Transport Canada lists no recalls for the 1981 Buick LeSabre in our latest copy of its database. That is not a clearance for your vehicle: campaigns can be issued at any time, and the manufacturer's VIN lookup is the record. NHTSA lists 3 United States campaigns for the US-market model, shown separately; a US campaign may have no Canadian equivalent.

Enter your VIN in Buick's Canadian recall lookup, or call a Buick dealer with your VIN. In Canada the manufacturer is responsible for showing recall and repair status for each VIN, so its lookup is the authoritative answer. Cardog uses your VIN only to find the model year; the recalls shown here are listed for that model year and are not matched to your VIN.

Not necessarily. NHTSA campaigns cover vehicles sold in the United States, and NHTSA's VIN lookup has no Canadian data. When a defect also affects Canadian vehicles, the manufacturer files a separate notice with Transport Canada, often under a different number and sometimes covering a different set of vehicles. For a Canadian vehicle, go by the Transport Canada listing and Buick's Canadian lookup.

Safety recall repairs are normally done at no charge by an authorized Buick dealer. The manufacturer's notice for each campaign sets out the remedy and any conditions, so confirm with the dealer when you book.

Once Buick's lookup or a dealer confirms a recall applies, book the repair with an authorized Buick dealer and bring your VIN. If the manufacturer's notice says not to drive the vehicle or to park it outside, follow that instruction. Parts can take time, so book early.

Follow the manufacturer's notice for that recall. Most allow normal driving until the repair; some tell owners to stop driving or to park outside until it is fixed. Cardog does not grade recalls by severity: the manufacturer's notice and your dealer are the source.

Manufacturers must notify owners they have on record. If you bought the vehicle used or have moved, update your details with Buick Canada so notices reach you, and check the manufacturer's lookup from time to time.