1980 Chevrolet Malibu
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1980
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1980: 5 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 5 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1997 | 443 |
| 1998 | 976 |
| 1999 | 789 |
| 2000 | 922 |
| 2001 | 721 |
| 2002 | 567 |
| 2003 | 569 |
| 2004 | 1,148 |
| 2005 | 975 |
| 2006 | 1,118 |
| 2007 | 977 |
| 2008 | 988 |
| 2009 | 1,510 |
| 2010 | 1,362 |
| 2011 | 978 |
| 2012 | 907 |
| 2013 | 837 |
| 2014 | 351 |
| 2015 | 270 |
| 2016 | 839 |
| 2017 | 705 |
| 2018 | 698 |
| 2019 | 191 |
| 2020 | 198 |
| 2021 | 89 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 68 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 5 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Tires
2 of 5 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing temporary/emergency spare tire and sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
U.S. Royal, steel belted radial 195R75-14 tire sidewall failed causing blow out.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-05
Visibility
1 of 5 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.
Electrical system
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
While vehicle was parked it caught on fire under the hood. Owner had driven vehcle for about (20) minutes before fire happened. Fire department believed fire was electrical or caused by overheating. The vehicle has been totalled.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-06-06
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1981-03-09Suspension81V025000 The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.
Remedy: Both rear control arm attachment bolts will be replaced without charge.
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1981-03-13Visibility81V022000 The electro-clear rear window defoggers contain a defect which causes the glass to shatter without impact during or some time after use of the defogger. Vertical electrical strips may deteriorate…
Remedy: Vehicles will be inspected for presence of a particular weatherstrip. If present, a layer of a special conductive epoxy will be added to the vertical bar on the rear window glass. This epoxy is a…
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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.
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1984-12-28Power train84V149000 Rear axle assembly may have axles that were improperly manufactured. This condition may result in separation of the axle shaft and wheel assembly from the vehicle.
Remedy: The dealer will inspect the rear axle to determine whether it was manufactured at the buffalo plant. If so, they will make axle measurements and if necessary replace or modify affected axle…
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1985-11-27Engineering analysisClosed 1988-11-28 Brake backing plate
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2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 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.…
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.
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Date not on fileService brakes, hydraulic85V048000 Excessive enlargement of the wheel cylinder pilot hole in the rear brake backing plate could allow the wheel cylinder to rotate and cause loss of brake fluid.
Remedy: Add a part to prevent wheel cylinder from rotating.
Buy-smart checklist
1980 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 85V048000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 81V025000 · Suspension
- Recall 81V022000 · Visibility
- Recall 83V077000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 84V149000 · Power train
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1980 Chevrolet Malibu 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 1980 Chevrolet Malibu?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1980 Chevrolet Malibu have?
- 6 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.