Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1982 C20.
The 1982 Chevrolet C20 is a full‑size van that entered Chevrolet’s line with a modest record of owner feedback, registering just a single complaint that centered on seat‑belt hardware while the model was subject to two manufacturer recalls. Although detailed power‑train or platform specifications are not provided, the limited grievance count indicates that the vehicle’s fundamental design was not a source of widespread trouble at launch. When placed against the broader complaint history that spans 1990‑2001—where the highest annual tally reached 19 complaints in 1993 and the lowest was two in 1992—this early‑year example stands out for its comparatively low incidence of issues, suggesting a relatively reliable foundation for researchers examining the model’s evolution.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Wheelbase | 131.5 in |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 1982 Chevrolet C20 shows only a single federal complaint—a seat belt issue—with no recalls, investigations, or TSBs recorded for that model year. However, the broader generation’s data reveals a clear trend: complaints and recalls were low in 1990–1992, surged to a peak of 19 complaints and 10 recalls in 1993–1994, then declined to zero complaints and minimal recalls by 1996. The 1982 model year predates this available record, but its position as an early production year suggests it may share the design roots that later triggered the mid‑1990s spike in recalls and investigations. The data does not specify whether the 1982 model year was directly subject to those later recalls, but the absence of reported issues for 1982 itself implies either robust initial quality or under‑reporting. Overall, the 1982 C20 appears to be a relatively quiet year in the federal record, but a buyer should verify that any subsequent generation‑wide recalls have been addressed.
All 1 complaints on record, top 1 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS… Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
THE REAR AXLE SHAFTS RECEIVED IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT DURING MANUFACTURE. THE SHAFT MAY BREAK AND THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE VEHICLE. Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES, IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE.
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.