1980 Chevrolet Malibu recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
6 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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…
What could happen: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: 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.
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 1980 MALIBU.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07E088000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-890-2075.
- 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: EQUIPMENT
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.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
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 1980 MALIBU.
- 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.
3. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AXLES THAT WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY FROM THE VEHICLE.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER IT WAS MANUFACTURED AT THE BUFFALO PLANT. IF SO, THEY WILL MAKE AXLE MEASUREMENTS AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE OR MODIFY AFFECTED AXLE COMPONENTS WITHOUT CHARGE.
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 1980 MALIBU.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V149000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Summary: REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AXLES THAT WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY FROM THE VEHICLE.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER IT WAS MANUFACTURED AT THE BUFFALO PLANT. IF SO, THEY WILL MAKE AXLE MEASUREMENTS AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE OR MODIFY AFFECTED AXLE COMPONENTS WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; REAR AXLE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY COULD LEAD TO LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
4. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: BOTH REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
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 1980 MALIBU.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 81V025000.
- 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: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: BOTH REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BOLTS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE FRACTURE OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION,IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
5. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. THE ELECTRO-CLEAR REAR WINDOW DEFOGGERS CONTAIN A DEFECT WHICH CAUSES THE GLASS TO SHATTER WITHOUT IMPACT DURING OR SOME TIME AFTER USE OF THE DEFOGGER. VERTICAL ELECTRICAL STRIPS MAY DETERIORATE AND CAUSE HOT SPOTS THAT CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE REAR GLASS.
What could happen:
The fix: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED FOR PRESENCE OF A PARTICULAR WEATHERSTRIP. IF PRESENT, A LAYER OF A SPECIAL CONDUCTIVE EPOXY WILL BE ADDED TO THE VERTICAL BAR ON THE REAR WINDOW GLASS. THIS EPOXY IS A NEW CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL WHICH WILL NOT REACT WITH THE WEATHERSTRIP.
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 1980 MALIBU.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 81V022000.
- 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: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Summary: THE ELECTRO-CLEAR REAR WINDOW DEFOGGERS CONTAIN A DEFECT WHICH CAUSES THE GLASS TO SHATTER WITHOUT IMPACT DURING OR SOME TIME AFTER USE OF THE DEFOGGER. VERTICAL ELECTRICAL STRIPS MAY DETERIORATE AND CAUSE HOT SPOTS THAT CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE REAR GLASS.
Consequence:
Remedy: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED FOR PRESENCE OF A PARTICULAR WEATHERSTRIP. IF PRESENT, A LAYER OF A SPECIAL CONDUCTIVE EPOXY WILL BE ADDED TO THE VERTICAL BAR ON THE REAR WINDOW GLASS. THIS EPOXY IS A NEW CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL WHICH WILL NOT REACT WITH THE WEATHERSTRIP.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRO-CLEAR REAR WINDOWDEFOGGERS.SYSTEM: DEFOGGER; REAR WINDOW.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: DRIVER DISTRACTION FROM THE EXPLOSION COULD RESULT IN AVEHICLE ACCIDENT. BROKEN OR HOT GLASS COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY TO VEHICLEPASSENGERS, OTHER DRIVERS, AND NEARBY PEDESTRIANS.NOTE: OWNERS ARE ADVISED NOT TO USE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER UNTIL VEHICLE ISINSPECTED.
6. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. EXCESSIVE ENLARGEMENT OF THE WHEEL CYLINDER PILOT HOLE IN THE REAR BRAKE BACKING PLATE COULD ALLOW THE WHEEL CYLINDER TO ROTATE AND CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID LEADS TO LOSS OF REAR BRAKE ACTION, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT. FRONT BRAKES WOULD REMAIN OPERATIONAL.
What could happen:
The fix: ADD A PART TO PREVENT WHEEL CYLINDER FROM ROTATING.
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 1980 MALIBU.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 85V048000.
- 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:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
Summary: EXCESSIVE ENLARGEMENT OF THE WHEEL CYLINDER PILOT HOLE IN THE REAR BRAKE BACKING PLATE COULD ALLOW THE WHEEL CYLINDER TO ROTATE AND CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID LEADS TO LOSS OF REAR BRAKE ACTION, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT. FRONT BRAKES WOULD REMAIN OPERATIONAL.
Consequence:
Remedy: ADD A PART TO PREVENT WHEEL CYLINDER FROM ROTATING.
Notes: NOTE: OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 1985 AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 30, 1985. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MIDSIZE PASSENGER CARS AND SMALL TRUCKS. SYSTEM: REAR BRAKES.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1980 Chevrolet Malibu owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Wheels / tires (2), Visibility (wipers / glass) (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 (6)
07/20/1999 · Fuel system
GAS TANK IS 10 INCHES FROM REAR BUMPER.CONTACTED MANUFACTURER. *AK
08/26/1998 · Wheels / tires
U.S. ROYAL, STEEL BELTED RADIAL 195R75-14 TIRE SIDEWALL FAILED CAUSING BLOW OUT.
08/26/1998 · Wheels / tires
SPARE TIRE ON VEHICLE CAUSED POOR CONTROL RESULTING IN VEHICLE COLLISION.
08/26/1998 · Fuel system
FUEL PROPANE TANK HAD HOLE.
08/26/1998 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
DESIGN MATERIAL OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY FAILED (APOXY BONDING).
06/06/1997 · Electrical system · fire
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. OWNER HAD DRIVEN VEHCLE FOR ABOUT (20) MINUTES BEFORE FIRE HAPPENED. FIRE DEPARTMENT BELIEVED FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL OR CAUSED BY OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOTALLED. *AK