MYRModel Year Report

1981 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

○ Not enough data
1981 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:32:23.090Z

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 Monte Carlo Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1981 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1987: 5 complaints 1988: 3 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 1 complaints 1995: 169 complaints 1995 1996: 155 complaints 1997: 164 complaints 1998: 100 complaints 1999: 125 complaints 1999 2000: 233 complaints 2001: 276 complaints 2002: 230 complaints 2003: 158 complaints 2003 2004: 230 complaints 2005: 120 complaints 2006: 113 complaints 2007: 42 complaints 2007 2008: 2 complaints 2010: 2 complaints 2010
1981: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19822
19831
19843
19854
19866
19875
19883
19890
19900
19911
1995169
1996155
1997164
1998100
1999125
2000233
2001276
2002230
2003158
2004230
2005120
2006113
200742
20082
20102

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

SUSPENSION

1 of 2 total reports mentions: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACED AND STUD SNAPPED RESULTING IN FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990204

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 of 2 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.

Show complaint excerpts

WHEEL CYLINDER FELL APART.

NHTSA ODI report, 19981020

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19810309 — suspension

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.

Campaign 81V025000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19851127 — EA (closed 19881128)

BRAKE BACKING PLATE

R 20071108 — equipment

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 Monte Carlo — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 81V025000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2007 ▲ 1998 ● 2006

WORST YEARS

◆ 2001 ◆ 2000 ◆ 2002

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1981 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 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 Monte Carlo?

The most-reported component is suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1981 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 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.