1981 Ford F150 problems

General information about Ford-F150
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1948 model year. The F-Series is marketed as a range of full-sized pickup trucks positioned above the midsize Ranger but below the larger Super Duty in the Ford truck lineup. Alongside the F-150 (introduced in 1975), the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series (introduced in 1999), which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.

History

The F-Series was first introduced in 1948 as a replacement for a previous pickup model line based on car platforms.

The most popular version of the model line is the F-150 pickup truck, currently in its fourteenth generation (introduced for the 2021 model year). From 1953 to 1983, the entry-level F-Series pickup was the 1⁄2 ton F-100. Starting in 1984, the F-150 became the entry-level. The F-150 has a long-running high-performance off-road trim level introduced for 2010, the (SVT) Raptor currently consisting of three generations. Production of the F-150 SVT Raptor ended in 2014 and it was planned to be succeeded by a new F-150 Raptor, which is based on the thirteenth and fourteenth generation F-150.

The F-Series trucks have been developed into a wide range of design configurations. Alongside medium-duty trucks and "Big Job" conventional trucks (the forerunners of the Ford L-series), the model line has been marketed as a chassis-cab truck and a panel van (a predecessor of the Ford E-Series). The F-Series has served as the platform for various full-sized Ford SUVs, including the Ford Bronco, Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Excursion. The F-Series has been marketed by its three North American brands: by Mercury as the M-Series (in Canada from 1948 to 1968), and by Lincoln in the 2000s, as the Blackwood and the later Mark LT (2010s for the latter in Mexico only).

Since 1977, the F-Series has remained the best-selling pickup truck line in the United States; it has been the best-selling vehicle overall since 1981. The F-Series has been the best-selling truck in Canada for over fifty years. As of the 2018 model year, the F-Series generated $41 billion (~$49 billion in 2023) in annual revenue for Ford. By January 2022, the F-Series models have sold over 40 million units. Currently, Ford manufactures the F-Series in four facilities in the United States.

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Common 1981 Ford F150 problems

The Ford F-150, first introduced in 1948, is a popular pickup truck known for its reliability and versatility. However, like any vehicle, it can experience certain issues over time. Here are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the 1981 Ford F-150, based on available search results:

Alternator Belt: On 1990 to 1994 model F-150s, including the 1981 model, the alternator belt has been a common source of complaints. If the pulley for the air conditioner or power-steering is askew, it can cause chirping or squealing noises, indicating trouble with the alternator belt.

Automatic Transmission: The TR/MLP sensor can malfunction, causing the transmission to fall out of alignment. This issue is most commonly reported in 1994-1995 model F-150s but can also affect the 1981 model. Flare-up issues with the transmission have been reported when shifting between the second and third gears, often due to distorted valve plates.

Ball Joints: On 1990-1996 Ford F-150s, including the 1981 model, ball joints can be particularly vulnerable to water exposure. If exposed, the ball joints can expire prematurely, requiring replacement.

Hard Starting: Drivers have reported hard-starting issues on 1990-1996 model F-150s, including the 1981 model. This problem is often attributed to faulty harness wiring in the power control module, causing symptoms such as stalling, hesitation, and failure to start.

Suspension Problems: Owners of 1991 to 1994 Ford trucks, including the 1981 model, have reported problems with the front suspension system due to weak leaf springs along the front of the vehicle. This issue can be resolved by installing newer, stronger leaf springs.

These common problems with the 1981 Ford F-150 are based on owner complaints and may not represent all issues that could potentially arise with this vehicle. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or address these problems, ensuring the longevity and reliability of your Ford F-150.

What years to stay away from F-150?

If you want a F-150, but also want to avoid engine problems, then steer away from getting model years 2004-2008, 2010, and 2015-2017.

Which year of F-150 is most reliable?

With a reliability score of 86 out of 100, the 2022 Ford F-150 is the highest-rated F-150 model by J.D. Power, meaning it is also the most reliable Ford F-150 available. What makes the 2022 F-150 even more impressive is that you won't have to sacrifice modern features for reliability.

How many miles per gallon does a 1981 F-150 get?

Based on data from 3 vehicles, 64 fuel-ups and 9,642 miles of driving, the 1981 Ford F-150 gets a combined Avg MPG of 9.60 with a 0.68 MPG margin of error.

What year Ford F-150 is the best to buy?

Best Ford F-150 Trucks to Buy Used

2018 Ford F-150. The 2018 Ford F-150 is recognized as the most modern model on the market but comes with a heftier price tag. ...
2012 Ford F-150. ...
2019 Ford F-150. ...
2009 Ford F-150. ...
2015 Ford F-150.

What are the bad years for Ford F-150?

What Are the Best F-150 Models? The best Ford F-150 models years are 2019 - 2023, 2017, 2006 - 2009, 2003, and 1996. The worst model years of the Ford F-150 are 2018, 2010 - 2016, 2004 - 2005, and 1997 - 2002. This is based on reported problems, consumer feedback and ratings from major automotive review sites.

What years did the F-150 have engine problems?

What year F-150 has engine problems? If you want a F-150, but also want to avoid engine problems, then steer away from getting model years 2004-2008, 2010, and 2015-2017.

Which year of F-150 is most reliable?

What is the defect in the Ford F-150?

The Details. Vehicles recalled: 2021, 2022, and 2023 Ford F-150 pickup trucks. The problem: A rear axle bolt may break on trucks equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy-duty axle. The fix: A repair is still being developed.

1981 Ford F150 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F150 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Tires problems
Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Ford F150 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1981 Ford F150 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Ford F150.

2011-01-24

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2010-07-01
Components: TIRES
Summary: I PURCHASED FOUR USED SX 5000 STARFIRE (COOPER) 255/70-15 TIRES FOR MY 1981 FORD F-150 IN MARCH OF 2010. THE TIRES WERE MOUNTED TO WHAT I BELIEVE ARE 15X8 STEEL WHEELS BY THE INDEPENDENT TIRE SHOP THAT I PURCHASED THE TIRES FROM. I THEN DROVE FROM SAINT PETERSBURG, FL TO AUSTIN, TX ON THE TIRES WITH NO PROBLEMS. OVER THE NEXT TWO OR THREE MONTHS, I DROVE ABOUT 500 MILES ON THE TIRES WITH NO ISSUES, UNTIL ONE DAY ONE OF THE FRONT TIRES WAS FLAT IN MY DRIVEWAY, WITH THE TREAD SEPARATED IN ONE AREA. I REPLACED BOTH FRONT WHEELS WITH SPARE WHEELS AND TIRES (UNKNOWN EXACT SPECIFICATIONS, BUT SMALLER), AND WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS, ONE OF THE REAR TIRES (AGAIN, IN MY DRIVEWAY) WAS FLAT, WITH THE TREAD SEPARATED. I PLACED TWO OTHER SPARE WHEELS/TIRES ON THE REAR AND PLACED THE SX 5000S IN MY GARAGE. WITHIN A WEEK, THE TWO SX5000S THAT HAD AIR IN THEM HAD BLOWN, AGAIN WITH THE TREAD SEPARATED. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WHEN THE WEATHER OUTSIDE TURNED HOT (SUMMER). TIRE PRESSURES WERE MAINTAINED NEAR (UNDER) THE MAXIMUM SIDEWALL SPECIFICATIONS, AND THE F-150 WAS NEVER OVERLOADED. THE TRUCK IS PRIMARILY USED FOR FAMILY TRANSPORTATION. I CALLED COOPER AT 1-800-854-6288 BECAUSE RECALL # 147 CLOSELY MATCHED THE PROBLEMS I EXPERIENCED, BUT I WAS TOLD MY TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED IN 2003 AND WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. THE TIRE INFORMATION IS: DOT 3DM2 B7W3903 C14R. I WAS ADMONISHED BY THE COOPER REPRESENTATIVE ABOUT PURCHASING AND USING USED TIRES, BUT GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF ALL FOUR TIRES ESSENTIALLY BLOWING OUT WITH TREAD SEPARATION IN UNEXPECTED FASHION WITHIN A FEW WEEKS (OF SUMMER TEMPERATURES), I FEEL THAT THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM IS THE DESIGN OF THE TIRES, AND NOT THAT THE TIRES WERE ABUSED. UNTIL THE FAILURES, THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES DID NOT FALL OR RISE EXCEPT DUE TO AIR TEMPERATURES AND DRIVING FORCES, AND THE TREAD LIFE WAS AT LEAST 50%. *TR

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1999-09-28

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: THERE IS A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

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1981 Ford F150 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1981 Ford F150.

1982-03-15

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK
Summary: THE REINFORCEMENT FOR THE IN-BOX SPARE TIRE CARRIER MAY HAVE BEEN ATTACHED USING INCORRECT HEX HEAD BOLTS. IF THE CARRIER AND REINFORCEMENT ATTACHING BOLTS ARE INCORRECT, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR THE TIRE SIDEWALL TO BE DAMAGED OR WEAKENED BY EXTENDED CONTACT WITH THE SHARP EDGES OF THE BOLT HEADS.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE BOLTS AND ANY DAMAGED SPARE TIRES AT NO COST TO OWNER.

1981-05-21

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: THE INVOLVED TRUCKS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A CERTAIN PORTION OF SPECIFIED FLOOR PAN INSULATION MATERIAL (BENEATH THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT) OMITTED. BECAUSE OF THIS OMISSION, A SECTION OF THE SHEET METAL FLOOR PAN WAS LEFT EXPOSED OVER THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IN AN AREA OF POSSIBLE PASSENGER CONTACT.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A REVISED DESIGN FLOORPAN INSULATOR PAD AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

1980-11-10

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
Summary: DURING A CHANGE IN ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES, CERTAIN OF THE MID-SHIP FUEL TANK STRAPS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR MISLOCATED. AS A RESULT, THEY FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, EXCESSIVE FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, RELOCATE FUEL TANK STRAPS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1981 Ford F150 problems:

1981 Ford F-150 Fuel Problems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/395628-1981-ford-f-150-fuel-problems.html

Jul 26, 2005 ... 1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - 1981 Ford F-150 Fuel Problems - After reading thru many posts I found what I ...

Q&A: 1981 Ford F-150 FX2 - Ford Explorer, Truck, Clifford Alarm ...

https://www.justanswer.com/ford/4kw9g-ford-f-150-fx2-1981-ford-f-150-302.html

Feb 10, 2011 ... It sounds like you have an ignition system problem. It is common for the igntiion module or the pickup coil in the distributor to fail when it ...

1981 F150 Electrical System Problems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts ...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/364432-1981-f150-electrical-system-problems.html

Apr 8, 2005 ... This is a common problem and by your comment that the problem started with the dash lights and tail lights leads me to this as the start of the ...

1988 Ford F150: Surging Idle & Backfiring on Deceleration ...

https://www.justanswer.com/ford/4l4q8-ford-f150-lariat-1988-ford-150-cyl-surges-when-idling.html

Feb 12, 2011 ... Causes of rich running can be a defective fuel pressure regulator, should be 39psi regulated and 43 unregulated. Another common problem is a ...