Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Chevrolet CITATION problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

12 owner complaints analyzed

16 distinct recall campaigns

Not available median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1980 to 1988 model years. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System:Ignition:Module is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 12 complaints (16.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Engine operation325.0%
Transmission and shifting18.3%
Braking behavior18.3%
Steering behavior18.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System:Ignition:Module
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
2
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System
2
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
2
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan
1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System:Ignition:Module2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline2
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System2
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor2
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control1

Electrical System:Ignition:Module: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 2; Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System: 2; Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor: 2; Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

No usable failure mileage is recorded. 12 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1996
2
1997
1
1998
1
1999
4
2000
1
2005
3
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19962
19971
19981
19994
20001
20053

1996: 2; 1997: 1; 1998: 1; 1999: 4; 2000: 1; 2005: 3

Pattern summary

Electrical System:Ignition:Module leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10106867 · 2005-01-05 (January 5, 2005)

WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURNS VEHICLE ACCELERATED THEN STALLED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A MOTORCYCLE. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER OF THE MOTORCYCLE DIED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10106867 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10145337 · 2005-12-06 (December 6, 2005)

LTR RE DEFECTIVE 1984 CHEVROLET CITATION, REQUESTING A DEFECT INVESTIGATION, REPLY ATTN. JOSEPH BACIGALUPI/SAN FRANCISCO OFC. *TS THE COMPLAINANT WAS THE PASSENGER ON A MOTORCYCLE WHICH WAS HIT BY A 1984 CHEVROLET CITATION. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS HIT WHEN THE CHEVROLET CITATION STALLED WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. THE CHEVROLET CITATION WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 85V-034 TO PREVENT IT FROM STALLING. THE COMPLAINANTS IS CONCERNED THAT NHTSA CONCLUDED THAT NO INCIDENTS OCCURRED BEFORE AUG. 1984 WHEN IN FACT THE ACCIDENT HE WAS IN…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10145337 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 514102 · 1997-01-23 (January 23, 1997)

PARKING BRAKE RELEASES IT SELF WHEN DRIVERS DOOR IS CLOSED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL UNTIL TRANSMISSION ENGAGES IF LEFT IN GEAR.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 514102 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 828856 · 1998-10-13 (October 13, 1998)

WHEN WARMING UP THE VEHICLE AND PULLING OFF THERE IS NO POWER STEERING . THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. ALSO, THERE IS A LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. COMSUMER STATES THAT SHE HAS TO DRIVE VERY SLOW WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 828856 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1980
9
1981
2
1982
3
1983
1
1984
1
1988
0
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19809
19812
19823
19831
19841
19880

1980: 9; 1981: 2; 1982: 3; 1983: 1; 1984: 1; 1988: 0

Year-by-year records

Chevrolet CITATION model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
198019Not available
198132-7
198203+1
198301-2
1984710
198810Not available
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

12 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

0.0%Usable mileage0 / 12 records
66.7%Valid incident date8 / 12 records
100.0%Valid filing date12 / 12 records
66.7%Ordered incident and filing dates8 / 12 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component198019811982198319841988
Electrical System:Ignition:Module
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

228.6%
ODI 514102

PARKING BRAKE RELEASES IT SELF WHEN DRIVERS DOOR IS CLOSED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL UNTIL TRANSMISSION ENGAGES IF LEFT IN GEAR.

Look up ODI 514102 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1100.0%
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 511368

CLUTCH FAILED.

Look up ODI 511368 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 828856

WHEN WARMING UP THE VEHICLE AND PULLING OFF THERE IS NO POWER STEERING . THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. ALSO, THERE IS A LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. COMSUMER STATES THAT SHE HAS TO DRIVE VERY SLOW WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. *AK

Look up ODI 828856 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

114.3%
ODI 546486

REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE TO THE MAP SENSOR & THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING, PROBLEM STILL EXIST DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *YC

Look up ODI 546486 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System
1100.0%
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 828856

WHEN WARMING UP THE VEHICLE AND PULLING OFF THERE IS NO POWER STEERING . THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. ALSO, THERE IS A LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. COMSUMER STATES THAT SHE HAS TO DRIVE VERY SLOW WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. *AK

Look up ODI 828856 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
1100.0%
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 725497

WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH ONLY WORKS WHEN TURNED BY USING WASHER DIRECTION INSTEAD OF TURNING ON VIEW ON SWITCH.*AK

Look up ODI 725497 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 511368

CLUTCH FAILED.

Look up ODI 511368 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan
1100.0%
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

114.3%
ODI 546486

REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE TO THE MAP SENSOR & THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING, PROBLEM STILL EXIST DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *YC

Look up ODI 546486 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
No usable records for this analysis.

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

1984: 1 complaints · 1988: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1984111
1988000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
1984421
1988100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentElectrical System:Ignition:ModuleEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineSteering:Hydraulic Power Assist SystemVisibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:MotorElectrical System:Alternator/Generator/RegulatorEngine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:FanEngine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control
Electrical System:Ignition:Module—0
1
ODI 546486

REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE TO THE MAP SENSOR & THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING, PROBLEM STILL EXIST DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *YC

Look up ODI 546486 at NHTSA ↗

0000
1
ODI 546486

REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE TO THE MAP SENSOR & THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING, PROBLEM STILL EXIST DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *YC

Look up ODI 546486 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine0—0
1
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 511368

CLUTCH FAILED.

Look up ODI 511368 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
1
ODI 546486

REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE TO THE MAP SENSOR & THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING, PROBLEM STILL EXIST DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *YC

Look up ODI 546486 at NHTSA ↗

0—
1
ODI 828856

WHEN WARMING UP THE VEHICLE AND PULLING OFF THERE IS NO POWER STEERING . THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. ALSO, THERE IS A LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. COMSUMER STATES THAT SHE HAS TO DRIVE VERY SLOW WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. *AK

Look up ODI 828856 at NHTSA ↗

000
1
ODI 546486

REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE TO THE MAP SENSOR & THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING, PROBLEM STILL EXIST DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *YC

Look up ODI 546486 at NHTSA ↗

Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System0
1
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 828856

WHEN WARMING UP THE VEHICLE AND PULLING OFF THERE IS NO POWER STEERING . THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. ALSO, THERE IS A LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. COMSUMER STATES THAT SHE HAS TO DRIVE VERY SLOW WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. *AK

Look up ODI 828856 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

0
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor0
1
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

0
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator0
1
ODI 511368

CLUTCH FAILED.

Look up ODI 511368 at NHTSA ↗

000—00
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan0
1
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 548131

HEATER CORE FAILED. MJS

Look up ODI 548131 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control
1
ODI 546486

REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE TO THE MAP SENSOR & THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING, PROBLEM STILL EXIST DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *YC

Look up ODI 546486 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 546486

REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE TO THE MAP SENSOR & THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING, PROBLEM STILL EXIST DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *YC

Look up ODI 546486 at NHTSA ↗

0000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

3 mentions · 25.0% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10106867

WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURNS VEHICLE ACCELERATED THEN STALLED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A MOTORCYCLE. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER OF THE MOTORCYCLE DIED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

Look up ODI 10106867 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10145337

LTR RE DEFECTIVE 1984 CHEVROLET CITATION, REQUESTING A DEFECT INVESTIGATION, REPLY ATTN. JOSEPH BACIGALUPI/SAN FRANCISCO OFC. *TS THE COMPLAINANT WAS THE PASSENGER ON A MOTORCYCLE WHICH WAS HIT BY A 1984 CHEVROLET CITATION. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS HIT WHEN THE CHEVROLET CITATION STALLED WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. THE CHEVROLET CITATION WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 85V-034 TO PREVENT IT FROM STALLING. THE COMPLAINANTS IS CONCERNED THAT NHTSA CONCLUDED THAT NO INCIDENTS OCCURRED BEFORE AUG. 1984 WHEN IN FACT THE ACCIDENT HE WAS IN…

Look up ODI 10145337 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 546486

REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE TO THE MAP SENSOR & THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING, PROBLEM STILL EXIST DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *YC

Look up ODI 546486 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 8.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 828856

WHEN WARMING UP THE VEHICLE AND PULLING OFF THERE IS NO POWER STEERING . THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. ALSO, THERE IS A LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. COMSUMER STATES THAT SHE HAS TO DRIVE VERY SLOW WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. *AK

Look up ODI 828856 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b