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1981 Ford F-250 recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

5 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1981 Ford F-250. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Ford been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. Recall repairs are free.

1981 Ford F-250 recalls, newest first

March 15, 1982NHTSA 82V02400012,500 vehicles potentially affected

Equipment › Mechanical › Carrier/rack

Summary
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.
Remedy
Dealer will replace bolts and any damaged spare tires at no cost to owner.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

October 6, 1981NHTSA 81V12100016,500 vehicles potentially affected

Wheels › Multi piece

Summary
The owner"s guide may contain an error in the wheel lug nut torque specification chart. Incorrect information could result in improper torque of the lug nuts during wheel replacement. Lug nuts could come loose during vehicle operation.
Remedy
An adhesive-backed, revised page will be supplied to owners for insertion in the owner"s guide. In addition, dealers will provide torque verification, if one or more wheels have been serviced, at no cost to owners.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

May 21, 1981NHTSA 81V061000130 vehicles potentially affected

Structure

Summary
The involved trucks were manufactured with a certain portion of specified floor pan insulation material (beneath the right front passenger seat) omitted. Because of this omission, a section of the sheet metal floor pan was left exposed over the exhaust system in an area of possible passenger contact.
Remedy
The dealer will install a revised design floorpan insulator pad at no charge to owner.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

February 13, 1981NHTSA 81V02300026 vehicles potentially affected

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting

Summary
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.
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

November 10, 1980NHTSA 80V1450006,260 vehicles potentially affected

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting

Summary
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.
Remedy
Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, relocate fuel tank straps without charge to owner.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1981 Ford F-250 with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
1

Most complained-about components

  1. Power train › Automatic transmission1

Other Ford F-250 years

Other 1981 Ford models

Questions

Does the 1981 Ford F-250 have any recalls?
5 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: equipment, wheels, structure, fuel system, gasoline. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1981 Ford F-250 recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Ford dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1981 Ford F-250?
1 complaint filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.