Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1981 Volkswagen Dasher — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, POROUS SPOTS MAY HAVE DEVELOPED ON THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE THREADED HOLE FOR THE BRAKE HOSE DURING THE MOULDING PROCESS. THESE SPOTS ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO SEEP FROM THE CALIPERS DURING HEAVY BRAKE APPLICATIONS.
Remedy
BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS WILL BE INSPECTED FOR BRAKE FLUID SEEPAGE AND WILL BE REPLACED, IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1981 Volkswagen Dasher. 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.