Is the 1981 Dodge Ram reliable?

Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 1981 Dodge Ram has 2 NHTSA complaints, 0 crash-related, 0 recalls. Most common issue: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM (1 complaints). Source: VinItel

What are common problems with the 1981 Dodge Ram?

Top reported problems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM (1 complaints); TIRES (1 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinItel

1981 Dodge Ram Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1981 Dodge Ram.

< older29 years1983

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Fatalities

—

Recalls

Worst 1981 Dodge Ram Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#11 complaints

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

Fires:1

#21 complaints

TIRES

Considering a 1981 Dodge Ram?

Check the actual VIN — every car is different.

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check VIN Free

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1981 Dodge Ram.

Component	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Avg Mileage	Volume
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM	1	—	1	—
TIRES	1	—	—	—

Other Dodge Ram Years

1981 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Wider context: See the full Dodge Ram reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 1981 Dodge Ram

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

Check Any VIN — $4.99