Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1981 Skylark.
The 1981 Buick Skylark presents a distinct reliability profile characterized by five total owner complaints and two recalls, with service brakes and hydraulic systems identified as the primary area of concern. While the available model complaint history spans the 1990 to 2000 period, fluctuating from a low of one complaint in 2000 to a high of 100 in 1995, the 1981 model year stands apart with its own specific recorded issues. This separation indicates that the hydraulic brake concerns noted for this vehicle should be evaluated independently from the volume trends observed in the subsequent decade.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 181.1 in |
| Overall width | 69.3 in |
| Overall height | 53.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.7 in |
| Curb weight | 2491 lb |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 1981 Buick Skylark’s federal record is not directly represented in the provided data, which begins in 1990 for a later generation of the model. However, the available figures reveal a clear trend: complaints and recalls escalate sharply from 1990 to 1995, peaking in 1995–1996 before declining thereafter. The 1981 model year predates this dataset, but the absence of crash or fire complaints in the limited 1981 data suggests relatively stable safety performance for its era, though the low complaint volume (four total) may reflect limited reporting rather than flawless reliability. Without root-cause details or recall data for 1981, it’s impossible to assess systemic issues, but the broader generational arc implies later models faced more pronounced quality challenges. Given the lack of red flags in the available 1981 data and the higher-risk profile of subsequent years, the 1981 Skylark appears to be a comparatively sound choice within its lineage—assuming proper maintenance history.
All 5 complaints on record, top 5 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH THE POWER STEERING HOSE INCORRECTLY ROUTED. THE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY THEN CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN DETERIORATION AND EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE HOSE… Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HOSES AND INLET PIPE AND ADD A CLIP AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
THE ENGINE-TO-BODY GROUND CABLE ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING MANUFACTURE. THE CABLE COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK DUE TO THE RELATIVE MOTION BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND BODY DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. Remedy: A NEW GROUND CABLE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.