing brakes. Please provide further information.*ak
Hydraulic 1 Read
While traveling abs indicator light would flash when making a turn, vehicle would stall when depressing brakes. Please provide further information.*ak
Tires 1 Read
Driver's side rear tire locks up whether in reverse or in drive. *ak
Steering 1 Read
When it is cold outside or when warming up the car the steering effort increases. Please describe. Tt
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Buick Skyhawk specifications & dimensions
The 1990 Buick Skyhawk. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Buick Skyhawk window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Buick Skyhawk cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Skyhawk holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Buick Skyhawk tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Buick Skyhawk get?
The Buick Skyhawk returns up to 27 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,300/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1989 Buick Skyhawk (2L 4-cyl) gets 26 mpg combined and costs about $2,400/yr to fuel, emitting 342 g/mi CO₂ — about $1,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 Skyhawk | 23 | 33 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 Skyhawk | 23 | 34 | $2,300 | 329 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 Skyhawk | 23 | 33 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 Skyhawk | 23 | 34 | $2,300 | 329 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 Skyhawk | 23 | 32 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 Skyhawk | 23 | 33 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Skyhawk stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Skyhawk's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Buick Skyhawk have? Power & range
The Buick Skyhawk is offered with 1 powertrain — 2L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 2.0L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Buick Skyhawk cost to own?
A Buick Skyhawk tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used Skyhawk is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Skyhawk loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $11,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Skyhawk ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Buick Skyhawk safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Skyhawk yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Buick Skyhawk last?
A well-maintained Buick Skyhawk typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Buick Skyhawk’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Skyhawk’s VIN free →All Buick Skyhawk model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Buick Skyhawk — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Skyhawk | 0 | — | |
| 1989 Skyhawk | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1988 Skyhawk | 1 recall | — | |
| 1987 Skyhawk | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1986 Skyhawk | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1985 Skyhawk | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1984 Skyhawk | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1983 Skyhawk | 5 recalls | — | |
| 1982 Skyhawk | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1981 Skyhawk | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Skyhawk?
By owner-complaint volume, 1989, 1987, 1985 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1984 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Skyhawk have?
20 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1990. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Skyhawk get?
Up to 27 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Skyhawk last?
A well-maintained Skyhawk typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Skyhawk reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Skyhawk is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Buick Skyhawk warranty?
New Buick models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Buick dealer.
Where is the Buick Skyhawk made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Skyhawk's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Buick may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Skyhawk have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.