The Chevrolet Citation spans 1981–1985 with 9 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1981, 1984, 1985 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1982, 1983, 1985. It delivers up to 25 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Chevrolet Citation is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1985 across multiple generations.
How to read a Chevrolet Citation VIN — every digit explained
Every Chevrolet Citation carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Chevrolet and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Citation.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Citation, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Citation have?
The Chevrolet Citation has 9 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1985. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1985 Chevrolet Citation recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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).
1984 Chevrolet Citation recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. REPLACE THE FUEL FEED PIPE.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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).
1983 Chevrolet Citation recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:differential Proportional Valve
What's wrong. THE BRAKE PROPORTIONER VALVES MAY BREAK AND SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS WOULD ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK AND WOULD RESULT IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
Fix. THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ALL SUSPECT VALVES.
1982 Chevrolet Citation recalls 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. REAR BRAKE HOSES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY WHEN THE METAL END FITTINGS WERE INSTALLED. SOME REAR BRAKE HOSES MAY SEPARATE FROM THE METAL END FITTINGS WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE PULLING FORCE SPECIFIED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 106, "BRAKE HOSES".
Fix. THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE REAR BRAKE HOSES AT NO CHARGE TO OWNERS.
Power Train:clutch Assembly:pedal/hand Lever(motorcycle)
What's wrong. THE CLUTCH CABLE MAY RUB AGAINST THE MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE PIPE WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS OPERATED. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE MAY RESULT IN WEAR THROUGH OF THE INSULATION ON THE CLUTCH CABLE. THE RESULTING METAL ON METAL CONTACT COULD LEAD TO FAILURE OF THE BRAKE PIPE, LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, AND PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKE ACTION.
Fix. DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, CORRECT SYSTEM BY PROVIDING A MINIMUM 1/2 INCH CLEARANCE BETWEEN CLUTCH CABLE AND BRAKE PIPE TO AVOID METAL ON METAL CONTACT.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
What's wrong. UNDER CERTAAIN CONDITIONS, THE HOSE CLAMPS ON THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK FILLER VENT PIPE COULD FRACTURE. THE FRACTURE OF THESE CLAMPS COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE AT ANY OF THE FOUR PIPE TO HOSE CONNECTIONS. LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR DURING REFUELING, OR WHILE DRIVING, IF THE FUEL TANK IS ABOVE 3/4 FULL.
Fix. DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE HOSE CLAMPS ON THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND VENT PIPE AT NO COST TO OWNER.
1981 Chevrolet Citation recalls 2
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. A NEW GROUND CABLE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HOSES AND INLET PIPE AND ADD A CLIP AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Best and worst years for the Chevrolet Citation
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 5 tracked years, the worst years are 1981, 1984, 1985 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1982, 1983, 1985.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Citation | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1982 Citation | — | Best | |
| 1983 Citation | — | Best | |
| 1984 Citation | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1985 Citation | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Chevrolet Citation problems?
The most-reported Chevrolet Citation problems are Tires (1 reports), Gasoline (3 reports) and Steering (3 reports) — out of 17 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Chevrolet Citation specifications & dimensions
The 1982–1985 Chevrolet Citation measures 177″ long on a 105″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,504 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Chevrolet Citation window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982–1985 | 177″ | 69″ | 54″ | 105″ | 2,482 lb |
| 1981 | 177″ | 68″ | 54″ | 105″ | 2,482 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Chevrolet Citation cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Citation holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 95 cu ft of passenger volume and 20 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Chevrolet Citation tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Chevrolet Citation get?
The Chevrolet Citation returns up to 25 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,500/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1985 Chevrolet Citation (2.8L 6-cyl) gets 20 mpg combined and costs about $3,100/yr to fuel, emitting 444 g/mi CO₂ — about $4,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 Citation | 18 | 24 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1984 Citation | 17 | 24 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl |
The 1985 Chevrolet Citation (2.5L 4-cyl) gets 25 mpg combined and costs about $2,500/yr to fuel, emitting 355 g/mi CO₂ — about $1,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 Citation | 21 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 Citation | 21 | 30 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Citation stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Citation's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Chevrolet Citation have? Power & range
The Chevrolet Citation is offered with 2 powertrains — 2.8L 6-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 2.8L · 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | FWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 2.5L · 4-cyl | Manual 4-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Chevrolet Citation cost to own?
A Chevrolet Citation holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used Citation is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Citation loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $12,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Citation ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Chevrolet Citation safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Citation yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Chevrolet Citation last?
A well-maintained Chevrolet Citation typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Chevrolet Citation’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Citation’s VIN free →All Chevrolet Citation model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Chevrolet Citation — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 Citation | 1 recall | — | |
| 1984 Citation | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1983 Citation | 1 recall | — | |
| 1982 Citation | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1981 Citation | 2 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Citation?
By owner-complaint volume, 1981, 1984, 1985 drew the most reports. 1982, 1983, 1985 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Citation have?
9 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1985. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Chevrolet recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Citation get?
Up to 25 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Citation last?
A well-maintained Citation typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Citation reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Citation is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Chevrolet Citation warranty?
New Chevrolet models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Chevrolet dealer.
Where is the Chevrolet Citation made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Citation's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Chevrolet may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Citation weigh?
The Citation's curb weight is around 2,504 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Citation have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.