1981 Ford F350
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 29 |
| 1989 | 40 |
| 1990 | 39 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
HEADLIGHTS GO OFF AND ON WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000217
1 of 2 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 20000908
POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 19991129
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 NOT HAVE HAD THE DISC PORTION OF THE WHEEL WELDED TO THE RIM DURING MANUFACTURE. CONSEQUENTLY, THE WHEEL COULD BE SUBJECT TO SUDDEN SEPARATION OF THE RIM AND TIRE FROM THE WHEEL D
Remedy: SUSPECT WHEELS WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED, IF NECESSARY, AT NO CHARGE.
Campaign 81V035000 — 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 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
DUAL REAR WHEEL RETENTION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1981 Ford F350 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 80V145000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 81V035000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 81V023000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 82V024000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1981 Ford F350 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 F350?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting:headlights, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Ford F350 have?
4 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.