MYRModel Year Report

1981 Chevrolet C20

○ Not enough data
1981 Chevrolet C20
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:40.135Z

Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
1

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1981

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1981: 1 complaint 1981 1 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 4 complaints 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 3 complaints 1989: 1 complaint 1989 1990: 5 complaints 1991: 6 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 16 complaints 1994: 12 complaints 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 0 complaints 1998 2000: 0 complaints 2001: 0 complaints
1980: 1 complaint 1981: 1 complaint 1981 1 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 4 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 3 complaints 1988 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 5 complaints 1990 1991: 6 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 16 complaints 1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 14 complaints 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 0 complaints 1998 2000: 0 complaints 2001: 0 complaints 2001
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1981 1 1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 4 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 3 complaints 1987 1988: 3 complaints 1988 1989: 1 complaint 1989 1990: 5 complaints 1990 1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 16 complaints 1993 1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 0 complaints 2001

1981: 1 complaint

View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19811
19821
19831
19844
19852
19860
19873
19883
19891
19905
19916
19922
199316
199412
199514
19960
19972
19980
20000
20010

Known problem areas

Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Tires

1 of 1 total report mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving about 45 MPH heard a popping noise on the left rear tire. Also, by the flapping on the tire noticed a tread separation. Firestone atx , size P235/75R15 DOT VNH1.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-08-16

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1981-12-17Service brakes, hydraulic81V148000 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".…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1988-01-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-03-31 Exhaust manifold leaks
  3. I
    1992-12-08Engineering analysisClosed 1995-03-09 Fuel system integrity
  4. R
    2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 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.…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1981 Chevrolet C20 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Tires: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 81V148000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1981 Chevrolet C20 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 C20?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Chevrolet C20 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.