1981 Ford F150
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
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1981
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1981: 2 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1983 | 10 |
| 1984 | 13 |
| 1985 | 28 |
| 1986 | 61 |
| 1987 | 89 |
| 1988 | 141 |
| 1989 | 210 |
| 1990 | 254 |
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, 2011-01-24
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 2 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
There is a hole in the gas tank. Dealer has been contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-28
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1980-12-01Fuel system, gasoline80V145000 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…
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, relocate fuel tank straps without charge to owner.
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1981-06-18Structure81V061000 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…
Remedy: The dealer will install a revised design floorpan insulator pad at no charge to owner.
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1982-05-10Equipment82V024000 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…
Remedy: Dealer will replace bolts and any damaged spare tires at no cost to owner.
Buy-smart checklist
1981 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 80V145000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 81V061000 · Structure
- Recall 82V024000 · Equipment
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.