Skip to content
AnyRecalls

1981 Chevrolet Malibu recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1981 Chevrolet Malibu. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Chevrolet been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Chevrolet dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

1981 Chevrolet Malibu recalls, newest first

October 24, 2007NHTSA 07E088000121,680 vehicles potentially affected

Equipment

  • Aftermarket equipment: applies only if this part was installed
Summary
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

August 19, 1983NHTSA 83V07700019,108 vehicles potentially affected

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.
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

February 25, 1981NHTSA 81V0250005,821,160 vehicles potentially affected

Suspension › Rear

Summary
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.
Remedy
Both rear control arm attachment bolts will be replaced without charge.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1981 Chevrolet Malibu with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0

Most complained-about components

  1. Service brakes2
  2. Fuel system1
  3. Gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly1
  4. Hydraulic › Foundation components1
  5. Hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum1

Other Chevrolet Malibu years

Other 1981 Chevrolet models

Questions

Does the 1981 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: equipment, vehicle speed control, suspension. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1981 Chevrolet Malibu recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Chevrolet dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1981 Chevrolet Malibu?
3 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.