93 consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Buick Skylark. Click any complaint to view the full owner description.
SERVICE BRAKESMay 24, 2015
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.
AIR BAGSJune 10, 2014
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.
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10597478ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 2, 2014
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 1, 2011
1997 BUICK SKYLARK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING SYSTEM WHICH WAS CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DIE. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 02V070000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 5, 2009
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. THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WAS FLASHING, IT REMAINED ON FOR A WHILE, THEN IT WENT OUT AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES. HE TOLD ME TO TRY TO START THE CAR AGAIN. IT STARTED. THIS (THE CAR STALLS, WAIT AWHILE, THEN IT STARTS) WENT ON FOR AWHILE. ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2009, I WENT OUT TO START THE CAR TO TAKE MY CHILD TO SCHOOL AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. TO THIS DAY, I CAN NOT GET MY CAR TO START AND THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT IS STILL FLASHING. THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE I KNOW WHO OWN BUICK SKYLARKS AND ARE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE THEFT SYSTEM. SOME HAVE GOTTEN SEVERAL THINGS REPLACED SUCH AS THE KEY, THE SWITCH, ETC AND HAVE YET TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED. IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE BUICK SKYLARKS THEFT SYSTEM MANUFACTURED AROUND 1997! IS THERE ANYTHING BEING DONE OR WILL THERE BE SOMETHING DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM? THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES AND/OR DEATHS! *TR
STRUCTUREJune 17, 2008
WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR LEAKS. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR A FEW YEARS. PREVIOUSLY IT WAS IN A GARAGE, SO WE DON'T NO FOR SURE HOW LONG THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON. WE BROUGHT IT TO A GARAGE TO BE FIXED, THEY WORKED ON THE AREA OF THE COWL SECTION. BUT COULDN'T FIX IT. ALSO THE AIR CONDITIONING NEVER WORKED RIGHT AND HAD TO HAVE A CHARGE EVERY YEAR. FINALLY IT QUIT ALL TOGETHER. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 3, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK SKYLARK. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS PRESENT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. HE CHECKED THE WATER AND OIL LEVELS DAILY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
STEERINGNovember 18, 2007
CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY, WITH NO KEY AND IN PARK. MY SON HAD COME IN THE HOUSE AND SAID MOM YOUR CAR IS SMOKING. I HAD PARKED THE CAR APPROX 20 MINS BEFORE AFTER A 6 MILE TRIP, IT WAS WINTER, THANK GOD I DID NOT PARK IN THE GARAGE OR IT WOULD HAVE GONE UP IN SMOKE TOO, AS I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY AND IT TOOK A LONG TIME FOR THE TRUCKS TO ARRIVE. I AM GLAD I WAS NOT A YOUNG MOM WITH KIDS IN CAR SEATS WHICH TAKES ALOT OF TIME. SCARED THE CRAP OUTTA US, CAUSE THE GARAGE (TOOLS, WOOD, VEHICLES, STUFF WAS SO VERY CLOSE TO THE CAR AND GARAGE IS VERY CLOSE TO OUR HOME(KEEPSAKES, EVERYTHING). *TR
Fire reported
NHTSA #10209260VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOctober 10, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BUICK SKYLARK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. HE THEN APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND IT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, BUT DID NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE TWO FRONT TIRES BLEW OUT, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF COMPLETELY IN ORDER TO STOP THE WHEELS FROM SPINNING AFTER THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE, WHERE IT CURRENTLY REMAINS. A MECHANIC FROM THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE CABLE THAT OPERATES THE CRUISE CONTROL TURNED BACKWARDS AND JAMMED THE THROTTLE LINKAGE. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 123,000. UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10205314AIR BAGSJanuary 10, 2007
PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING !*JB
STEERINGAugust 10, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS STEERING AND THE POWER STEERING DID NOT FUNCTION. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE RACK AND PINION THAT WAS NOTED ON RECALL NUMBER 03V527000. THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
VISIBILITYApril 15, 2005
POWER WINDOWS - VERY SLOW GOING UP AND DOWN FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS. ALL 4 WINDOW REGULATORS AND MOTORS HAVE STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. CANNOT PUT WINDOWS DOWN TO GET OUT OF CAR IF IT LANDS IN A CANAL OR WATERWAY ALONG THE HIGHWAY. COST $500.00 A WINDOW TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. FRIEND HAS A 2002 BUICK AND ALL 4 WINDOW REGULATORS AND MOTORS DO NOT WORK.*AK
AIR BAGSJanuary 24, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 26, 2004
BRAKES WEAR OUT PREMATURELY. *AK *MR
STEERINGFebruary 19, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A POWER STEERING PROBLEM. *AK THE WHEEL WOULD SQUEAL. THE SERVICE DEALER FOUND A RUBBER SEAL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING SHAFT. *SC
STEERINGJanuary 13, 2004
WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN, AND MADE A LOUD DRAGGING NOISE. DEALERSHIPS MECHANIC WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGSSeptember 4, 2003
WHILE PARKING HORN CONTINUOUSLY SOUNDED. THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER KNOB BROKE OFF. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE AIR BAG SYSTEM IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE HORN FAILURE AND REPLACED THE SHIFTER KNOB. *AK *NLM
AIR BAGSAugust 13, 2003
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. *AK
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10033831AIR BAGSJuly 11, 2003
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND NONE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK *CB *JB
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10022941ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 28, 2003
THE HORN ACTIVATES BY ITSELF. *JB...*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 19, 2003
THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD.*JB
AIR BAGSDecember 10, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HORN BLOWS WITH OUT TOUCHING IT, DEALER NOTIFIED AND SAID THE HEAT CASUSES THE AIR BAG TO EXPAND WHICH CAUSES THE HORN TO GO OFF. TS
POWER TRAINAugust 12, 2002
ENGINE WAS RUNNING WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. SUDDENLY GEAR SLIPPED OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE AND VEHICLE HIT A HOUSE. *AK *YH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLAugust 2, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL AND ENGINE REVVED, AND TOOK OFF IN TRAFFIC. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK *YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 16, 2002
WHILE WAITING FOR PARTS TO RECALL 02V070000 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. PROBLEM STATED IN THE RECALL HAPPENED.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 10, 2002
VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA RECALL 02-V-070-000 / MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 02008 CONCERNING IGNITION SYSTEM. TWO MONTHS LATER, AFTER RECALL WAS SERVICED PROBLEM REOCCURRED. WHEN KEY IS TURNED IN ON POSITION ENGINE MAKES A CLICKING SOUND BUT DOESN'T START. ALSO. EACH TIME AFTER REPAIRS / BEFORE LEAVING DEALER OR ONCE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF IT WILL NOT RESTART. FOGER BUICK; 5701 E INDEPENDENCE BLVD, CHALOTTE, NC. 28212 ADDED AN IGNITION MODULE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTUREJuly 9, 2002
AFTER RECALL NOTIFICATION THE CONSUMER VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND RECALL 02V-070 WAS PERFORMED ON THE INGNITION SWITCH, THE NEXT DAY THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AGAIN, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO FOUND THAT THE DOOR LOCK SWITCH WAS STICKING CAUSING A DRAW WHICH DRAINED THE NEW BATTERY. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJune 4, 2002
NHTSA RECALL 02 V 9070 000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 02008 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. AFTER DEALER: LESTER GLENN BUICK PONTIAC GMC, TOMS RIVER, NJ, PHONE# 732/349-4200, MADE RECALL REPAIRS, VEHICLE WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM REOCCURRING. *AK VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED A FAULTY ALTERNATOR AND TWO BAD BATTERIES. RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT FAILED, DEALER REPLACED 2 BULBS.
POWER TRAINJune 3, 2002
WHILE CHILD WAS IN VEHICLE PLAYING AND VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF IT WAS PUT IN REVERSE AND ROLLED BACKWARDS, HITTING A TREE WHILE CHILD WAS STILL IN VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #8010883AIR BAGSMay 20, 2002
HORN IS INOPERATIVE BECAUSE OF A FAILURE WITHIN INTERNAL CONTACT OF HORN ASSEMBLY. *AK VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR TO THE HORN. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTERNAL CONTACTS FOR HORN INSIDE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY WAS FAULTY. CONSUMER WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT IF THE HORN WAS NOT REPAIRED THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY. *JG
POWER TRAINApril 16, 2002
WHEN CAR IS PARKED IN ANY GEAR IT WILL REVERSE WITHOUT PUTTING KEY IN IGNITION. THIS INCCIDENT HAPPENED TWICE, ONCE RESULTING WITH AN INFANT IN CAR WHEN IT REVERSED. CONTACTED DEALER , CANNOT NOT FIX PROBLEM.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 10, 2002
TENSIONER COLLAPSED AND PLASTIC GUIDES BROKE, CAUSING TIMING CHAIN TO JUMP WHEN MAKING A SUDDEN STOP IN MIDDLE OF FREEWAY. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK
SEAT BELTSFebruary 19, 2002
THE LEFT FRONT SIDE AIR BAG WAS BUNCHED IN THE LOWER RIGHT CORNER OF THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING PRESSURE ON THE HORN. AS A RESULT OF EXTREME TEMPERATURES, THE HORN GOES OFF AUTOMATICALLY OR GETS STUCK WHEN CONTACT WAS MADE WITH IT. *YH
SEAT BELTSFebruary 19, 2002
THE LEFT FRONT SIDE AIR BAG WAS BUNCHED IN THE LOWER RIGHT CORNER OF THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING PRESSURE ON THE HORN. AS A RESULT OF EXTREME TEMPERATURES, THE HORN GOES OFF AUTOMATICALLY OR GETS STUCK WHEN CONTACT WAS MADE WITH IT. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 14, 2001
TIMING CHAIN HAS BEEN REPAIRED 3 TIMES IN 3 MONTHS. TENSIONER IS DEFECTIVE/ COLAPSES, AND WARRANTY EXPIRED. NO PROBLEM WITH TENSIONER.*AK
AIR BAGSNovember 27, 2001
FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING 40 MPH FRONT END COLLISION. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #899469AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 17, 2001
HORN BUTTON IS UNDER AIRBAG IN ORDER TO FIX AIRBAG MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $800 OR I REMOVE THE FUSE, I CAN'T AFFORD TO REPLACE AIRBAG FOR A SIMPLE BUTTON SO THIS BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE. SINCE I HAVE NO HORN AM DEEPLY CONCERNED FOR MY AND MY KIDS SAFETY IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY (NEED TO ALERT SOMEONE WHO IS GOING TO RUN INTO ME ) PLEASE HELP. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 29, 2001
BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE WHEN APPLIED, AND PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS VEHICLE BECAUSE NOONE COULD FIX THE DEFECT. *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 21, 2001
THERE WAS A THUMPING SOUND AFTER THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, A TECHNICIAN INDICATED THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE WAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE BRIDGED THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDER GASKET AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE BRAKE FLUID BUILT UP ON THE BRAKE LINING/PAD OF THE BRAKE SHOE, THE BRAKE FLUID IS MANUFACTURED WITH A SILICONE BASE, WHICH APPARENTLY COATS THE BRAKE LINING, AND CAN NOT BE REMOVED, THEREFORE THERE IS POTENTIAL BRAKE FAILURE, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE SILICONE IN THE BRAKE FLUID FORMULATION.*JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 21, 2001
THERE WAS A THUMPING SOUND AFTER THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, A TECHNICIAN INDICATED THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE WAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE BRIDGED THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDER GASKET AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE BRAKE FLUID BUILT UP ON THE BRAKE LINING/PAD OF THE BRAKE SHOE, THE BRAKE FLUID IS MANUFACTURED WITH A SILICONE BASE, WHICH APPARENTLY COATS THE BRAKE LINING, AND CAN NOT BE REMOVED, THEREFORE THERE IS POTENTIAL BRAKE FAILURE, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE SILICONE IN THE BRAKE FLUID FORMULATION.*JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 5, 2001
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. CONSUMER HAD TO HOLD FOOT ON BRAKE.*AK EVENTHOUGH THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED, THE CONSUMER FEELS NOT SECURE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. *YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 13, 2001
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH BRAKES. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 7, 2001
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ABS ENGAGING ON WET ROADS OR INTERMITTENTLY ON DRY ROAD. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
SUSPENSIONFebruary 6, 2001
THE DATE OF 02/05/01 IS THE THIRD TIME OF REPLACEMENT FOR THAT STRUT. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 11, 2000
ABS LIGHT WOULD FLASH WHILE TRAVELING. WHEN MAKING TURNS VEHICLE WOULD ALSO STALL. ALSO, WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD GO INTO EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
AIR BAGSSeptember 22, 2000
WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MILES STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE ON LEFT REAR SIDE. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #871274TIRESSeptember 6, 2000
THE ORIGINAL TIRES (GOODYEAR EAGLE) EXPERIENCED SPLITTING AT THE SIDEWALL. *MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 4, 2000
NO SUMMARY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 4, 2000
NO SUMMARY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 24, 2000
RECALL 97V059000: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY 35MPH AND ABS BRAKE SYSTEM BLEW UP IN HER FACE. THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE INSIDE OF VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS GRABBING SLOWLY. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE HOME VERY SLOWLY. CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE HAD VERY LITTLE BRAKING POWER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENTJune 28, 2000
1. DURING COLD MONTHS VEHICLE STARTS FINE, THEN WHILE DRIVING, WILL STALL- OFTEN UPON ACCELERATION AT A LIGHT OR INTERSECTION. 2) DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW MOTOR FAILED 3) KNOB FOR HEADLIGHT CONTROL BROKE AT STEM 4) GLOVE BOX LATCH BROKE INTO PIECES 5) LIGHTER FELL APART WHEN A CELL PHONE WAS PLUGGED IN- NEVER USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 13, 2000
EXCESSIVE WEAR OF OF BRAKE PADS. ALSO, VEHICLE COMMENCED VIBRATION AT 65 MPH, AND REAR SHOCKS HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. DEALER NOTIFIED. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 7, 2000
THIS CAR HAS BEEN STALLING OUT ALMOST FROM THE BEGINNING OF OUR PURCHASE. IT WAS A USED VEHICLE BUT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. IT HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP NUMERIOUS TIMES AND I KEEP GETTING TOLD IT IS A PHANTOM PROBLEM AND THEY CANNOT RECREATE IT AT THE SERVICE DEPT. I HAVE IN THE PAST THOUGHT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS ARE DOING THEIR JOB BUT AFTER A YEAR OF HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. THIS CAR STALLS OUT MOST OFTEN WHEN IT HAS BEEN SITTING FOR A FEW HOURS - IT HAS STALLED IN FRONT OF A DUMP TRUCK FULL OF GRAVEL - HE MISSED ME BY JUST INCHES SINCE I HAD JUST PULLED OUT FROM A STOP SIGN AND THE TRUCK CAME OVER A HILL. LAST WEEK IT STALLED IN FRONT OF A SCHOOL BUS FILLED WITH CHILDREN! THE ETS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SOMETIMES & SOMETIMES NOT! I NEED SOMEONE TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM SO I AM NOT DRIVING AN UNSAFE CAR. AFTER IT STALLS I SOMETIMES NEED TO LEAVE IT SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES AND SOMETIMES I CAN GET IT RESTARTED AND THEN NEED TO "REV" UP THE ENGINE TO KEEP IT GOING. I HAVE BEEN TREATED LIKE A "COMPLETE IDIOT" BY MORE THAN ONE PERSON AT THE STARK DEALERSHIP IN STOUGHTON, WI. HELP!!!!!!!!*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 10, 1999
VEHICLE HESITATES WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS CONSUMER CONCERNED ABOUT BEING REAR ENDED. NLM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEDecember 8, 1999
DEALERSHIP ON 12/02/99 SAYING FUEL INJECTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, AIROctober 26, 1999
ABS SYSTEM HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY SINCE OWNERSHIP, REPLACED BRAKES ONCE, HOWEVER CONTINUES TO LOCK UP IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA AND MAKES NOISE. MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, AIROctober 26, 1999
ABS SYSTEM HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY SINCE OWNERSHIP, REPLACED BRAKES ONCE, HOWEVER CONTINUES TO LOCK UP IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA AND MAKES NOISE. MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 26, 1999
ABS SYSTEM HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY SINCE OWNERSHIP, REPLACED BRAKES ONCE, HOWEVER CONTINUES TO LOCK UP IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA AND MAKES NOISE. MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 12, 1999
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. *AK
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #850466ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 9, 1999
POSSIBLE DESIGN FLAW OF GENERATOR ASSEMBLY CAUSED IT TO FAIL AT 25,491 MILES. *YC
STEERING,SUSPENSIONSeptember 8, 1999
AXLE SEAL SHAFT ASSEMBLY--CHANNEL PLATE, STEERING COLUMN.
SUSPENSIONAugust 27, 1999
WHEN PUTTING PASSENGERS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, CAR BOTTOMS OUT WHEN HITTING A BUMP.CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT THE IS THE CAR'S NORMAL FUNCTION. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAINAugust 20, 1999
BRAKES LOCK UP ON TURN, WET SURFACES AND UNEVEN TERRAIN. VEHICLE EXPERIENCING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTACE WHEN BRAKING AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED. NLM
STRUCTUREMay 26, 1999
THE BAR ASSEMBLY FOR THE ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL OPERATING OF THE LATCH BECAME SEPARATED AT A PLASTIC HELD JOINT AND JAMMED THE LATCH MECHANISM, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE DOOR TO NOT OPEN AT ALL FROM THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. MJS
POWER TRAINMay 10, 1999
WHEN VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, 5 YEAR OLD SON WAS ABLE TO PUT VEHICLE IN GEAR WITHOUT KEYS IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. WHEN VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS, CHILD BECAME SCARED, JUMPED OUT OF VEHICLE, VEHICLE ROLLED OVER CHILD AND HIT AN EMBANKMENT BEFORE STOPPING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #837667ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 31, 1999
VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 31, 1999
POSSIBLE POOR PERFORMANCE OF THE EXHAUST CAUSES CAUSES FUMES TO ENTER THE CABIN OF THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY, THIS USUALLY OCCURS WHEN DRIVER HAS BEEN DRIVING AWHILE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 9, 1999
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE AND THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM BUT INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HAS AND CLAIMS FAILURE IS DUE TO FAILURE OF ABS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 1, 1999
ALTERNATOR FAILED. *YC
VISIBILITYFebruary 1, 1999
BOTH SIDE MIRRORS ARE TO SMALL CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *YC
SEAT BELTSJanuary 21, 1999
FRONT SEAT BELTS FREQUENTLY TWIST IN TRACK AND HANG UP REQUIRING DEALER TO READJUST OR REINSTALL.
SEATSDecember 29, 1998
DRIVER SIDE SEAT WON'T LOCK IN POSITION, AND THE SEAT MOVES BACK AND FORWARD, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO ROCK FROM SIDE TO SIDE, AND THE LATCH ISN'T IN POSITION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHERDecember 28, 1998
IN FLOW OF TRAFFIC VEHICLE WILL STALL, AND ENGINE WILL TURN OFF. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WILL COME ON. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 16, 1998
INTERMITTENTLY WHILE THE HEADLIGHTS ARE IN USE THEY MALFUNCTION, AND THE HEADLIGHTS WILL TURN OFF, WHICH MAY CAUSE VISIBILTY DIFFICULTIES. DEALER REPLACED HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND OTHER SWITCHES. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNovember 24, 1998
MY CAR HAS KILLED ON ME SEVERAL TIMES SINCE ITS PURCHASE IN MAY WITH MANY OF THEM COMING AT LOW TO ACCELERATING SPEEDS AND CROSSING IN TRAFFIC. I'VE ALSO HAD SEVERAL ACCELARATION STICKINGS WITH THE GAS PEDAL, THIS DISTURBS ME VERY MUCH BECAUSE IT BECOMES HARDER TO STOP THE CAR. I'VE GOTTEN NO RESPONSE THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS EVER DONE THIS EACH TIME IT IS SENT TO BE LOOKED AT (THREE OCCASSIONS) AND ACCORDING TO THEIR PAPERWORK THEY NEVER TEST DROVE THE CAR, SEEING THAT THE MILEAGE WAS THE SAME AS WHEN I DROPPED THE CAR OFF. THEY'VE ALREADY SAID THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT HAS TO BE REPLACED BUT I'M WORRIED THAT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO ADDRESS THAT AND OTHER PROBLEMS. I'D APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU COULD GIVE ME IN DEALING WITH THIS ONGOING PROBLEM. SINCERELY, JAMES ALEXANDER
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 22, 1998
WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED IT WILL THROTTLE VERY LOW AS IF IT IS GOING TO DIE. WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATES IT THROTTLES VERY HIGH.
STRUCTURESeptember 21, 1998
VEHICLE HAVING TROUBLE IN DIRECTIONAL PULLING, THE UNIBODY FRAME RAIL IS LONGER ON ONE SIDE THAN THE OTHER.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 15, 1998
VEHICLE EITHER STALLS OR ACCELERATES AT FULL THROTTLE. QCAW
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 24, 1998
HEARD NOISE COMING FROM WHEELS. TOOK TO DEALER & TOLD NOTHING WRONG. NOISE GOT LOUDER. BACK AT DEALER'S & MECHANIC SAID BRAKE PADS & ROTORS WENT BAD. HAS EXTENDED & FACTORY WARRANTY, BUT TOLD BRAKES & ROTORS NOT INCLUDED. BRAKES & ROTORS NEED REPLACING. DEFECTIVE REAR SHOCKS. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLAugust 19, 1998
WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH THE CABLE ACCELERATOR SNAPPED, CAUSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO GO TO THE FLOOR. THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. *AK
SUSPENSIONJuly 30, 1998
VEHICLE HAS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE REAR SUSPENSION WHICH CAUSES VEHICLE TO SWAY TO THE RIGHT. VEHICLE IS NOT ALIGNED PROPERLY. CAUSE UNKOWN. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITYJuly 22, 1998
WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER WINDSHIELD WIPERS STALLED AND STOPPED WORKING. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. DEALERS HAVE REPLACED WIPER MOTOR AND SWITCH, BUT PROBLEM REMAINS. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH STATING THAT THIS SWITCH IS SOMEHOW CONECTED TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPER PROBLEM. *YH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJuly 14, 1998
WHILE DRIVING THE THROTTLE STICKS, CAUSING VEHICLE TO INCREASE SPEED. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
AIR BAGSJuly 9, 1998
FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING FOR NO KNOWN REASON.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESJune 15, 1998
WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT INDICATIONS THE HOOD FLIPPED BACKWARDS, HITTING THE WINDSHIELD . PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
WHEELSMarch 28, 1998
WHEELS RUB AGAINST FRONT FENDER CAUSING NOISE DUE TO DESIGN FLAW.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 2, 1998
REPLACED 4 SET OF BRAKES AND ROTORS EVERY 8 TO 10 MILES, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKING SYSTEM THE STEERING COLUMN VIBRATES AND ALSO CAUSES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK
SEAT BELTSJanuary 29, 1998
SEAT BELT DESIGN IS IMPROPERLY FITTED.
SEAT BELTSNovember 28, 1997
SEAT BELT INSTALLED IMPROPERLY, RESULTING IN POOR FIT (OVER ABDOMEN).
POWER TRAINNovember 4, 1997
TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING DIFFICULTY WHEN ENGAGING INTO REVERSE.
VISIBILITYAugust 15, 1997
REFLECTIONS IN WINDSHIELD.
TIRESJuly 1, 1997
TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT)
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #520238VISIBILITY,SEATSJune 20, 1997
VEHICLE IS TOO BIG; MIRRORS ARE NOT ADJUSTABLE ENOUGH TO SEE OTHER VEHICLES, AND SEATBACKS ARE TOO HIGH TO SEE OVER. *AK