1981 Dodge Ramcharger recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR STEP BUMPER MAY NOT WITHSTAND A REAR END COLLISION SIMILAR TO THE FORCE CREATED IN TESTING; FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR UPON IMPACT.
What could happen:
The fix: A FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1981 RAMCHARGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V115000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
Summary: VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR STEP BUMPER MAY NOT WITHSTAND A REAR END COLLISION SIMILAR TO THE FORCE CREATED IN TESTING; FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR UPON IMPACT.
Consequence:
Remedy: A FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STEP BUMPERSBUT NOT EQUIPPED WITH FUEL TANK SKID PLATES.SYSTEM: FUEL SYSTEM; FUEL TANK.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LEAKING FUEL COULD RESULT IN VEHICLE FIRE AND PERSONALINJURY.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
11/16/2000 · Wheels / tires
INFO SENT TO WEBMASTER ,I DID RECEIVE A MESSAGE ON THE PHONE BUT LOST THE #. RIGHTREAR TIRE HAD TOTAL TREAD SEPARATION. LEFTREAR REPLACED AFTER HEAVY BULGING OF TREAD NOTICED. NO DOTS ON REPLACED TIRES. BUT BOTH FRONT TIRES ARE FROM THE ORIGINAL SET OF 4 AND STILL OK.(FRONT DOTS-VN60AXC135 & VD60AXC265) LEFTREAR LASTED 2600 MILES, RIGHTREAR LASTED 40K MIL…