Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1982 Chevette.
The 1982 Chevrolet Chevette generated a modest reliability record defined by five total owner complaints and two recalls, with the electrical system standing out as the dominant area of concern. That low complaint volume and narrow focus suggest a contained field of reported issues rather than widespread systemic defects. For researchers, this positions the 1982 model year as a relatively quiet chapter in the Chevette’s reliability history, meaning the documented record is thin and concentrated chiefly on electrical matters.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 161.8 in |
| Overall width | 61.8 in |
| Overall height | 52.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 94.1 in |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Chevette of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Diesel 5-door Hatchback 1.8L Diesel I-4 | 21.13 sec | 21.48 sec | 51 hp | RWD |
| 1977 | 3-door Hatchback 1.6L I-4 | 15.00 sec | 19.80 sec | 52 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 1982 Chevrolet Chevette dominate in one area — the electrical system, 3 of 5 reports (60%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 2 recall campaigns target the electrical system, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 0 of the reports describe a crash and 0 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the electrical system pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 5 complaints on record, top 3 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
THE CARBURETOR FUEL INLET HOUSING PLUG IN THE SIDE OF THE CARBURETOR MAY COME OUT. Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP ON THE CARBURETOR INLET PLUG TO PREVENT FUEL LEAKAGE, WITHOUT CHARGE.
THE CARBURETOR FUEL PLUG MAY COME OUT AND FUEL COULD LEAK FROM THE CARBURETOR. Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP ON THE CARBURETOR INLET PLUG TO PREVENT IT FROM DISLODGING, AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.