Menu

1971 Chevrolet C20Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 1971 Chevrolet C20, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints11 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 3, 1997. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1971 Chevrolet C20 has problems

1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1971 Chevrolet C20 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.

Best & worst years

1971 vs. every other C20 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C20 median. How we score

'67'70'71'72'74'75'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'00'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1971 Chevrolet C20, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITYEA92041 · closed Mar 9, 1995
    No recall
In owners' words

What C20 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE DEFECTIVE TURN SIGNAL WAS ON, SMOKE CAME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND UNDERNEATH THE DASH, CAUSING A ELECTRICAL FIRE WHICH CAUSED HARM TO THE OCCUPANT. MFR IS AWARE OF PROBLEM, BUT HASN'T FIXED THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER TOLD OCCUPANT NOT TO CONTACT NHTSA. *AK
Complaint 816855 · Oct 3, 1997

Own a 1971 C20?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.