Vehicle recall 81V025000 · February 25, 1981
GMC Caballero, Buick Century and 7 more models
The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.
- Remedy
- Both rear control arm attachment bolts will be replaced without charge.
- Notes
- System: suspension; rear control arm attaching bolts.vehicle description: passenger vehicles and light trucks.consequences of defect: if the fracture occurs when the vehicle is in motion,it could result in loss of vehicle control and an accident.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 81V025000
- Reported to NHTSA
- February 25, 1981
- Filed by
- GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Owner notification
- March 9, 1981
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 5,821,160
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Suspension › Rear
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Buick Century (1978-1981): 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978
- Buick Regal (1978-1981): 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978
- Chevrolet El Camino (1978-1981): 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978
- Chevrolet Malibu (1978-1981): 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo (1978-1981): 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978
- GMC Caballero (1978-1981): 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978
- Oldsmobile Cutlass (1978-1981): 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978
- Pontiac Grand Prix (1978-1981): 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978
- Pontiac Lemans (1978-1981): 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978
Has your Buick been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Buick dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.