The most-reported Citation run is 1G1AX68X0BT (1981 builds) with 1 complaints, 1× the typical run. Engine and engine cooling problems make up 25% of reports; NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for Citation model years 1981–1985.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Chevrolet Citation has 5 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 100% of every Citation complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1G1AX68X0BT•••••• | 1981 | — | — | |
| 1G1AX6851B6•••••• | 1981 | — | — | |
| TG4AX6856B6•••••• | 1981 | — | — | |
| 1G1AX68R9EW•••••• | 1984 | — | — | |
| 1G1AX08X3ET•••••• | 1984 | — | — |
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 3 | 3 | — |
Heaviest year here is 1981 at 1 complaints per run; lightest is 1981 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 25% of everything Chevrolet Citation owners report: Engine And Engine Cooling, 2 of 5 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | — | |
| Power Train | — | — | |
| Visibility | — | — | |
| Steering | — | — | |
| Electrical System | — | — | |
| Fuel System | — | — | |
| Gasoline | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 8 recall campaigns on the Chevrolet Citation; the 6 below cover build years 1982 to 1985. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 06E043000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 1984–1985 |
| 85V034000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings | 1984 |
| 83V105000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:differential Proportional Valve | 1983 |
| 82V021000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap | 1982 |
| 82V018000 | Power Train:clutch Assembly:pedal/hand Lever(motorcycle) | 1982 |
| 83V007000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings | 1982 |
How serious were they
| Outcome | Chevrolet Citation | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 5 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 0 (0%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 0 (0%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 100% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Chevrolet Citation share of that is 5 complaints over 5 runs, 0% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Chevrolet Citation VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 5 NHTSA complaints from 5 Citation runs and 8 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Citation production run has the most complaints?
1G1AX68X0BT, a 1981 build, with 1 complaints. The typical Citation run has 1.
How many Citation complaints involve a crash?
0% of 5 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 0 involved a fire.
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