- The problem
- The carburetor fuel plug may come out and fuel could leak from the carburetor.
- The fix
- The dealer will install a retaining clip on the carburetor inlet plug to prevent it from dislodging, at no charge to owner.
Vehicle safety record
1981 Chevrolet Chevette Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (2) and the fuel system (1). Those complaints describe 2 crashes and 2 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in March 1983 for the carburetor system. For comparison, the 1980 has 1 and the 1982 has 4.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Chevette year, for its age
#2 most complained-about 1981 vehicle
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1981 Chevrolet Chevette problems
Share of all 5 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1981 Chevrolet Chevette recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- The carburetor fuel inlet housing plug in the side of the carburetor may come out.
- The fix
- The dealer will install a retaining clip on the carburetor inlet plug to prevent fuel leakage, without charge.
- The problem
- On certain vehicles, the seat belt retractors in the rear seating positions contain first lock positions which will not lock when used by smaller passengers. This fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "Occupant crash protection".
- The fix
- All owners will be sent a pre-paid postage card that is to be filled out and sent back. The card will indicate whether the seat belts are functioning properly. If dealer inspects seat belts, the seat belt retractors will be replaced, if necessary, without charge.
What owners say
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5 complaints about the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Consumer wants any information regarding the sensitivity of the gas tank in the 1981 chevette during crashes. *Ts *nm
TIMING BELT FAILED.
The automatic transmission shift lever mechanism is worn out, causing difficuly shifting into park/ reverse.
Defective seatbelt and brakes, upon hitting the brick house the passenager was ejected into the windshield.
Seat belt failed to restrain passenger in accident caused by brake failure.
Chevrolet Chevette: every year compared
All Chevette years1981 Chevrolet Chevette vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Chevrolet Chevette | 5 | 3 | F | |
| 1981 Chevrolet C10 | 4 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 1981 Chevrolet C Series(light) | 2 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1981 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck | 2 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1981 Chevrolet Blazer | 1 | 3 | A | Compare |
| 1981 Chevrolet C20 | 1 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1981 Chevrolet Camaro | 1 | 2 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette
Does the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette: carburetor system (March 1983); carburetor system (November 1982); retractor (May 1981). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (2), fuel system (1), transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many complaints has the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette had?
5 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 2, 1996 and the latest on November 9, 2005. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 21 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Chevrolet Chevette year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Chevrolet Chevette years have the most complaints?
1981 (5), 1982 (4), 1980 (1). See every Chevrolet Chevette year compared.
What should I do if my 1981 Chevrolet Chevette has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data