1981 Chevrolet Malibu
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1981
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1981: 3 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 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
2 of 3 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Fuel tank is located near the rear bumper. If involved in a crash, the impact could cause fuel tank to explode, and cause injuries. Please provide further information.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-07-12
Safety timeline
3 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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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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I
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1981 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 81V025000 · Suspension
- Recall 83V077000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1981 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 1981 Chevrolet Malibu?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1981 Chevrolet Malibu have?
- 3 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.