Consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE CAN LEAD TO FIRE WHEN NEAR AN IGNITIONSOURCE.
Remedy
REPLACE THE FUEL TANK WITH AN IMPROVED TANK.
1981 Toyota Land Cruiser problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser — 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
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1981 compare to other Land Cruiser years?
Does the 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
IF VEHICLE IS CONTINUOUSLY DRIVEN AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH ON EXTREMELY ROUGH ROADS, A BENDING RESONANCE OF THE STEERING TIE ROD MAY OCCUR. THIS COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE FRACTURE AND FAILURE OF THE ROD.
Remedy
THE STEERING TIE ROD ASSEMBLY AND RELAY ROD WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
1981 Toyota Land Cruiser — common questions
Is the 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser reliable?
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.
Does the 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Toyota Land Cruiser years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Land Cruiser years to avoid are 2000. The cleanest record among Land Cruiser years belongs to 2019.
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.