1981 Chevrolet Camaro
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 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 16 |
| 1984 | 39 |
| 1985 | 46 |
| 1986 | 32 |
| 1987 | 28 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 25 |
| 1990 | 25 |
| 1991 | 86 |
| 1992 | 88 |
| 1993 | 32 |
| 1994 | 144 |
| 1995 | 216 |
| 1996 | 116 |
| 1997 | 69 |
| 1998 | 173 |
| 1999 | 90 |
| 2000 | 76 |
| 2001 | 48 |
| 2002 | 68 |
| 2010 | 295 |
| 2011 | 194 |
| 2012 | 110 |
| 2013 | 187 |
| 2014 | 187 |
| 2015 | 205 |
| 2016 | 138 |
| 2017 | 183 |
| 2018 | 78 |
| 2019 | 51 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 4 |
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
The contact owns a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro equipped with BF Goodrich Tires, Tire Line: Radial T/A, Tire Size: 235/60/R15, DOT Number: K4VENX510421.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241129
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS IN THE REAR SEATING POSITIONS CONTAIN FIRST LOCK POSITIONS WHICH WILL NOT LOCK WHEN USED BY SMALLER PASSENGERS. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS
Remedy: ALL OWNERS WILL BE SENT A PRE-PAID POSTAGE CARD THAT IS TO BE FILLED OUT AND SENT BACK. THE CARD WILL INDICATE WHETHER THE SEAT BELTS ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. IF DEALER INSPECTS SEAT BELTS, THE SEAT
Campaign 81V060000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL LEAKAGE AT FILLER NECK
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 Camaro — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 81V060000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1981 Chevrolet Camaro 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 Camaro?
The most-reported component is tires:bead, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Chevrolet Camaro 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.