MYRModel Year Report

1981 Ford F150

○ Not enough data
1981 Ford F150
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:19:07.219Z

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 F150 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1981 highlighted. 1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1986: 61 complaints 1986 1987: 89 complaints 1988: 139 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1990: 254 complaints 1990
1981: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19812
19825
198310
198413
198528
198661
198789
1988139
1989210
1990254

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

I PURCHASED FOUR USED SX 5000 STARFIRE (COOPER) 255/70-15 TIRES FOR MY 1981 FORD F-150 IN MARCH OF 2010. THE TIRES WERE MOUNTED TO WHAT I BELIEVE ARE 15X8 STEEL WHEELS BY THE INDEPENDENT TIRE SHOP THAT I PURCHASED THE TIRES FROM.

NHTSA ODI report, 20110124

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 of 2 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.

Show complaint excerpts

THERE IS A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19990928

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19801201 — fuel system, gasoline

DURING A CHANGE IN ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES, CERTAIN OF THE MID-SHIP FUEL TANK STRAPS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR MISLOCATED. AS A RESULT, THEY FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STA

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, RELOCATE FUEL TANK STRAPS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

Campaign 80V145000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19810618 — structure

THE INVOLVED TRUCKS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A CERTAIN PORTION OF SPECIFIED FLOOR PAN INSULATION MATERIAL (BENEATH THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT) OMITTED. BECAUSE OF THIS OMISSION, A SECTION OF THE SHE

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A REVISED DESIGN FLOORPAN INSULATOR PAD AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

Campaign 81V061000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19820510 — equipment

THE REINFORCEMENT FOR THE IN-BOX SPARE TIRE CARRIER MAY HAVE BEEN ATTACHED USING INCORRECT HEX HEAD BOLTS. IF THE CARRIER AND REINFORCEMENT ATTACHING BOLTS ARE INCORRECT, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR THE

Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE BOLTS AND ANY DAMAGED SPARE TIRES AT NO COST TO OWNER.

Campaign 82V024000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1981 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 80V145000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 81V061000 (structure) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 82V024000 (equipment) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1981 Ford F150 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 F150?

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

How many recalls does the 1981 Ford F150 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

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