1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
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
- 1
- 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: 1 complaint
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2007 | 54 |
| 2008 | 23 |
| 2009 | 62 |
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.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer had an accident and seat belts did not hold. Driver sustained several injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-08-13
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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1981-07-13Fuel system, gasoline81V058000 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.
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1981-09-10Steering81V106000 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.
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1981-11-17Defect petitionClosed 1982-02-02 Rear view mirror
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1982-04-13Steering82V016000 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…
Remedy: Dealer will check the lock nut for adequate tightness, correcting where necessary.
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2006-03-30Service brakes, hydraulic06E018000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
1981 Volkswagen Rabbit — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 81V058000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 81V106000 · Steering
- Recall 82V016000 · Steering
- Recall 06E018000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.