Paint peeling from body
STRUCTURE
2 NHTSA complaints · 1999-02 → 2004-01
“DUE TO POOR QUALITY CONTROL THE PAINT HAS CONTINUED TO PEEL OFF THE BODY”
“PAINT PEALING OFF ROOF, LITTLE BY LITTLE”
1991 Buick Skylark Recalls, Problems & Maintenance
The 1991 Buick Skylark has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Paint peeling from body.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.
Save this car as:
No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Known issues & problems for this vehicle
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 1991 Buick Skylark.
Reported to NHTSA
Engine shutdown or stalling while driving
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 NHTSA complaints · 1995-07 → 2000-10
“WHILE DRIVING FOR AN EXTEND PERIOD OF TIME AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH”
“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 50 MPH WHEN ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING; DEALER NOTIFIED”
“ECM FUSE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING; LOST ALL VEHICLE POWER/CONTROL; HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED; NO WARNING;”
Unintended acceleration or movement in park or drive
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 NHTSA complaints · 1995-07 → 2001-07
“WHEN TURNING VEHICLE ON IT WILL ACCELERATE AND MOVE FORWARD WHETHER THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED OR NOT”
“VEHICLE WENT BACKWARDS WHILE IN PARK POSITION AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED”
“WHEN KEY WAS TURNED ON IN IGNITION IT IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO ACCELERATE BACKWARD WHILE STILL IN THE PARK POSITION”
Driver seat reclining or giving way in rear impact
SEATS
4 NHTSA complaints · 1996-07 → 2003-01
“DURING REAR IMPACT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT FELL BACKWARDS INTO THE REAR SEAT”
“VEHICLE WAS IN A LEFT REAR END COLLISION. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT RECLINED BACKWARD UPON IMPACT”
“MY WIFE AND I WERE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN HIT IN THE REAR BY A CAR GOING ABOUT 45 MPH”
Oil and antifreeze mixing with engine gasket concern
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 NHTSA complaints · 1997-08 → 1998-08
“ENGINE IS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING OIL IN THE ANTIFREEZE LEAKS, AND BLACK SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE”
“OWNER STATES THAT VEHICLE IS BLOWING OUT WHITE SMOKE AND ANTI-FREEZE LEAKS IN THE OIL”
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Essential maintenance
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)
Every 7,500 miChange when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Tire Rotation
Every 7,500 miRotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Brake Inspection
Every 7,500 miInspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)
Every 45,000 miFWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$360–$500
Shop
~$255–$355
DIY
~$80–$180
CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.
Important maintenance
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Every 45,000 miConventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
Spark Plugs
Every 60,000 miSmall-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Engine Air Filter
Every 45,000 miGM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Serpentine Belt
Every 60,000 miInspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$195–$235
Shop
~$135–$165
DIY
~$20–$50
DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.
Recommended maintenance
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Cabin Air Filter
Every 22,500 miReplace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)
Every 150,000 miDex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Battery Test & Service
Every 25,000 miTest annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$225–$390
Shop
~$160–$280
DIY
~$130–$250
Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 1991 Buick Skylark reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.