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VIN Check Engine
VIN REPORT

1GCCW80A9BZ4136341981 CHEVROLET El Camino

9of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls · Model-Wide
3
3 campaigns (all model years)
Safety Grade
C
75/100 composite
Complaints · 1981
None
Clean record
Vehicle Age
45 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
BUYPurchase Verdict

1981 CHEVROLET El Camino was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

1981 CHEVROLET El Camino

1981 CHEVROLET El Camino was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase.

  • 3 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
9
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
1 Contributing Risk Factor
3 model-wide recalls on record
+9
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
CHEVROLET
Model
El Camino
Year
1981
Trim / Series
1/2 Ton
Body Style
Pickup
Vehicle Type
TRUCK
Drive Type
4x2
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
6-cyl 3.8L
Doors
2
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS LLC
Assembly
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (USA)
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: FREMONT, CALIFORNIA

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 FREMONT, CALIFORNIA

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

Overall Safety Grade
C
Score: 75/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety25/30
Complaint History30/30
Recall Risk Score
15/100Low

✓ No high-risk recall components found

Modern Safety Index
0/100
Basic
0 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Lemon Law Risk Indicator
Moderate
  • ⚠2 recalls on same component: Suspension/Wheels

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Recalls3

NHTSA Safety Recalls

3 RECALLS
3found
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 3 recalls is ~63%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

63%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

CHEVROLET Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
87%Fair

CHEVROLET completes recalls at a fair rate (87%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~20 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
20mo
#07E088000
Invalid Date

EQUIPMENT

SummaryCERTAIN 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceTHIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#81V036000
Invalid Date

WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER

Summary"TX" HEAVY DUTY WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH LAMINATED STEEL. THE WHEEL DISC MAY FRACTURE AND THE WHEEL AND TIRE COULD PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Read full details...
Est. Repair Completion~60%

~40% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#81V025000
Invalid Date

SUSPENSION:REAR

SummaryTHE 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.
Read full details...
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

First Recall
23/03/1981
3 total campaigns
Systems Recalled
Suspension/Wheels
Recall Remedy Breakdown
3
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
Complaints
Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$34,114
~$569/mo over 5 yrs
$0.1/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$10,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $34,114 (~$569/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

3 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$1,500
Total recommended deduction−$1,500

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 1981 CHEVROLET El Camino — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Verify recall EQUIPMENT has been repaired
Recall on record for: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER
HIGH
Verify recall WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER has been repaired
Recall on record for: "TX" HEAVY DUTY WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH LAMINATED STEEL. THE WHEEL DISC MAY FRACTURE AND THE WHEEL AND TI
HIGH
Verify recall SUSPENSION:REAR has been repaired
Recall on record for: THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE LOWER REAR CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE. THE REAR CONTROL ARM SUPPORTS AND POSITIONS
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Official CHEVROLET Maintenance Guide ↗Search Owner's Manual ↗

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
▼ 45-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History

Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

CHEVROLET has been fined $35M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Delayed ignition switch recall — 124 deaths linked to defect known since 2001.

2014$35MDelayed ignition switch recall — 124 deaths linked to defect known since 2001

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN1GCCW80A9BZ413634
Model Year1981
MakeCHEVROLET
ModelEl Camino
Series1/2 Ton
Vehicle TypeTRUCK

Body & Configuration

Body StylePickup
Doors2
Drive Type4x2
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders6
Displacement (L)3.8

Manufacturer

ManufacturerGENERAL MOTORS LLC
Assembly CityFREMONT
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)1GC
Check Digit (Char 9)9
Model Year Code (Char 10)B
Plant Code (Char 11)Z
Sequence (Chars 12–17)413634

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count3
NHTSA Complaint Count0

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

1
1
G
2
C
3
C
4
W
5
8
6
0
7
A
8
9
9
B
10
Z
11
4
12
1
13
3
14
6
15
3
16
4
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
1
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
G
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
C
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
CW80A
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
9
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
B
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
Z
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
413634
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (1)
Model Year Character
"B" → 1981
Could also be 2011
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model
Reliability Scores
Year-by-year reliability ratings
Years to Avoid
Best & worst model years ranked
Common Problems
Owner complaints & known defects
All NHTSA Recalls
Complete recall campaign history
View all CHEVROLET VIN reports →← New Lookup

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/2/2026, 6:07:24 AM.