1981 Buick LeSabre Sedan
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 1985 Buick LeSabre Coupé 5.7 V8 Limited front by Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1978 Buick LeSabre Custom sedan, front right, 09-28-2024 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1981 Buick LeSabre Auto by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1985 Buick LeSabre Coupé 5.7 V8 Limited rear by Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1978 Buick LeSabre Custom coupe, rear right, 09-27-2025 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1981 Buick LeSabre Sedan is a 110-hp 3.8-liter V6 sedan with a 3-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $8,744 MSRP and is rated at 22 mpg combined.
It makes 110 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 190 lb-ft of torque at 1600 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (22 mpg combined).
The LeSabre measures 218.4 inches long on a 115.9-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,655 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $8,744 ($31,263 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | V6, OHV |
| Displacement | 3.8 L |
| Horsepower | 110 hp @ 3,800 rpm |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Injection Type | Rochester 2-barrel carburetor |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 19 MPG |
| Highway | 28 MPG |
| Combined | 22 MPG |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, coil springs |
| Rear Suspension | Four-link, coil springs |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brake Disc | Drum |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Tires Front | 205/75 R15 |
| Tires Rear | 205/75 R15 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 218.39 in |
| Width | 75.91 in |
| Height | 55 in |
| Wheelbase | 115.91 in |
| Cargo Volume | 20.8 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 3,655 lbs |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1981 Buick LeSabre Sedan with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1981 Buick LESABRE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Aug 19, 1983 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
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.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL COTTER PIN, TO RETAIN THE ACCELERATOR PUMP PIN, AND A SPRING CLIP THRUST WASHER ON THE ACCELERATOR PUMP LINK.
NHTSA campaign 83V077000
Mar 23, 1981 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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".
Remedy: THE VACUUM PUMP INLET AND OUTLET HOSES WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE.
NHTSA campaign 81V037000
Sep 25, 1980 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
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.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
NHTSA campaign 80V125000
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1981 BUICK LESABRE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.