Consequence
OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED IN EVENT OFAN ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN STOP.
Remedy
INSTALL PROPER MOUNTING HARDWARE AND SEAT BELTS.
1981 Dodge B250 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1981 Dodge B250 — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1981 compare to other B250 years?
What are the most common 1981 Dodge B250 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 100% | new |
Does the 1981 Dodge B250 have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ALTERED VEHICLES EITHER DO NOT HAVE REAR COUCH SEAT BELTS INSTALLED, VIOLATING FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION, OR HAVE REAR COUCH SEAT BELTS WHICH DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 210, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES.
Remedy
MISSING REAR COUCH SEAT BELTS WILL BE INSTALLED AND IMPROPER ANCHORS WILL BE CORRECTED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I HAD 3 TIRE FAILURE IN A SHORT TIME JULY 28 THROUGH AUG 15, 1999. THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED FROM PEP BOYS. CORNELL IS A HOUSE BRAND. THE FIRST TWO TIRES TO FAIL WERE ALMOST BRAND NEW FRONT TIRES. ONE CAME APART (THE THREAD PEELED OFF) WITH ABOUT 1,500 MILES ON IT MAX. WHEN I GOT HONE 2,000 MILES…”
1981 Dodge B250 — common questions
Is the 1981 Dodge B250 reliable?
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1981 Dodge B250 have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 Dodge B250. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Which Dodge B250 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the B250 years to avoid are 1994. The cleanest record among B250 years belongs to 1985.
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.