MYRModel Year Report

1981 Volkswagen Rabbit

○ Not enough data
1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:54:14.279Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volkswagen Rabbit Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1981 highlighted. 1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1985: 1 complaints 2006: 13 complaints 2006 2007: 54 complaints 2008: 23 complaints 2008 2009: 62 complaints 2009
1981: 1 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19811
19825
19831
19841
19851
200613
200754
200823
200962

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SEAT BELTS

1 of 1 total report mentions: seat belts.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT AND SEAT BELTS DID NOT HOLD. DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERAL INJURIES. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980813

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19810713 — fuel system, gasoline

ON SOME VEHICLES, THE PRESSURE COULD INCREASE INSIDE THE FUEL TANK FROM HIGH SURROUNDING TEMPERATURES WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS MORE THAN HALF FULL.

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A RESTRICTOR VALVE INTO THE FUEL FILLER PIPE, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

Campaign 81V058000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19810910 — steering

THE LEFT AND RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD ENDS OF THE STEERING SYSTEM MAY HAVE CIRCUMFERENTIAL CRACKS DUE TO AN IMPROPER MACHINE SET-UP IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS.

Remedy: THE TIE ROD ENDS WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

Campaign 81V106000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19811117 — DP (closed 19820202)

REAR VIEW MIRROR

R 19820413 — steering

A LOCK NUT WHICH SECURES THE TIE ROD TO THE INNER BALL JOINT OF THE STEERING SYSTEM MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SECURELY FASTENED ON SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS AND T

Remedy: DEALER WILL CHECK THE LOCK NUT FOR ADEQUATE TIGHTNESS, CORRECTING WHERE NECESSARY.

Campaign 82V016000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20060330 — service brakes, hydraulic

CERTAIN HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES, P/N 171.611.107B, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1975-1985 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) RABBIT; 1985-1992 VW GOLF; AND 1980-1992 VW JETTA PASSENGER VEHICLES. POSSIBLE BRAKE HOSE

Remedy: FOREIGN PARTS DISTRIBUTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE BRAKE HOSES WITH COMPLIANT BRAKE HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREIGN PARTS DISTRIBUTORS AT 305-885-864

Campaign 06E018000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1981 Volkswagen Rabbit — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 81V058000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 81V106000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 82V016000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E018000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 Volkswagen Rabbit?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit 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.