- The problem
- Accelerator pump lever retaining pin may loosen after repeated heavy accelerator pedal applications. This could cause the throttle to become stuck in the open position.
- The fix
- Dealer will install a special cotter pin, to retain the accelerator pump pin, and a spring clip thrust washer on the accelerator pump link.
Vehicle safety record
1981 Buick Lesabre Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1981 Buick Lesabre have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in August 1983 for the cables.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Lesabre year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1981 Buick Lesabre recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- The power brake vacuum hoses may fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 106, "Brake hoses". The material used in the hoses will not perform according to specifications. The purpose of this regulation is stated as, "to reduce death and injuries occurring as a result of brake system failure from pressure or vacuum loss due to hose assembly rupture".
- The fix
- The vacuum pump inlet and outlet hoses will be replaced free of charge.
- The problem
- The involved vehicles may have been assembled with a brake pedal support bracket which was designed for use in diesel engine vehicles. The incorrect bracket may cause the service brakes to remain partially applied, resulting in brake overheating and reduced braking effectiveness.
- The fix
- Dealer will inspect vehicles and, if necessary, replace the pedal support bracket at no charge to owner.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1981 Buick Lesabre yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Buick Lesabre: every year compared
All Lesabre years1981 Buick Lesabre vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Buick Lesabre | 0 | 3 | A | |
| 1981 Buick Century | 1 | 3 | A | Compare |
| 1981 Buick Skylark | 1 | 2 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1981 Buick Lesabre
Does the 1981 Buick Lesabre have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1981 Buick Lesabre: cables (August 1983); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (March 1981); pedals and linkages (September 1980). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1981 Buick Lesabre had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1981 Buick Lesabre a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 92 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Buick Lesabre year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Buick Lesabre years have the most complaints?
2000 (680), 1998 (410), 1997 (402). See every Buick Lesabre year compared.
What should I do if my 1981 Buick Lesabre has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data