1981 Chevrolet Malibu Wagon Base
All photo credits
- Photo: 1981 Chevrolet Malibu in White, front left, 06-30-2024 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Chevrolet Malibu Classic en Mästerby by Bene Riobó, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Chevrolet Malibu Classic en Mästerby 02 by Bene Riobó, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1981 Chevrolet Malibu rear (13569925755) by dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1981 Chevrolet Malibu in White, rear left, 06-30-2024 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1981 Chevrolet Malibu Wagon Base is a 110-hp 3.8-liter V6 wagon with a 3-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $7,445 MSRP.
It makes 110 horsepower at 4,200 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm.
The Malibu Wagon measures 193.0 inches long on a 108.0-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,237 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Wagon |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $7,445 ($26,619 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.8L Chevrolet 90-degree V6 (229 CID, RPO LC3) |
| Displacement | 3.8 L |
| Horsepower | 110 hp @ 4,200 rpm |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 valves/cyl (pushrod) |
| Bore and Stroke | 3.736 x 3.48 in (94.9 x 88.4 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Injection Type | 2-bbl Rochester Dualjet (E2ME) carburetor, GM Computer Command Control |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 3-speed Automatic |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 193 in |
| Width | 71 in |
| Height | 54 in |
| Wheelbase | 108 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,237 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 38 in |
| Headroom Rear | 38 in |
| Legroom Front | 42 in |
| Legroom Rear | 35 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 57 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 57 in |
| Hip Room Front | 52 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 52 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1981 Chevrolet Malibu Wagon Base with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1981 Chevrolet MALIBU. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Oct 24, 2007 · EQUIPMENT
CERTAIN 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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
NHTSA campaign 07E088000
Aug 19, 1983 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
ACCELERATOR PUMP LEVER RETAINING PIN MAY LOOSEN AFTER REPEATED HEAVY ACCELERATOR PEDAL APPLICATIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL COTTER PIN, TO RETAIN THE ACCELERATOR PUMP PIN, AND A SPRING CLIP THRUST WASHER ON THE ACCELERATOR PUMP LINK.
NHTSA campaign 83V077000
Feb 25, 1981 · SUSPENSION:REAR
THE 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.
Remedy: BOTH REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
NHTSA campaign 81V025000
3 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1981 Chevrolet MALIBU
Owner Complaints
3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1981 Chevrolet MALIBU. See all on nhtsa.gov
| Hydraulic | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Fuel System | 1 |
| Gasoline | 1 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1981 CHEVROLET MALIBU. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.