1981 Chevrolet C20
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 3 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 16 |
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 14 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: tires.
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000816
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 C20 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 81V148000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
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:tread/belt, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.