MYRModel Year Report

1981 Chevrolet Impala

○ Not enough data
1981 Chevrolet Impala
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:44.570Z

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
2

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1981

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 2 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 1 complaint 1987: 1 complaint 1987 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 2 complaints 1994: 15 complaints 1995: 44 complaints 1995 1996: 88 complaints 1997: 1 complaint 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 4 complaints 2000: 818 complaints 2000 2001: 742 complaints 2002: 795 complaints 2003: 695 complaints 2004: 1,074 complaints 2005: 609 complaints 2005 2006: 524 complaints 2007: 627 complaints 2008: 810 complaints 2009: 824 complaints 2010: 441 complaints 2010 2011: 505 complaints 2012: 258 complaints 2013: 272 complaints 2014: 636 complaints 2015: 300 complaints 2015 2016: 111 complaints 2017: 117 complaints 2018: 59 complaints 2019: 28 complaints 2020: 15 complaints 2020
1981: 2 complaints 1981 2 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 0 complaints 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1987: 1 complaint 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 2 complaints 1994: 15 complaints 1994 1995: 44 complaints 1996: 88 complaints 1997: 1 complaint 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 4 complaints 2000: 818 complaints 2000 2001: 742 complaints 2002: 795 complaints 2003: 695 complaints 2003 2004: 1,074 complaints 2005: 609 complaints 2006: 524 complaints 2006 2007: 627 complaints 2008: 810 complaints 2009: 824 complaints 2009 2010: 441 complaints 2011: 505 complaints 2012: 258 complaints 2012 2013: 272 complaints 2014: 636 complaints 2015: 300 complaints 2015 2016: 111 complaints 2017: 117 complaints 2018: 59 complaints 2018 2019: 28 complaints 2020: 15 complaints
1981: 2 complaints 1981 2 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 1 complaint 1985 1987: 1 complaint 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 2 complaints 1993 1994: 15 complaints 1995: 44 complaints 1995 1996: 88 complaints 1997: 1 complaint 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 4 complaints 1999 2000: 818 complaints 2001: 742 complaints 2001 2002: 795 complaints 2003: 695 complaints 2003 2004: 1,074 complaints 2005: 609 complaints 2005 2006: 524 complaints 2007: 627 complaints 2007 2008: 810 complaints 2009: 824 complaints 2009 2010: 441 complaints 2011: 505 complaints 2011 2012: 258 complaints 2013: 272 complaints 2013 2014: 636 complaints 2015: 300 complaints 2015 2016: 111 complaints 2017: 117 complaints 2017 2018: 59 complaints 2019: 28 complaints 2019 2020: 15 complaints

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
2003695
20041,074
2005609
2006524
2007627
2008810
2009824
2010441
2011505
2012258
2013272
2014636
2015300
2016111
2017117
201859
201928
202015

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, most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine compartment fire.(Ohio traffic report)

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-03-23

Electrical system

1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing starter assembly.

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, 1995-01-10

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1983-08-10Vehicle speed control83V077000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    Date not on fileService brakes, hydraulic80V125000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1981 Chevrolet Impala — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 80V125000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 83V077000 · Vehicle speed control
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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