1981 Buick Skylark recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. 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 AND LEAKAGE OF POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HOSES AND INLET PIPE AND ADD A CLIP AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1981 SKYLARK.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 80V129000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Summary: 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 AND LEAKAGE OF POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HOSES AND INLET PIPE AND ADD A CLIP AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER STEERING.SYSTEM: STEERING; POWER STEERING HOSE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SMOKE AND/OR AN UNDERHOODFIRE COULD RESULT AND CAUSE VEHICLE DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY.
2. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: A NEW GROUND CABLE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1981 SKYLARK.
- Book a repair at any authorized Buick dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 81V038000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Summary: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: A NEW GROUND CABLE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; GROUND CABLE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE CABLE BREAKS WHEN MAXIMUM ELECTRICAL LOADS AREBEING PLACED ON VEHICLE, HEADLIGHTS COULD SUDDENLY DIM OR WIPERS COULD SLOWDOWN. THIS WOULD REDUCE VISIBILITY IN SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVINGCONDITIONS. AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT.NOTE: IF DIMMING OCCURS, RESTRICTING THE USE OF OTHER ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIESCOULD PARTIALLY RESTORE SOME OF THE HEADLIGHT BRIGHTNESS OR WIPER SPEED.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Portable jump starter
- 1981 Buick Skylark owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1), Engine (1), Vehicle Speed Control (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (5)
05/03/1995 · Brakes
BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEMS.
05/03/1995 · Engine
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED. *SKD
05/03/1995 · Vehicle Speed Control
ODOR/FUMES EMITTING INSIDE OF VEHICLE, RESULTING IN INJURIES.
05/03/1995 · Transmission / drivetrain
TRANSMISSION MOUNT PROBLEMS.
05/03/1995 · Fuel system
CHOKE PULLOFF FAILED.