VehicleVerdict

1979 Chevrolet G20 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1979 Chevrolet G20 — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1979 compare to other G20 years?

G20 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1979 highlighted114 complaints1971: 1 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 3 complaints1985: 6 complaints1986: 5 complaints1987: 10 complaints1988: 11 complaints1989: 7 complaints1990: 18 complaints1991: 5 complaints1992: 29 complaints1993: 68 complaints1994: 53 complaints1995: 114 complaints1996: 9 complaints1997: 7 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 3 complaints
G20 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1979 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all G20 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1979 Chevrolet G20 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1100%

Does the 1979 Chevrolet G20 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E088000OtherOctober 24, 2007 · 121,680 units

Defect

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

90V137000Seat BeltsJuly 18, 1990 · 13,637 units

Consequence

OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED IN EVENT OFAN ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN STOP.

Remedy

INSTALL PROPER MOUNTING HARDWARE AND SEAT BELTS.

79V142000LightingJune 6, 1979 · 15,328 units

Defect

ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WHICH IS OPERATED BY THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT LUBRICANT ON THE ACTUATING PLUNGER. THIS CAN CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE STOPLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND THE CRUISE CONTROL, IF ACTIVATED, TO STAY ELECTRICALLY ENGAGED.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AT NO COST TO OWNER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1979 CHEVROLET G-20. WHILE HIS VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY WITH THE IGNITION ON, HE NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. HE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE HOOD BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY HOT AND FLAMES BEGAN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 1, 2010 · fire

1979 Chevrolet G20 — common questions

Is the 1979 Chevrolet G20 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1979 Chevrolet G20 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Chevrolet G20. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet G20 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the G20 years to avoid are 1995, 1993, 1994. The cleanest record among G20 years belongs to 1981.

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.