VehicleVerdict

1981 Ford E-150 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1981 Ford E-150 — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1981 compare to other E-150 years?

E-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1981 highlighted180 complaints1976: 3 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 3 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 3 complaints1985: 3 complaints1986: 12 complaints1987: 20 complaints1988: 15 complaints1989: 37 complaints1990: 17 complaints1991: 20 complaints1992: 86 complaints1993: 95 complaints1994: 180 complaints1995: 104 complaints1996: 81 complaints1997: 122 complaints1998: 81 complaints1999: 115 complaints2000: 61 complaints2001: 52 complaints2002: 37 complaints2003: 31 complaints2004: 36 complaints2005: 24 complaints2006: 23 complaints2007: 15 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 10 complaints2010: 14 complaints2011: 30 complaints2012: 19 complaints2013: 29 complaints2014: 9 complaints2015: 10 complaints2016: 11 complaints2017: 0 complaints2021: 1 complaints2023: 0 complaints
E-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1981 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E-150 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1981 Ford E-150 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2100%

Does the 1981 Ford E-150 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

90V137000Seat BeltsJuly 18, 1990 · 13,637 units

Consequence

OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED IN EVENT OFAN ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN STOP.

Remedy

INSTALL PROPER MOUNTING HARDWARE AND SEAT BELTS.

1981 Ford E-150 — common questions

Is the 1981 Ford E-150 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1981 Ford E-150 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1981 Ford E-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1981 Ford E-150 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford E-150 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-150 years to avoid are 1994, 1997, 1999, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1998, 1996, 2000, 2001, 1989, 2002, 2004, 2003, 2011. The cleanest record among E-150 years belongs to 2023.

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.