1981 Volvo Dl recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. DUE TO INSUFFICIENT GROUNDING OF THE INTERNAL IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR PARTS, THE IGNITION COULD MISFIRE. THIS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE DRIVEABILITY AND LONGEVITY OF THE DISTRIBUTOR COMPONENTS.
What could happen:
The fix: ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH MODIFIED IGNITION COMPONENTS. THIS INCLUDES A NEW DISTRIBUTOR HAVING IMPROVED GROUNDING. ALL VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A CAPACITOR TO REDUCE THE HIGH VOLTAGE PEAKS. THIS WILL BE DONE AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
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 DL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volvo dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 81V131000.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Summary: DUE TO INSUFFICIENT GROUNDING OF THE INTERNAL IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR PARTS, THE IGNITION COULD MISFIRE. THIS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE DRIVEABILITY AND LONGEVITY OF THE DISTRIBUTOR COMPONENTS.
Consequence:
Remedy: ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH MODIFIED IGNITION COMPONENTS. THIS INCLUDES A NEW DISTRIBUTOR HAVING IMPROVED GROUNDING. ALL VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A CAPACITOR TO REDUCE THE HIGH VOLTAGE PEAKS. THIS WILL BE DONE AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIFIC ELECTRONICIGNITION SYSTEM AND B21F MPG ENGINES.SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; IGNITION SYSTEM.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN IGNITION MISFIRING OR, INSOME CASES, INTERMITTENT STALLING. A STALLED VEHICLE MAY PRESENT A TRAFFICHAZARD AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Portable jump starter
- 1981 Volvo Dl owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (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)
01/08/2001 · Steering
STEERING WHEEL LOCK ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING. *AK