Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1981 Chrysler New Yorker — 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.
2
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 2 | 100% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL SWITCH MAY STICK IN THE "RESUME" POSITION RESTRICTING RETURN MOVEMENT. THIS WILL NOT ALLOW THE NORMAL BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION TO DEACTIVATE THE SYSTEM.
Remedy
THE SHIELD PORTION OF THE "RESUME" SLIDE LEVER IN THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Defect
ENGINE MAY LOSE POWER OR STALL DUE TO CARBURETOR FLOODING. THIS IS CAUSED BY A POOR ELECTRICAL GROUND ON THE CARBURETOR FUEL BOWL VENT SOLENOID. VEHICLES MAY ALSO HAVE DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS WHILE THE ENGINE IS WARMING UP IN COLD WEATHER. THESE PROBLEMS INCLUDE ENGINE MISSING, SAGS, AND HESITATION. THIS IS CAUSED BY A STICKING CARBURETOR OXYGEN FEEDBACK SOLENOID.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT CARBURETOR AND IF NECESSARY, THE BOWL VENT SOLENOID WILL BE REPAIRED BY RESOLDERING (RECONNECTING) THE EXTERNAL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION FREE OF CHARGE. IF APPLICABLE, THE OXYGEN FEEDBACK SENSOR WILL BE REPLACED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“81 V 055 000 FUEL: CARBURETOR; VEHICLE EXPERINCING ON-GOING PROBLEM WITH CABURETOR FLOODING AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF MFR. RECALL.”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 Chrysler New Yorker. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the New Yorker years to avoid are 1994, 1991, 1990, 1993, 1989, 1995, 1992, 1988, 1987. The cleanest record among New Yorker years belongs to 1982.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.