- The problem
- Attaching bolts on fuel tank supports may not have been adequately tightened; also, the supports are too thin. High levels of stress, which could occur under normal operating conditions, could cause cracks to develop in the support straps. If the fuel tank supports fracture, the fuel tank will slip from the normal position, and fuel leakage could result.
- The fix
- Fuel tank supports and fasteners will be replaced without charge.
Vehicle safety record
1981 Ford E350 Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1981 Ford E350 have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in March 1984 for the mounting.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical E350 year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1981 Ford E350 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
- There are three pinch bolts that connect two universal joints in the steering column and gearbox. Pinch bolts may not be properly tightened. Steering may bind or lock up.
- The fix
- The steering column shaft cover will be removed by disengaging and removing the self tapping screws in order to securely fasten the pinch bolts.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1981 Ford E350 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.
Ford E350: every year compared
All E350 years1981 Ford E350 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Ford E350 | 0 | 2 | D | |
| 1981 Ford Bronco | 2 | 1 | A | 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 Ford E350
Does the 1981 Ford E350 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1981 Ford E350: mounting (March 1984); steering wheel / handle bar (February 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 Ford E350 had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1981 Ford E350 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 26 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Ford E350 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 Ford E350 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