MYRModel Year Report

1981 Dodge RAM

○ Not enough data
1981 Dodge RAM
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:32:57.206Z

Only 2 complaints 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 2 complaints 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 RAM Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1981 highlighted. 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 2 complaints 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 22 complaints 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 23 complaints 1990 1991: 51 complaints 1992: 58 complaints 1993: 54 complaints 1994: 469 complaints 1994 1995: 611 complaints 1996: 625 complaints 1997: 398 complaints 1998: 483 complaints 1998 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 147 complaints 2001: 318 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2002 2003: 53 complaints 2004: 58 complaints 2005: 40 complaints 2006: 25 complaints 2006 2007: 17 complaints 2008: 25 complaints 2009: 9 complaints 2010: 27 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011
1981: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19831
19842
198510
198618
198718
198822
198928
199023
199151
199258
199354
1994469
1995611
1996625
1997398
1998483
1999366
2000147
2001318
2002116
200353
200458
200540
200625
200717
200825
20099
201027
20110

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

TIRES

1 of 2 total reports mentions: tires.

Show complaint excerpts

PARCHASED 4 EA. FIRESTONE FIREHAWK ATX 31X10.50 R15 LT 1090 M/S ,1-18-1996. 2 WENT BAD INCLUDING 1 FULL TREAD SEPARATION AT 60 MPH CAUSING MUFFLER AND FENDER DAMAGE. NO INJURIES..

NHTSA ODI report, 20000918

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 2 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

FAULTY VACUUM PUMP CAUSED MUFFLER TO EXPLODE/GAS TANK TO CATCH ON FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19970424

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1981 Dodge RAM — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2005 ▲ 1991 ▲ 2003

WORST YEARS

■ 1996 ■ 1995 ■ 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1981 Dodge RAM 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 RAM?

The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1981 Dodge RAM 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.