MYRModel Year Report

1981 Ford Bronco

○ Not enough data
1981 Ford Bronco
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:11:12.479Z

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, Ford Bronco Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1981 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 1 complaints 1983: 4 complaints 1984: 10 complaints 1984 1985: 20 complaints 1986: 27 complaints 1987: 34 complaints 1988: 52 complaints 1988 1989: 84 complaints 1990: 56 complaints 1991: 32 complaints 1992: 37 complaints 1992 1993: 40 complaints 1994: 91 complaints 1995: 94 complaints 1996: 81 complaints 1996 1997: 1 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 2 complaints 2021: 216 complaints 2021 2022: 344 complaints 2023: 211 complaints 2024: 69 complaints 2025: 44 complaints 2025 2026: 3 complaints 2026
1981: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19821
19834
198410
198520
198627
198734
198852
198984
199056
199132
199237
199340
199491
199594
199681
19971
19982
19992
2021216
2022344
2023211
202469
202544
20263

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

STEEL BELTS SEPARATED IN TWO PLACES: ONE CAUSED THE TREAD TO SHIFT OVER ABOUT 1 INCH; THE OTHER SEPARATION FOLDED UNDER ITSELF, AND CAUSED A KNOT THE WIDTH OF THE TREAD. *AK (DOT NUMBER: UNKK65A402 TIRESIZE: LT23575R15)

NHTSA ODI report, 20001023

TIRES

1 of 2 total reports mentions: tires.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1981 FORD BRONCO EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN TIRES, TIRE: LINE: NPRIZAH5 N/A, TIRE SIZE: 235/75R15 N/A, DOT NUMBER: 8EBN LMEL 4318.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200810

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19870115 — PE (closed 19871130)

FRONT BRK CALIPER SEIZURE

R 20071015 — fuel system, gasoline

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHIC

Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

Campaign 07E064000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1981 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1991 ▲ 1987 ▲ 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 2022 ■ 2021 ■ 2023

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1981 Ford Bronco 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 Ford Bronco?

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

How many recalls does the 1981 Ford Bronco have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

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