1981 Chevrolet Malibu
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Malibu › 1981
These records cover every 1981 Chevrolet Malibu. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1981 Chevrolet Malibu. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
Dealer will install a special cotter pin, to retain the accelerator pump pin, and a spring clip thrust washer on the accelerator pump link.
The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
Both rear control arm attachment bolts will be replaced without charge.
Owner complaints
3 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum
Major rear brake failure due to backing plate corrosion. Due to age of car repairs were not completed at a dealership. I have since found gm service campaigns 5A09, 6a16a,6a16 that state this IS a covered repair regardless of vechicle age or mileage. I contacted gm customer assistance (case…
Major rear brake failure due to backing plate corrosion. Due to age of car repairs were not completed at a dealership. I have since found gm service campaigns 5A09, 6a16a,6a16 that state this IS a covered repair regardless of vechicle age or mileage. I contacted gm customer assistance (case c06066881) and they claimed that no campaign exists for this vechicle. I have access to gm service operations campaigns and copies of the campaigns. I feel I should be compensated for this repair since it was rather expensive. I also have a receipt for repairs completed.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Fuel tank IS located near the rear bumper. if involved in a crash, the impact could cause fuel tank to explode, and cause injuries. please provide further information. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
While driving 60 mph, applied brakes, pedal went to floor; pumped pedal, pedal would not come up; turned off ignition; coasted to a stop. tt
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Brake backing plate
Summary:gm IS conducting a voluntary recall campaign (85v-048)involving 2,136,826 vehicles. The recall IS limited to vehicles built atcertain assembly plants which, according to gm, overtorqued the brakepipe nut,thereby overstressing the wheel cylinder support area of thebacking plate.analysis:front brakes provide…
Summary:gm IS conducting a voluntary recall campaign (85v-048)involving 2,136,826 vehicles. The recall IS limited to vehicles built atcertain assembly plants which, according to gm, overtorqued the brakepipe nut,thereby overstressing the wheel cylinder support area of thebacking plate.analysis:front brakes provide sufficient braking for passenger carsin most non-emergency situations. All affected trucks are included inthe current recall.in most cases the problem IS discovered during brakemaintenance.the recall appears to cover those groups of cars with thehighest failure rates.status:analyzing gm ir response and new complaint data. Draft closingreport by 5/15/88.===
Every Chevrolet Malibu model year
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