Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1981 American Motors Spirit — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE CRUISE COMMAND ACTUATION CHAIN MAY CATCH ON THE THROTTLE LINKAGE, CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO REMAIN IN A PARTIALLY OPEN POSITION.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE COMMAND ACTUATION CHAIN ASSEMBLY, AND A SHIELD WILL BE MOUNTED ON THE THROTTLE LINKAGE AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1981 American Motors Spirit. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.