MYRModel Year Report

1981 Dodge Challenger

○ Not enough data
1981 Dodge Challenger
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:03:45.291Z

Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge Challenger Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1981 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 1 complaints 1981 2008: 10 complaints 2009: 132 complaints 2009 2010: 298 complaints 2011: 191 complaints 2012: 253 complaints 2012 2013: 179 complaints 2014: 146 complaints 2015: 126 complaints 2015 2016: 78 complaints 2017: 49 complaints 2018: 74 complaints 2018 2019: 58 complaints 2020: 20 complaints 2021: 18 complaints 2021 2022: 9 complaints 2023: 40 complaints 2023
1981: 1 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
200810
2009132
2010298
2011191
2012253
2013179
2014146
2015126
201678
201749
201874
201958
202020
202118
20229
202340

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SUSPENSION

1 of 1 total report mentions: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

REAR SUSPENSION FALLING APART DUE TO CORRODED STABILIZER. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19951102

SUSPENSION

1 of 1 total report mentions: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTS BROKE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19951102

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 1 total report mentions: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

DOOR SPEAKER WIRE MALFUNCTIONED.

NHTSA ODI report, 19951102

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1981 Dodge Challenger — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2017 ▲ 2019

WORST YEARS

■ 2010 ■ 2012 ◆ 2011

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1981 Dodge Challenger reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1981 Dodge Challenger?

The most-reported component is suspension:front:stabilizer bar, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1981 Dodge Challenger have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.