1981 Ford F250
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 21 |
| 1986 | 38 |
| 1987 | 38 |
| 1988 | 62 |
| 1989 | 101 |
| 1990 | 107 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: power train.
CRASH DEATHShow complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION FAILURE, PARKED VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY IN PARK, LEFT IDLE POSITION, OPENED THE DOOR, JUMPED OUT OF THE GEAR AND GRABBED AROUND THE VEHICLE AND FLIPPED OUT TRUCK AND THE TRUCK ROLLED BACKWARD, CAUSING FATALITY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960827
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITHOUT THE SPECIFIED FUEL TANK SHIELD WHICH PREVENTS DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND DRIVELINE COMPONENTS. DURING A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TES
Remedy: VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE EXISTING SEPARATE SKID PLATE OR FUEL TANK SHIELD REMOVED (WHICHEVER WAS INSTALLED ON VEHICLE). A SPECIAL COMBINATION SKID PLATE/FUEL TANK SHIELD ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSTALLED IN IT
Campaign 81V023000 — check if this car was fixed
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
THE OWNER"S GUIDE MAY CONTAIN AN ERROR IN THE WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATION CHART. INCORRECT INFORMATION COULD RESULT IN IMPROPER TORQUE OF THE LUG NUTS DURING WHEEL REPLACEMENT. LUG NUTS COULD C
Remedy: AN ADHESIVE-BACKED, REVISED PAGE WILL BE SUPPLIED TO OWNERS FOR INSERTION IN THE OWNER"S GUIDE. IN ADDITION, DEALERS WILL PROVIDE TORQUE VERIFICATION, IF ONE OR MORE WHEELS HAVE BEEN SERVICED, AT NO C
Campaign 81V121000 — check if this car was fixed
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 F250 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 80V145000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 81V023000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 81V061000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 81V121000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 82V024000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1981 Ford F250 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 F250?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Ford F250 have?
5 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.