Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 1981 Chevrolet Citation — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
10
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
4
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 30% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 10% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 10% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 10% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 10% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE ENGINE-TO-BODY GROUND CABLE ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING MANUFACTURE. THE CABLE COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK DUE TO THE RELATIVE MOTION BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND BODY DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
Remedy
A NEW GROUND CABLE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH THE POWER STEERING HOSE INCORRECTLY ROUTED. THE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY THEN CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN DETERIORATION AND EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE HOSE AND LEAKAGE OF POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HOSES AND INLET PIPE AND ADD A CLIP AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHEN WARMING UP THE VEHICLE AND PULLING OFF THERE IS NO POWER STEERING . THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. ALSO, THERE IS A LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. COMSUMER STATES THAT SHE HAS TO DRIVE VERY SLOW WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT THERE IS NO…”
“WHEN WARMING UP THE VEHICLE AND PULLING OFF THERE IS NO POWER STEERING . THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. ALSO, THERE IS A LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. COMSUMER STATES THAT SHE HAS TO DRIVE VERY SLOW WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT THERE IS NO…”
The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (3 complaints), steering (2 complaints), visibility & wipers (1 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 Chevrolet Citation. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.