1981 Chevrolet C10
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 4 |
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 3 |
| 1991 | 3 |
| 1992 | 9 |
| 1993 | 9 |
| 1994 | 20 |
| 1995 | 40 |
| 1996 | 16 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 4 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
POOR DESIGN OF THE LOCATION OF THE GAS TANK.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981020
PURCHASED TRUCK USED, FUEL TANK DOESN'T HAVE A PLATE , THE DOORS DON'T SHUT RIGHT . *AK *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 19960920
1 of 4 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
DT: SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO REPAIR PROBLEM. ON 03/05 FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN THE EXHAUST WAS SENDING FUMES INTO THE VEHICLE, AND WAS CAUSING HEADACHES/BLURRED VISION, AND SO ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050526
1 of 4 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
1981 CHEVY C-10, FRONT BRAKE HOSES RETAINER BRACKET, CRIMPED TOO TIGHTLY ON HOSE, CAUSING HOSE TO PLUG, UNEVEN BRAKE PRESSURE, VEHICLE PULLS TO RIGHT OR LEFT. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20080319
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
DT: SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO REPAIR PROBLEM. ON 03/05 FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN THE EXHAUST WAS SENDING FUMES INTO THE VEHICLE, AND WAS CAUSING HEADACHES/BLURRED VISION, AND SO ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050526
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE SPARE WHEEL IS ONE INCH WIDER THAN THE MAXIMUM APPROVED RIM WIDTH AND FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PAS
Remedy: THE SPARE WHEEL ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Campaign 81V118000 — check if this car was fixed
THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID USED IN CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE BRAKE FLUID BOILING POINT REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 116, "MOTOR VEHICLE BRAKE FLUIDS". BR
Remedy: SUSPECT HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID WILL BE BLED FROM THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND REPLACED WITH GM DELCO SUPREME NO. 11 OR AN EQUIVALENT, WITHOUT CHARGE.
Campaign 81V148000 — check if this car was fixed
EXHAUST MANIFOLD LEAKS
FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. TH
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1981 Chevrolet C10 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 81V118000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 81V148000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1981 Chevrolet C10 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Chevrolet C10?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Chevrolet C10 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.