1981 Ford LTD
Only 0 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 0 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 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 14 |
| 1985 | 17 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 8 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 3 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 2000 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
No complaint components on file for this model year.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY START IN REVERSE GEAR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKIN
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION NEUTRAL START SWITCH AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Campaign 80V121000 — check if this car was fixed
SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAVE ELECTRICAL RELAY SYSTEMS WHICH MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER LEAKAGE INTO THE RELAY CASE. WATER ENTRY MAY CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT WITHIN THE RELAY.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES FOR THE TYPE OF RELAY USED, REORIENT WIRING HARNESSES AS NECESSARY, AND REPLACE SUSPECT RELAYS WITH NEW PARTS.
Campaign 80V147000 — check if this car was fixed
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT SURLYN-COATED FOIL INSULATORS BETWEEN THE ISOLATOR AND BRACKET ASSEMBLIES AND THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENTS. AN EPOXY COATING WAS ALSO OMITTED FROM THE BRA
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT REAR BUMPER ATTACHMENT COMPONENTS AND REPLACE THEM WITHOUT CHARGE, IF NECESSARY.
Campaign 80V141000 — check if this car was fixed
THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED FROM STEEL WITH MATERIAL THICKNESS BELOW THE MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS FOR POLICE DUTY. THIS COULD LEAD TO CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE CONTROL ARMS, AND EVE
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL NEW REAR SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE.
Campaign 82V135000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHIC
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Campaign 07E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1981 Ford LTD — pre-purchase inspection
- Verify recall 80V121000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 80V147000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 80V141000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 82V135000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1981 Ford LTD reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
How many recalls does the 1981 Ford LTD 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.