1981 Chevrolet Suburban
Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1981
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1981: 1 complaint
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 30 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 54 |
| 1991 | 52 |
| 1992 | 189 |
| 1993 | 500 |
| 1994 | 876 |
| 1995 | 457 |
| 1996 | 360 |
| 1997 | 414 |
| 1998 | 201 |
| 1999 | 634 |
| 2000 | 282 |
| 2001 | 440 |
| 2002 | 286 |
| 2003 | 301 |
| 2004 | 204 |
| 2005 | 129 |
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2007 | 292 |
| 2008 | 213 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 117 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 101 |
| 2013 | 118 |
| 2014 | 59 |
| 2015 | 431 |
| 2016 | 219 |
| 2017 | 142 |
| 2018 | 84 |
| 2019 | 77 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 202 |
| 2022 | 121 |
| 2023 | 129 |
| 2024 | 45 |
Known problem areas
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Tires
1 of 1 total report mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving at 60 MPH consumer felt the vehicle shaking severely. Consumer pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and inspected it. After driving several more miles down the road the shaking began again.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-06-17
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1980-11-17Service brakes, hydraulic80V150000 The involved vehicles may have been assembled without the retainer clip for the brake pedal push rod. The absence of this retainer clip could allow the brake pedal to disengage from the master…
Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, install the retainer clip on all suspect vehicles without charge.
Buy-smart checklist
1981 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 80V150000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1981 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Suburban?
- The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1981 Chevrolet Suburban have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.