MYRModel Year Report

1981 Chevrolet Impala

○ Not enough data
1981 Chevrolet Impala
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:57:58.058Z

Only 2 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 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Impala Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1981 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 1 complaints 1985 1987: 1 complaints 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 2 complaints 1994: 15 complaints 1994 1995: 44 complaints 1996: 88 complaints 1997: 1 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 4 complaints 1999 2000: 818 complaints 2001: 742 complaints 2002: 795 complaints 2003: 694 complaints 2004: 1072 complaints 2004 2005: 609 complaints 2006: 524 complaints 2007: 627 complaints 2008: 810 complaints 2009: 824 complaints 2009 2010: 441 complaints 2011: 505 complaints 2012: 258 complaints 2013: 270 complaints 2014: 630 complaints 2014 2015: 298 complaints 2016: 110 complaints 2017: 116 complaints 2018: 59 complaints 2019: 28 complaints 2019 2020: 14 complaints 2020
1981: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19822
19833
19840
19851
19871
19910
19920
19932
199415
199544
199688
19971
19982
19994
2000818
2001742
2002795
2003694
20041072
2005609
2006524
2007627
2008810
2009824
2010441
2011505
2012258
2013270
2014630
2015298
2016110
2017116
201859
201928
202014

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 2 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.(OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT)

NHTSA ODI report, 19980323

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

AFTER SITTING IN PARKING LOT FOR (2) HOURS VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE, FIRE BROKE OUT AROUND STARTER. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950110

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19830810 — vehicle speed control

ACCELERATOR PUMP LEVER RETAINING PIN MAY LOOSEN AFTER REPEATED HEAVY ACCELERATOR PEDAL APPLICATIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL COTTER PIN, TO RETAIN THE ACCELERATOR PUMP PIN, AND A SPRING CLIP THRUST WASHER ON THE ACCELERATOR PUMP LINK.

Campaign 83V077000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — service brakes, hydraulic

THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH A BRAKE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET WHICH WAS DESIGNED FOR USE IN DIESEL ENGINE VEHICLES.

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

Campaign 80V125000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1981 Chevrolet Impala — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 80V125000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 83V077000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1995 ▲ 2018 ▲ 1996

WORST YEARS

■ 2004 ◆ 2000 ◆ 2009

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1981 Chevrolet Impala 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 Impala?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1981 Chevrolet Impala 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.