1981 Chevrolet Impala recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH A BRAKE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET WHICH WAS DESIGNED FOR USE IN DIESEL ENGINE VEHICLES. THE INCORRECT BRACKET MAY CAUSE THE SERVICE BRAKES TO REMAIN PARTIALLY APPLIED, RESULTING IN BRAKE OVERHEATING AND REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1981 IMPALA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 80V125000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH A BRAKE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET WHICH WAS DESIGNED FOR USE IN DIESEL ENGINE VEHICLES. THE INCORRECT BRACKET MAY CAUSE THE SERVICE BRAKES TO REMAIN PARTIALLY APPLIED, RESULTING IN BRAKE OVERHEATING AND REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; BRAKE PEDAL, SUPPORT BRACKET.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS DEFECT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, ESPECIALLY INSITUATIONS WHICH REQUIRE A MINIMUM VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.
2. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL COTTER PIN, TO RETAIN THE ACCELERATOR PUMP PIN, AND A SPRING CLIP THRUST WASHER ON THE ACCELERATOR PUMP LINK.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1981 IMPALA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 83V077000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Summary: 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.
Consequence:
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.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CLOSED LOOP QUADRAJETCARBURETORS AND POLICE CAR PACKAGES.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; ACCELERATOR PUMP LEVER RETAINING PIN.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: VEHICLE SPEED WOULD NOT DECREASE EVEN AFTER THEACCELERATOR PEDAL IS NO LONGER DEPRESSED. LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL WITHOUTPRIOR WARNING COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.NOTE: IF THE FAILURE OCCURS BEFORE CORRECTIVE SERVICE CAN BE PERFORMED, DRIVERSHOULD SHIFT TO NEUTRAL GEAR AND APPLY BRAKES AS NECESSARY. VEHICLE SHOULD BEPULLED OUT OF TRAFFIC AND THE IGNITION SHOULD BE TURNED OFF AFTER A COMPLETESTOP.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1981 Chevrolet Impala owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (1), Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
09/17/1997 · Engine · fire
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.(OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT)
01/10/1995 · Electrical system · fire
AFTER SITTING IN PARKING LOT FOR (2) HOURS VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE, FIRE BROKE OUT AROUND STARTER. TT