1985 Buick Skylark recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. THE THROTTLE LINKAGE MAY BIND BECAUSE DURING NORMAL OPERATION, THE THROTTLE BODY CASE MAY INTERFERE WITH THE LINKAGE. THIS INTERFERENCE COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM CLOSING EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER HAS REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND IMPROVE THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE AND THROTTLE BODY CASING IF NEEDED, AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1985 SKYLARK.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V132000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS
Summary: THE THROTTLE LINKAGE MAY BIND BECAUSE DURING NORMAL OPERATION, THE THROTTLE BODY CASE MAY INTERFERE WITH THE LINKAGE. THIS INTERFERENCE COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM CLOSING EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER HAS REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND IMPROVE THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE AND THROTTLE BODY CASING IF NEEDED, AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8 LITER MULTIPORT FUELINJECTED V6 ENGINES.SYSTEM: FUEL; THROTTLE LINKAGE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING COULDRESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1985 Buick Skylark owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (4), Steering (3), Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Unknown Or Other (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
03/20/2000 · Unknown Or Other
PROVIDE IN DETAIL WHAT SAFETY DEFECTS THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK
01/11/2000 · Engine
HI! I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS APPLICABLE IF I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY...CAR JUST DIED, NO PROBLEM WITH RESTARTING, JUST LIKE NO FUEL GOING TO MOTOR, AFTER COOLING DOWN FOR A WHILE , IT WAS "OKAY"MECHANIC COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I FINALLY HAD TO GO TO GET A CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, IN NOV./1999 AND NOW IN JANUARY OF 2000, I NEED A NEW C…
11/01/1999 · Engine · fire
ENGINE FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) NLM
11/01/1999 · Engine · fire
ENGINE FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) NLM
11/01/1999 · Engine · fire
ENGINE FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE.(OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) NLM
03/27/1996 · Steering
STEERING; POWER STEERING, STEERING EFFORT INCREASES DURING COLD START TEMPORARY LACK OF POWER STEERING, CAN NOT MAKE A RIGHT TURN EA87-006. *AK
03/27/1996 · Steering
STEERING; POWER STEERING, STEERING EFFORT INCREASES DURING COLD START TEMPORARY LACK OF POWER STEERING, CAN NOT MAKE A RIGHT TURN EA87-006. *AK
10/12/1995 · Steering
POWER STEERING FLUID IS NOT GETTING TO THE BRACKET. TT CONSUMER STATES STEERING BRACKET IS GOING OUT, POWER STEERING FLUID DOES NOT REACH BEARING, THIS IS WHAT CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT BUICK DEALERS CONSUMER STATES WHAT IS DANGEROUS ABOUT THIS, IS WHEN YOU WANT TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT IT STICKS AND VEHICLE WANT STO CONTINUE TO GO STRAIGH. ALSO CO…