1981 Ford E150 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. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash.
What could happen: OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED IN EVENT OFAN ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN STOP.
The fix: INSTALL PROPER MOUNTING HARDWARE AND SEAT BELTS.
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 E150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V137000.
- 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: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary:
Consequence: OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED IN EVENT OFAN ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN STOP.
Remedy: INSTALL PROPER MOUNTING HARDWARE AND SEAT BELTS.
Notes: NOTE: THIS RECALL WAS INITIALIZED BY MARK III INDUSTRIES.SYSTEM: SEAT BELTS, SEAT BELT ANCHORS, AND SEAT MOUNTING. DOM: SEPT. 1978 TOSEPT. 1984.DESCRIPTION ON DEFECT: IMPROPER MOUNTING HARDWARE AND IMPROPER SAFETY RESTRAINTSYSTEMS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1981 Ford E150 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
05/02/1996 · Electrical system · fire
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK
05/02/1996 · Electrical system · fire
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK