Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1981 Ford B800 — 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
THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH AN INCORRECT END CLAMP ON THE HAND THROTTLE ACTUATING CABLE. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, PERTAINING TO THE CLAMP-TO-THROTTLE CABLE ORIENTATION AND DISTANCES OF THE CABLE TO GOVERNOR SHAFT, THE THROTTLE CABLE END CLAMP MAY INTERFERE WITH THE OUTBOARD ACCELERATOR.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT HAND THROTTLE CLAMP FOR INTERFERENCE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THESE CLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE RETAINING CLIP MISSING. THE ABSENCE OF A RETAINING CLIP MAY ALLOW THE BRAKE TUBE TO RUB AGAINST THE SHOCK ABSORBER, CAUSING WEAR ON THE TUBE AND, EVENTUALLY, LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID.
Remedy
MISSING BRAKE TUBE CLIPS WILL BE INSTALLED AND ANY CHAFED BRAKE TUBES WILL BE REPLACED.
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 Ford B800. 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.