1981 Ford F350
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1981 Ford F350. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1981 Ford F350. Newest first.
The reinforcement for the in-box spare tire carrier may have been attached using incorrect hex head bolts. If the carrier and reinforcement attaching bolts are incorrect, the potential exists for the tire sidewall to be damaged or weakened by extended contact with the sharp edges of the bolt heads.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
Dealer will replace bolts and any damaged spare tires at no cost to owner.
Certain vehicles may not have had the disc portion of the wheel welded to the rim during manufacture. Consequently, the wheel could be subject to sudden separation of the rim and tire from the wheel disc.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
Suspect wheels will be inspected and replaced, if necessary, at no charge.
Certain vehicles may have been assembled without the specified fuel tank shield which prevents direct contact between the fuel tank and driveline components. During a 30 mph frontal barrier impact test, as specified in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity", fuel leakage may occur.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
Vehicles will have the existing separate skid plate or fuel tank shield removed (whichever was installed on vehicle). A special combination skid plate/fuel tank shield assembly will be installed in its place free of charge.
During a change in assembly procedures, certain of the mid-ship fuel tank straps may have been improperly installed or mislocated. As a result, they fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity". In the event of a collision, excessive fuel spillage may occur.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, relocate fuel tank straps without charge to owner.
Owner complaints
2 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Possible engine failure resulted in vehicle fire (ohio traffic crash report). *mjs
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Headlights go off and on while driving at night. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Dual rear wheel retention
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601036Some vehicles may exhibit excessive brake pedal travel, irregular front lining wear, and brake pull.
- 68393Unknown
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51689Frame- rivet replacement with bolts- service tips.
- 51669Noise- "popping/creaking"- front frame or suspension brackets- frame- "popping/creaking"- fastener replacement.
- 42080Unknown
Every Ford F350 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.