1981 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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Common 1981 Chevrolet Citation problems
The Chevrolet Citation, introduced in 1980, was a front-wheel-drive compact car that was initially a success for General Motors. However, it quickly gained a reputation for various problems, leading to a bad reputation and a lawsuit from the NHTSA.
One of the major issues with the Citation was rust, which affected not only the body but also the fuel tank. This was a significant problem, as purchasing a brand-new car only to have it begin rusting almost immediately once it was out of the showroom became a massive issue for many owners.
Another issue was the engine, specifically the 2.5-liter "Iron Duke" inline-four-cylinder engine, which was described as a reliable but crude powerplant, something more akin to a pea thrasher. This engine was known for being rough and underpowered, which led to unsatisfactory performance.
The Citation's interior was also criticized for being plain and austere, with a very basic instrument panel that only included a fuel gauge and a dinky 85 MPH speedometer. This made it difficult for drivers to accurately monitor their speed, which could lead to unsafe driving conditions.
The car's reliability and build-quality record were also significant issues, with the Citation suffering from very public reliability problems from day one.
In conclusion, the Chevrolet Citation was a car that suffered from numerous problems, including rust, underpowered and rough engines, plain interiors, and poor reliability and build quality. These issues led to a bad reputation for the car and a lawsuit from the NHTSA, which ultimately resulted in the car being withdrawn from the market by 1985.
Is a Chevy Citation a good car?
Reception. The Chevrolet Citation was awarded Motor Trend Car of the Year for 1980. In 2009, the editorial staff of Car and Driver criticized the 1980 Motor Trend decision (alongside several other vehicle awards), citing poor build quality and mechanical reliability undeserving of such an award in hindsight.
How much horsepower does a Chevy citation have?
Equipped with a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine, generating 90 horsepower, or a 2.8-liter V6 engine, able to produce 115 horsepower, either engine was operated by a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission.
What was the gas mileage on a 1980 Chevy citation?
engine and transmission, Citation has an EPA estimated 24mpg (city), 38 highway. California EPA estimated figures not available at time of printing. Check dealer for that information. REMEMBER: Compare this estimate to the estimated MPG of other cars.
What was the first Chevy to have front-wheel drive?
1980 Chevrolet Citation
The 1980 Chevrolet Citation, the brand's first front-wheel-drive car, debuts in U.S. showrooms on April 19, 1979, several months after production begins in Willow Run, Mich., ushering in an era of lighter, more spacious and fuel-efficient General Motors cars.
Is a Chevy Citation a good car?
Reception. The Chevrolet Citation was awarded Motor Trend Car of the Year for 1980. In 2009, the editorial staff of Car and Driver criticized the 1980 Motor Trend decision (alongside several other vehicle awards), citing poor build quality and mechanical reliability undeserving of such an award in hindsight.
What is the most common problem with Chevy?
Brake System Issues
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 much horsepower does a Chevy citation have?
Equipped with a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine, generating 90 horsepower, or a 2.8-liter V6 engine, able to produce 115 horsepower, either engine was operated by a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission.
What was the gas mileage on a 1980 Chevy citation?
engine and transmission, Citation has an EPA estimated 24mpg (city), 38 highway. California EPA estimated figures not available at time of printing. Check dealer for that information. REMEMBER: Compare this estimate to the estimated MPG of other cars.
1981 Chevrolet Citation car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Citation problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Visibility problems
- Suspension problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Chevrolet Citation vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Chevrolet Citation complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Chevrolet Citation.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1AX6851B6
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH ONLY WORKS WHEN TURNED BY USING WASHER DIRECTION INSTEAD OF TURNING ON VIEW ON SWITCH.*AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-15
- 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-15
- VIN: 1G1AX68X0BT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FLYWHEEL FAILED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-03
- VIN: 1G1AX68X0BT
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING LINE FAILED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-28
- VIN: 1G1AX68X0BT
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT STRUT PLATE FAILED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-28
- VIN: 1G1AX68X0BT
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FRONT TIRES REPLACED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
- VIN: 1G1AX68X0BT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR BELT REPLACED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-22
- VIN: 1G1AX68X0BT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-15
- VIN: 1G1AX68X0BT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH FAILED.
1981 Chevrolet Citation recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1981 Chevrolet Citation.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH THE POWER STEERING HOSE INCORRECTLY ROUTED. THE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY THEN CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN DETERIORATION AND EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE HOSE AND LEAKAGE OF POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HOSES AND INLET PIPE AND ADD A CLIP AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Other years of Chevrolet Citation
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