AI Damage1989 Buick Skyhawk: common problems
Owners of the 1989 Buick Skyhawk filed 3 complaints with NHTSA, most often about latches, locks, linkages and powertrain. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 3
What fails most often
- 1 Latches, locks, linkages 33% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 33% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 33% of all complaints
- Latches, locks, linkages: 1 complaints (33% of all).
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (33% of all).
- Structure: 1 complaints (33% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
When it rains vehicle would leak, causing severe water damage throughout the vehicle. Consumer will be taking the vehicle to the dealership for analysis.
When hiiting a bump the hatchback comes open. Dealer has not seen.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 17,150 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 47% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Skyhawk has 2 complaints (8 years in the data). This year has 3, above average.
What to check before buying
- Latches, locks, linkages. Door, hood and tailgate latches, especially near the impact.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Buick Skyhawk?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: latches, locks, linkages, powertrain, structure. Total complaints: 3.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1989 Buick Skyhawk?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1989 Buick Skyhawk from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1989 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.