Chevrolet Citation problems
The Chevrolet Citation is a range of compact cars that was produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. The first Chevrolet sold with front-wheel drive, a single generation of the Citation was sold from the 1980 to 1985 model years. The successor of the Chevrolet Nova, the Citation was initially slotted between the Chevrolet Monza and the Chevrolet Malibu in the Chevrolet product line, later replaced by the Chevrolet Cavalier and the Chevrolet Celebrity.
The Citation was built on the second-generation compact GM X-platform. For 1980, GM had significantly revised its design, adopting a front-wheel drive layout and significantly decreasing it in size; while directly replacing the Nova, the all-new Citation bore an exterior footprint sized between the subcompact Chevrolet Monza and Chevrolet Vega. Sold alongside the Pontiac Phoenix, Buick Skylark, and Oldsmobile Omega, the Citation was offered in three body styles, including three-door and five-door hatchbacks and a two-door notchback coupe. The 2-door coupe style was similar to but had a distinctive roofline from the Phoenix, Skylark, and Omega, while the 3-door hatchback was exclusive to the Citation. The 5-door hatchback style was shared with the Phoenix, while a 4-door sedan style was offered only on the Skylark and Omega. Alongside a standard trim level, Chevrolet offered the Citation X-11, offering performance-oriented upgrades.
The Chevrolet Citation was assembled in the United States and Mexico alongside the Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Omega, and Pontiac Phoenix by North Tarrytown Assembly (North Tarrytown, New York), Oklahoma City Assembly (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), and Ramos Arizpe Assembly (Ramos Arizpe, Mexico). Following the 1985 model year, the Citation was discontinued by Chevrolet and its compact model range was replaced by the Chevrolet Beretta two-door coupe and Chevrolet Corsica four-door sedan/five-door hatchback. In total, Chevrolet manufactured 1,642,587 examples of the model line during its production run.
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Chevrolet Citation model years
Common Chevrolet Citation problems
The Chevrolet Citation, produced from 1980 to 1985, has been criticized for a number of problems that have contributed to its poor reputation. Here are some of the most common issues based on complaints from owners:
- Handling characteristics: The Citation was also criticized for its poor handling, which was considered dangerous. Under heavy braking, the lightly loaded rear end of the Citation was prone to break traction, causing a loss of control.
- Fires: The Citation had a tendency to catch fire, leading to a recall of 225,000 cars in 1980 to fix a transmission hose that tended to spill its contents all over red-hot metal.
- Power steering issues: The Citation suffered from power steering problems, which added to the car's handling issues.
- Engine problems: The 1984 Chevrolet Citation has the most overall complaints, and it is rated as the worst model year, with engine problems being the most reported issue. The most-reported problem is that the car loses power and miss-fires at 65 mph.
- Poor quality: The Citation was almost immediately derided for its poor quality, with panels that loved to rust, dangerous handling characteristics, and how it would occasionally catch fire.
- Loss of consumer confidence: The Citation's problems led to a considerable loss in consumer confidence, with sales halving in 1981 and more than halving again in 1982. Each year from 1983 through 1985, Citation sales couldn't manage 100,000 units.
- Recall: The Citation was among the most recalled vehicles ever made, with over 225,000 cars recalled in 1980 to fix a transmission hose related to underhood fires.
In summary, the Chevrolet Citation was plagued with a range of problems, including rust, handling issues, fires, power steering problems, engine issues, poor quality, and a loss of consumer confidence. These issues led to a considerable loss in consumer confidence and a significant number of recalls, contributing to the car's poor reputation.
Was the Chevrolet Citation a good car?
Reception. The Chevrolet Citation was awarded Motor Trend Car of the Year for 1980.
Why was the Chevy Citation discontinued?
It was discontinued in '81 but returned in '82. Criticisms and recalls of the Citation arose as a result of poor build quality, mechanical reliability issues, rear wheel lockup tendencies under hard braking, and palpable torque-steer. Our subject car claims 57K miles and shows amazingly well.
What is the most common problem with Chevy?
Brake system problems, including squealing brakes, soft brake pedals, or brake fluid leaks, are common in Chevrolet vehicles. It's important to keep a close eye on your brakes to ensure they're functioning properly.
How many Chevy citations were made?
But Citation production at the Oklahoma City plant continued, joined by Chevrolet Celebrity and Buick Century vehicles. Production of the Citation ended in 1985 with sales over its lifespan totaling 1,642,587 vehicles.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Citation years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Citation cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Chevrolet Citation model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Citation model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Citation years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Citation car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Citation , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Visibility problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Citation vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Citation model years
A total of 3 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Citation model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Citation model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Citation . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Citation vehicles.
List of Chevrolet Citation complaints
Chevrolet Citation 1984
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2005-12-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: LTR RE DEFECTIVE 1984 CHEVROLET CITATION, REQUESTING A DEFECT INVESTIGATION, REPLY ATTN. JOSEPH BACIGALUPI/SAN FRANCISCO OFC. *TS THE COMPLAINANT WAS THE PASSENGER ON A MOTORCYCLE WHICH WAS HIT BY A 1984 CHEVROLET CITATION. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS HIT WHEN THE CHEVROLET CITATION STALLED WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. THE CHEVROLET CITATION WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 85V-034 TO PREVENT IT FROM STALLING. THE COMPLAINANTS IS CONCERNED THAT NHTSA CONCLUDED THAT NO INCIDENTS OCCURRED BEFORE AUG. 1984 WHEN IN FACT THE ACCIDENT HE WAS INVOLVED IN INDEED OCCURRED BEFORE 1984. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER IF THE MOTORCYCLE DIED. THE PASSENGER ON THE MOTORCYCLE SUFFERED BRAIN DAMAGE AND BROKEN AND CRUSHED BONES. *NM
Chevrolet Citation 1984
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-27
- Date Complaint: 2005-01-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS A PASSENGER ON MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING THE MOTORCYCLE ON FREEWAY A VEHICLE SUDDENLY PULLED INTO TRAFFIC CRASHING WITH THE MOTORCYCLE. THE CAUSE WAS UNDETERMINED. *AK
Chevrolet Citation 1984
- Date Of Incident: 1984-05-19
- Date Complaint: 2005-01-05
- Number Of Deaths: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURNS VEHICLE ACCELERATED THEN STALLED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A MOTORCYCLE. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER OF THE MOTORCYCLE DIED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
Chevrolet Citation 1981
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-07-15
- VIN: 1G1AX6851B6
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH ONLY WORKS WHEN TURNED BY USING WASHER DIRECTION INSTEAD OF TURNING ON VIEW ON SWITCH.*AK
Chevrolet Citation 1980
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-08-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES GRAB WHEN PAVEMENT IS DAMP CAUSING VEHICLE TO SWING INTO OTHER LANES OF TRAFFIC. MJS
Chevrolet Citation 1980
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-08-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS
Chevrolet Citation 1980
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-08-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COOLING FAN CONTINUES TO RUN WHEN ENGINE IS NOT. MJS
Chevrolet Citation 1980
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-08-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: KNOB CENTER ON SHIFTER POPPED OUT, REPLACED PREVIOUSLY. MJS
Chevrolet Citation 1980
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-08-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VALVE COVER FAILED CAUSING LEAKAGE. MJS
Chevrolet Citation 1980
- Date Of Incident: 1980-10-21
- Date Complaint: 1999-08-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING LEAKING. MJS
Chevrolet Citation 1980
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-08-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WHEN CIRCUIT BOARD OVERHEATS. MJS
Chevrolet Citation 1984
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-07-01
- VIN: IGIAX68RIET
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE FUEL SYSTEM IS THE PROBLEM AND IT GASPS AND DOES NOT WANT TO GO WHEN YOU ACCELERATE. *AK
Chevrolet Citation 1984
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-10
- Date Complaint: 1999-06-30
- VIN: 1G1AX68R9EW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE TO THE MAP SENSOR & THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING, PROBLEM STILL EXIST DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *YC
Chevrolet Citation 1984
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-09
- Date Complaint: 1999-01-15
- VIN: 1G1AX08X3ET
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I HAVE PUT SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS IN THIS CAR TO MAKE IT SAFE AND KEEP IT RUNNING, HOWEVER MY MECHANIC IS WAS CONFUSED WHY THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT RUN. I FOUND OUT THAT THE DEFECT IN IN THE CARB. AND THAT THE DECELERATION VALVE IS STUCK CLOSED. THE COST WILL BE TO REBUILD IS $425.00. I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT ANOTHER CAR WITH WHAT I HAVE INVESTED HOWEVER BY THE TIME THIS DEFECT WAS DISCOVERED I WAS ALREADY IN SO IN DEBT TO THE CAR I CAN'T TURN BACK AND DON'T HAVE ANOTHER $425.00 TO PUT OUT.
Chevrolet Citation 1981
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-15
- Date Complaint: 1998-10-13
- VIN: TG4AX6856B6
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN WARMING UP THE VEHICLE AND PULLING OFF THERE IS NO POWER STEERING . THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. ALSO, THERE IS A LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. COMSUMER STATES THAT SHE HAS TO DRIVE VERY SLOW WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. *AK
Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet Citation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 13 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Citation.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Chevrolet Citation 1984
- Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Model: Chevrolet Citation 1984
- Report Received Date: 1985-03-29
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THE FUEL SYSTEM MAY LEAK AT THE THROTTLE BODY INJECTION FUEL FEED PIPE CONNECTION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE WHICH COULD SPREAD TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND CAUSE BURN INJURIES TO OCCUPANTS.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL FEED PIPE.
- Model: Chevrolet Citation 1980
- Report Received Date: 1983-02-24
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
- Summary: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE PREMATURE REAR WHEEL SKID DURING BRAKING. REAR WHEEL SKIDDING IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR ON A WET OR SLICK SURFACE.
- Remedy: DEPENDING ON THE TRANSMISSION TYPE AND THE BRAKE COMPONENTS THAT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED, DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE OR REPAIR, AS NECESSARY, CERTAIN FRONT BRAKE COMPONENTS, AND THE PARKING BRAKE CABLES. THE REAR BRAKE SHOES AND LININGS WILL BE REPLACED WITH PARTS THAT USE A MATERIAL WHICH GREATLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF REAR WHEEL SKID. ACTIONS TAKEN TO THE FRONT BRAKES ARE TO ENSURE UNIFORMITY OF THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM. ACTIONS TAKEN TO THE PARKING BRAKE COMPONENTS WILL ENSURE THAT THE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS, FOR KEEPING THE VEHICLE STATIONARY WHILE MANUAL TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED UNITS ARE IN NEUTRAL AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED UNITS ARE IN PARK, ARE MET.
- Model: Chevrolet Citation 1980
- Report Received Date: 1981-08-10
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
- Summary: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE REAR BRAKES COULD LOCK UP WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING DURING HIGH DECELERATION BRAKING. THE PROBLEM MAY BE CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE PROPORTIONER VALVES IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE SYSTEM PROPORTIONER VALVES AND IF NECESSARY INSTALL NEW VALVES.
- Model: Chevrolet Citation 1981
- Report Received Date: 1981-03-24
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
- Summary: THE ENGINE-TO-BODY GROUND CABLE ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING MANUFACTURE. THE CABLE COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK DUE TO THE RELATIVE MOTION BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND BODY DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.
- Remedy: A NEW GROUND CABLE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Citation?
