1981 Chevrolet Corvette
Only 6 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 6 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 | 3 |
| 1981 | 6 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1984 | 14 |
| 1985 | 16 |
| 1986 | 15 |
| 1987 | 21 |
| 1988 | 16 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 34 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 7 |
| 1993 | 22 |
| 1994 | 29 |
| 1995 | 32 |
| 1996 | 44 |
| 1997 | 153 |
| 1998 | 399 |
| 1999 | 308 |
| 2000 | 277 |
| 2001 | 203 |
| 2002 | 157 |
| 2003 | 84 |
| 2004 | 217 |
| 2005 | 531 |
| 2006 | 365 |
| 2007 | 340 |
| 2008 | 539 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 84 |
| 2011 | 84 |
| 2012 | 56 |
| 2013 | 82 |
| 2014 | 61 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 | 255 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 147 |
| 2020 | 33 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 6 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
FUEL TANK'S PLASTIC LINER CRACKED IN THE FRONT LOWER CORNERS CAUSING THE FUEL TANK'S OUTER STEEL SHELL TO RUST AND CAUSE A LEAK.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980126
FUEL TANK'S PLASTIC LINER CRACKED IN THE FRONT LOWER CORNERS CAUSING THE FUEL TANK'S OUTER STEEL SHELL TO RUST AND CAUSE A LEAK.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980126
3 of 6 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
FUEL TANK'S PLASTIC LINER CRACKED IN THE FRONT LOWER CORNERS CAUSING THE FUEL TANK'S OUTER STEEL SHELL TO RUST AND CAUSE A LEAK.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980126
1 of 6 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
I'VE HAD AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BOLT COME OUT 4 TIMES ON MY CAR CAUSING THE WHEEL TO TUCK UNDER THE CAR. I ALSO HAD A LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLT COME OUT ONCE. I'VE BEEN LUCKY, IT'S ALWAYS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS TURNING AROUND OR GOING SLOW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181218
1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
I'VE HAD AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BOLT COME OUT 4 TIMES ON MY CAR CAUSING THE WHEEL TO TUCK UNDER THE CAR. I ALSO HAD A LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLT COME OUT ONCE. I'VE BEEN LUCKY, IT'S ALWAYS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS TURNING AROUND OR GOING SLOW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181218
1 of 6 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
I'VE HAD AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BOLT COME OUT 4 TIMES ON MY CAR CAUSING THE WHEEL TO TUCK UNDER THE CAR. I ALSO HAD A LOWER CONTROL ARM BOLT COME OUT ONCE. I'VE BEEN LUCKY, IT'S ALWAYS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS TURNING AROUND OR GOING SLOW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181218
SAFETY TIMELINE
REMANUFACTURERD REAR BRAKE CALIPERS, PART NOS. 18-7019, 18-7020, 16-7019, AND 16-7020, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2002, TO APRIL, 25, 2003., AND FOR USE ON 1965 THRU 1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTES. THE
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND ALL UNSOLD INVENTORY WILL BE REPURCHASED AND WILL PROVIDE A FULL REFUND TO CUSTOMERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE T
Campaign 03E032000 — check if this car was fixed
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 Corvette — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03E032000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1981 Chevrolet Corvette 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 Corvette?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Chevrolet Corvette 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.