Model year guide

1981 Dodge RAM

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1981 Dodge RAM is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1981 Dodge RAM — representative photo
Representative photo

1981 Dodge RAM at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints2

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1981 Dodge RAM recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1981 Dodge RAM.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1981 Dodge RAM common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Dimensions & weight

Length
183.1 in
Width
65.0 in
Wheelbase
109.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1981 Dodge RAM. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 2

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

68069384A$, R8069384A$, 68086182A$, R8027067A$, RL002012A$ - Gasket, Cylinder Head Cover Before replacing injectors for Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, and/or P0206, please make sure that the wiring loom and/or connector in the valv…

Bulletin 9002688 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System, Equipment · Feb 2013

STEERING COLUMN COUPLER SERVICE. *TW

Bulletin 190393 · Steering · Apr 1993

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RAM. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1981 Dodge RAM. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Not Entered

VEHICLE MAY NOT COMPLY WITH CMVSS 301 - FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY.

Transport Canada #1981021 · Feb 1981

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Dodge RAM

The Ram pickup is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1981 Dodge RAM vehicles on record

1981 Dodge RAM 1981 Dodge RAM1B7KW26P7BS179717

Other Dodge RAM model years

2023 2022 2021 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1987

1981 Dodge RAM — frequently asked questions

Does the 1981 Dodge RAM have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 1981 Dodge RAM. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1981 Dodge RAM?

Across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are tires, engine and engine cooling.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.