1981 Chevrolet Suburban recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, 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 WITHOUT THE RETAINER CLIP FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD. THE ABSENCE OF THIS RETAINER CLIP COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE FROM THE MASTER CYCLINDER PUSH ROD.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE RETAINER CLIP ON ALL SUSPECT VEHICLES 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 1981 SUBURBAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 80V150000.
- 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 WITHOUT THE RETAINER CLIP FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD. THE ABSENCE OF THIS RETAINER CLIP COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE FROM THE MASTER CYCLINDER PUSH ROD.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE RETAINER CLIP ON ALL SUSPECT VEHICLES WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD RETAINER CLIPS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ACTION. THISCONDITION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, AND COULDRESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
07/15/2004 · Wheels / tires
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH CONSUMER FELT THE VEHICLE SHAKING SEVERELY. CONSUMER PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED IT. AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL MORE MILES DOWN THE ROAD THE SHAKING BEGAN AGAIN. AFTER ANOTHER INSPECTION CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS OUT OF ROUND. *AK THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO DRIVE UNTIL THE TIRE EXPLODED.…