MYRModel Year Report

1981 Ford E150

○ Not enough data
1981 Ford E150
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:19:46.967Z

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, Ford E150 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1981 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1983 1984: 3 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 9 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1988: 14 complaints 1989: 30 complaints 1989 1990: 15 complaints 1997: 0 complaints 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 2000: 0 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2006: 1 complaints 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 0 complaints 2008 2009: 0 complaints 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2013: 0 complaints 2013
1981: 1 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19823
19831
19843
19853
19869
198717
198814
198930
199015
19970
19980
19990
20000
20040
20061
20070
20080
20090
20100
20110
20120
20130

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 1 total report mentions: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960502

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960502

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19861104 — EA (closed 19870429)

FILLER NECK SPURT

R 19900823 — seat belts

No summary on file.

Remedy: INSTALL PROPER MOUNTING HARDWARE AND SEAT BELTS.

Campaign 90V137000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1981 Ford E150 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 90V137000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1981 Ford E150 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 E150?

The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1981 Ford E150 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.