Chevrolet Nova recall history
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Chevrolet Nova, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Chevrolet Nova. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Chevrolet Nova, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1965–1990 with 22 recall campaigns and 40 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 1973 (4), 1977 (3), and 1975 (3).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 1987 (18), 1988 (13), and 1990 (4).
- Top recall themes: Steering and suspension, Other, and Powertrain.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Power train:automatic transmission, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Steering and suspension
8 campaigns · Years: 1973–1975, 1977–1978These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
Other
2 campaigns · Years: 1971, 1977These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.
Powertrain
2 campaigns · Years: 1969, 1972These campaigns relate to drivetrain or transmission components that can affect shifting, power delivery, or control.
Seats and restraints
2 campaigns · Years: 1973, 1975These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
Brakes
1 campaign · Years: 1973–1974These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
- 74V027000 · Service brakes, hydraulic: Vacuum
Engine and cooling
1 campaign · Years: 1965–1969These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.
- 71V235000 · Engine and engine cooling
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Chevrolet Nova in NHTSA complaint data are Power train:automatic transmission, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 | 4 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder, Structure:frame and members. |
| 1988 | 0 | 13 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers. |
| 1987 | 0 | 18 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch, Power train:axle assembly. |
| 1986 | 0 | 4 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, Steering. |
| 1984 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:drum. |
| 1978 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1977 | 3 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1975 | 3 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1974 | 3 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1973 | 4 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1972 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1971 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1969 | 2 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1968 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1967 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1966 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1965 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Suspension , Engine and engine cooling and Steering
Other Chevrolet Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Chevrolet models.
- 3500 2016–2023
- 3500HD 2016–2019
- 4500 2016–2023
- 4500HD 2017–2027
- 4500XD 2017–2027
- 5500HD 2016–2024
- 5500XD 2016–2027
- 6500XD 2017–2027
- 7500XD 2020–2027
- Avalanche 2002–2013
- Aveo 2004–2027
- B7 1991–2002
- Beretta 1985–1996
- Blazer 1981–2027
- Bolt EUV 2022–2023
- Bolt EV 2017–2023
- C6 1981–2009
- C7 1981–2009
- Camaro 1981–2027
- Caprice 1981–1996
- Captiva Sport 2010–2027
- Cavalier 1981–2005
- Celebrity 1984–1990
- Chevette 1981–1987
- Citation 1981–1985
- City Express 2015–2018
- Cobalt 2005–2010
- Colorado 2004–2027
- Corsica 1985–1996
- Cruze 2010–2027
- El Camino 1981–1988
- Equinox 2005–2027
- Express 1997–2027
- G-Series 1981–1996
- GMT-400 1987–2002
- HHR 2006–2011
- Impala 1981–2027
- Lumina 1990–2001
- Lumina APV 1990–1996
- Malibu 1981–2027
- Malibu Classic 2004–2005
- Metro 1998–2001
- Monte Carlo 1981–2007
- Onix 2021–2027
- Optra 2004–2009
- Orlando 2009–2027
- P - Series 1981–1994
- S-10 Pickup 1982–2005
- Silverado 1999–2027
- Silverado HD 2019–2027
- Sonic 2012–2027
- Spark 2008–2027
- SSR 2003–2006
- Suburban 1981–2027
- T-Series 1997–2009
- Tahoe 1995–2027
- Tracker 1995–2020
- Trailblazer 2002–2027
- Traverse 2009–2027
- Trax 2013–2027
- Uplander 2005–2009
- Venture 1997–2005
- Volt 2011–2027
- W4 1981–2027
- W7 1981–2027
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.