Defect
THE IGNITION SWITCH IS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSES STARTING DIFFICULTIES. THE ENGINE MAY FAIL TO START WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY WITH THE LATEST TYPE, FREE OF CHARGE.
1981 Alfa Romeo Spider problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1981 compare to other Spider years?
Does the 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE FUEL PUMP MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN MISALIGNMENT OF THE PUMP.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP AND RELATED HARDWARE WITH A NEW PUMP KIT, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
1981 Alfa Romeo Spider — common questions
Is the 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider reliable?
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.