- The problem
- The automatic speed control switch may stick in the "resume" position restricting return movement. This will not allow the normal brake pedal operation to deactivate the system.
- The fix
- The shield portion of the "resume" slide lever in the speed control unit will be replaced without charge.
Vehicle safety record
1981 Dodge Diplomat Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1981 Dodge Diplomat have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in September 1981 for the vehicle speed control.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Diplomat year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1981 Dodge Diplomat recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Engine may lose power or stall due to carburetor flooding. This is caused by a poor electrical ground on the carburetor fuel bowl vent solenoid. Vehicles may also have driveability problems while the engine is warming up in cold weather. These problems include engine missing, sags, and hesitation. This is caused by a sticking carburetor oxygen feedback solenoid.
- The fix
- Dealer will inspect carburetor and if necessary, the bowl vent solenoid will be repaired by resoldering (reconnecting) the external electrical connection free of charge. If applicable, the oxygen feedback sensor will be replaced.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1981 Dodge Diplomat yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Dodge Diplomat: every year compared
All Diplomat years1981 Dodge Diplomat vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Dodge Diplomat | 0 | 2 | C | |
| 1981 Dodge Ram | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1981 Dodge Aries | 2 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 1981 Dodge B150 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1981 Dodge B250 | 1 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1981 Dodge Dodge Truck | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1981 Dodge Challenger | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1981 Dodge D150 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1981 Dodge Ramcharger | 1 | 1 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1981 Dodge Diplomat
Does the 1981 Dodge Diplomat have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1981 Dodge Diplomat: vehicle speed control (September 1981); carburetor system (May 1981). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1981 Dodge Diplomat had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1981 Dodge Diplomat a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Dodge Diplomat year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
What should I do if my 1981 Dodge Diplomat has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data