Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1981 Dodge B200 — 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
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLES MAY NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". IN AN IMPACT TEST FROM THE REAR, THE BUMPER SUPPORT STRUCTURE DEFORMED ENOUGH TO ALLOW CONTACT OF A SUPPORT BRACKET WITH THE FUEL TANK.
Remedy
ALL RECALLED VEHICLES WILL RECEIVE FRAME REINFORCEMENTS PLUS TWO LOAD-BEARING RUB STRIPS AND PROTECTIVE IMPACT SHIELDING. ADDITIONALLY, A CORNER OF THE BUMPER BRACKET WILL BE REMOVED.
Defect
CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL STEP TYPE REAR BUMPER AND A 22-GALLON STEEL FUEL TANK MAY NOT COMPLY WITH REAR IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
THE 22-GALLON STEEL FUEL TANK AND ASSOCIATED PLUMBING AND HARDWARE COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED WITH A 36-GALLON PLASTIC FUEL TANK, INCLUDING PLUMBING AND HARDWARE.
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.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 Dodge B200. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.