VehicleVerdict

1981 Oshkosh V715 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1981 Oshkosh V715 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1981 compare to other V715 years?

V715 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1981 highlighted1 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 0 complaints
V715 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1981 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all V715 years to avoid →

Does the 1981 Oshkosh V715 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

85V170000BrakesDecember 23, 1985 · 430 units

Defect

AN ERROR IN THE INSTALLATION OF THE BRAKE AIR LINE RESULTED IN CONNECTING THE FRONT AND REAR AIR BRAKE SUPPLY TANKS IN SERIES WITHOUT A CHECK VALVE BETWEEN THEM. IF AN AIR LEAK DEVELOPS IN EITHER THE FRONT OR REAR BRAKE SYSTEM, BOTH TANKS WOULD BE DEPLETED OF AIR CAUSING BOTH BRAKE SYSTEMS TO BE INOPERATIVE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A TRUCK WITHOUT INDEPENDENT FRONT AND REAR BRAKE SYSTEMS IS IN NONCOMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 121, AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS, WHICH PROVIDES SUCH A SYSTEM TO REDUCE HIGHWAY ACCIDENTS.

Remedy

REWORK PLUMBING FOR BRAKE LINES TO ENABLE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEMS TO BE INDEPENDENTLY FILLED AND PROTECTED FROM REAR BRAKE SYSTEM.

82V083000SteeringAugust 30, 1982 · 368 units

Defect

THE STEERING PITMAN ARM CROSS BOLTS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED TO PROPERLY SECURE THE ARM TO THE STEERING GEAR SHAFT. THE BOLT MAY LOOSEN FURTHER DURING CONTINUED VEHICLE OPERATION.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSTALL THE PROPER CAPSCREW NUT AND WASHER TO SECURE THE ARM CROSS BOLT TO THE STEERING GEAR SHAFT. THIS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE.

81V137000BrakesNovember 6, 1981 · 129 units

Defect

THE PARKING BRAKE LINKAGE MAY NOT EXERT SUFFICIENT FORCE TO THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM TO HOLD THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKED ON A SLOPE.

Remedy

PARKING BRAKE LINKAGE KITS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE DEFECT.

1981 Oshkosh V715 — common questions

Is the 1981 Oshkosh V715 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1981 Oshkosh V715 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 Oshkosh V715. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.