Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1981 Ford F880 — 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
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 100% | new |
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 BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO CHASSIS TUBE AND HOSE ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN LOCATED IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO CHAFING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. CONTINUED CHAFING MAY RESULT IN TUBE OR HOSE FAILURE AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A BRAKE LINE ATTACHING CLIP AND REPLACE ANY DAMAGED BRAKE TUBE AND HOSE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“BOTH DOOR LATCHES HAVE FALLEN OFF. CONSUMER HAS TO CLIMB IN AND OUT OF VEHICLE AND FEELS THIS IS VERY UNSAFE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. PH”
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.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 Ford F880. 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.