1981 Ford Fairmont problems

Common 1981 Ford Fairmont problems

The Ford Fairmont 1981 has been known to have several common problems that owners have reported. One of the most frequently reported issues is a misfire under load, which is often indicative of an ignition or fueling fault.

Another common issue with the Ford Fairmont 1981 is the stereo system's security code feature. Cars of this era were often equipped with security codes to prevent theft of the stereo system. However, this feature has become a significant inconvenience for subsequent owners. Every time the car's battery is changed, the security code must be re-entered before the radio will work again. If the original owner's manuals and delivery documents cannot be found, obtaining the security code can be a challenge. It may require contacting Ford's customer service division or even a dealership, providing the car's VIN, and possibly removing the radio from the dashboard to obtain the serial number.

The Ford Fairmont 1981 was also known for handling problems, particularly with the rear brakes locking up on damp roads. This issue can cause the car to spin out of control, as was the case with a Fairmont wagon that flipped around 360 degrees after approaching a patch of wet leaves and hitting the brakes.

Additionally, the Ford Fairmont 1981 was known for its tinny construction, with wafer-thin doors that clanked when closed and window glass as thick as a dime, resulting in loud tire roar at high speeds. The front seat was a solid bench with no contour, providing little comfort on long trips. The car also had a notorious dash vibration at 55 mph, which was supposedly fixed in 1981 with added reinforcement. Rust was also a significant problem, settling in around the back wheel wells after just five winters, and the paper-thin paint wore off the trunk lid, resulting in surface rust.

The Ford Fairmont 1981 was also known for its boxy, plain-jane design, which was a salve for the wretched excess of massive, landau-topped, opera window-equipped, hood-ornamented, 4,600 lb. behemoths of the 1970s. However, the car's interior was criticized for being dull, with a plain steering wheel, long front bench seat, and monster-sized dashboard gauges. The car's comprehensive squareness, combined with the faint desperation of a car company trying to survive during the 1979 fuel crisis, made the Fairmont sedan and wagon, and the Futura coupe variant, a relatively short-term play that helped get the company out of trouble.

Despite these issues, the Ford Fairmont 1981 has become a collectible model for some enthusiasts, particularly those in excellent condition like the 55k mile example featured in the search results. The car's simplicity, reliability, and affordability have made it a popular choice for those looking for a classic car that is easy to maintain and enjoy.

Was the Ford Fairmont a good car?

Contemporary reviews were generally favorable, with many commenting on the "European" feel of the car and comparing it to the Volvo 200 series. The 1978 Fairmont has been called the "most efficient Ford family (sedan) ever built from a space-per-weight perspective."

How much is a 1981 Ford Fairmont worth?

All 1981 Ford Fairmont pricing and specs

The trade puts the value of an XD Fairmont ESP at between $1700 and $3800, depending on its condition. A car such as yours, however, may be worth more on the collectable car market -- if you are prepared to wait for the right person to come along.

What is the fuel consumption of the Ford Fairmont?

9.5 to 11.5L/100km

The Ford Fairmont currently offers fuel consumption from 9.5 to 11.5L/100km. The Ford Fairmont is available with the following fuel type: ULP.

When was the last Ford Fairmont made?

The Fairlane name has been on Australian roads since 1959 but the first models sold were imported from North America. Local production of the Fairlane began on February 27, 1967 and continued until 7.31 in the morning on January 25, 2008, when the last one rolled off the Ford line at Broadmeadows.

1981 Ford Fairmont car problems categorized by type of issue

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

• Steering problems
• Electrical system problems
• Tires problems
• Engine and engine cooling problems

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