1981 Ford Bronco
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.
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1981
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1981: 2 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 20 |
| 1986 | 27 |
| 1987 | 34 |
| 1988 | 53 |
| 1989 | 85 |
| 1990 | 57 |
| 1991 | 33 |
| 1992 | 39 |
| 1993 | 41 |
| 1994 | 94 |
| 1995 | 94 |
| 1996 | 81 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2021 | 228 |
| 2022 | 385 |
| 2023 | 229 |
| 2024 | 82 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Known problem areas
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Tires
2 of 2 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
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, 2020-08-10
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, 2000-10-23
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1987-01-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-11-30 Front brk caliper seizure
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R
2007-10-15Fuel system, gasoline07E064000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1981 Ford Bronco — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
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, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1981 Ford Bronco have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.