- The problem
- 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.
- The fix
- Dealer will install a special cotter pin, to retain the accelerator pump pin, and a spring clip thrust washer on the accelerator pump link.
Vehicle safety record
1981 Chevrolet Impala Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1981 Chevrolet Impala have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in August 1983 for the cables.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Impala year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1981 Chevrolet Impala recalls 2
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 involved vehicles may have been assembled with a brake pedal support bracket which was designed for use in diesel engine vehicles. The incorrect bracket may cause the service brakes to remain partially applied, resulting in brake overheating and reduced braking effectiveness.
- The fix
- Dealer will inspect vehicles and, if necessary, replace the pedal support bracket at no charge to owner.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1981 Chevrolet Impala yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Chevrolet Impala: every year compared
All Impala years1981 Chevrolet Impala vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Chevrolet Impala | 0 | 2 | C | |
| 1981 Chevrolet Chevette | 5 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 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 Impala
Does the 1981 Chevrolet Impala have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1981 Chevrolet Impala: cables (August 1983); pedals and linkages (September 1980). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1981 Chevrolet Impala had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1981 Chevrolet Impala a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 58 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Chevrolet Impala 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 Impala years have the most complaints?
1966 (3), 1969 (2), 1958 (1). See every Chevrolet Impala year compared.
What should I do if my 1981 Chevrolet Impala 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