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
- 2
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1981
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1981: 2 complaints
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 | 41 |
| 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.
Exterior lighting
1 of 2 total reports mentions: exterior lighting, most commonly citing headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
Headlights go off and on while driving at night.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-02-17
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 2 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Possible engine failure resulted in vehicle fire (Ohio traffic crash report).
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-08
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · 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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R
1981-03-12Wheels81V035000 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…
Remedy: Suspect wheels will be inspected and replaced, if necessary, at no charge.
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1981-04-15Fuel system, gasoline81V023000 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…
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…
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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.
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I
1985-09-30CClosed 1988-08-02 Dual rear wheel retention
Buy-smart checklist
1981 Ford F350 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 1 report on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 80V145000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 81V035000 · Wheels
- Recall 81V023000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 82V024000 · Equipment
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, 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.