1981 GMC C20 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1981 GMC C20 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1981 compare to other C20 years?

C20 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1981 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C20 years to avoid →

Does the 1981 GMC C20 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

81V148000BrakesDecember 14, 1981 · 17 units

Defect

THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID USED IN CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE BRAKE FLUID BOILING POINT REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 116, "MOTOR VEHICLE BRAKE FLUIDS". BRAKING EFFICIENCY MAY BE REDUCED AND VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASED, ESPECIALLY WHEN HARD OR FREQUENT BRAKING RAISES BRAKE FLUID TEMPERATURE.

Remedy

SUSPECT HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID WILL BE BLED FROM THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND REPLACED WITH GM DELCO SUPREME NO. 11 OR AN EQUIVALENT, WITHOUT CHARGE.

1981 GMC C20 — common questions

Is the 1981 GMC C20 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1981 GMC C20 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1981 GMC C20. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1981 compare to other C20 years?

Does the 1981 GMC C20 have recalls?

1981 GMC C20 — common questions

Is the 1981 GMC C20 reliable?

Does the 1981 GMC C20 have recalls?

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