Defect
THE CARBURETOR FUEL PLUG MAY COME OUT AND FUEL COULD LEAK FROM THE CARBURETOR.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP ON THE CARBURETOR INLET PLUG TO PREVENT IT FROM DISLODGING, AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
1981 Chevrolet Chevette problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
6
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
7
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1981 compare to other Chevette years?
What are the most common 1981 Chevrolet Chevette problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 2 | 33% | new |
| Brakes | 1 | 17% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 17% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 17% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 17% | new |
Does the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette have recalls?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE CARBURETOR FUEL INLET HOUSING PLUG IN THE SIDE OF THE CARBURETOR MAY COME OUT.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP ON THE CARBURETOR INLET PLUG TO PREVENT FUEL LEAKAGE, WITHOUT CHARGE.
Defect
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".
Remedy
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.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER WANTS ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE SENSITIVITY OF THE GAS TANK IN THE 1981 CHEVETTE DURING CRASHES. *TS *NM”
1981 Chevrolet Chevette — common questions
Is the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette reliable?
The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1981 Chevrolet Chevette under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 7 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.