- The problem
- Due to insufficient grounding of the internal ignition distributor parts, the ignition could misfire. This could adversely affect vehicle driveability and longevity of the distributor components.
- The fix
- All affected vehicles will be fitted with modified ignition components. This includes a new distributor having improved grounding. All vehicles will be fitted with a capacitor to reduce the high voltage peaks. This will be done at no charge to owner.
Vehicle safety record
1981 Volvo DL Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1981 Volvo DL with NHTSA, most often about the steering (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in October 1981 for the ignition. For comparison, the 1982 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical DL year, for its age
#27 most complained-about 1981 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1981 Volvo DL problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1981 Volvo DL recalls 1
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
What owners say
Be the first DL owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
1 complaints about the 1981 Volvo DL
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING. *AK
Volvo DL: every year compared
All DL years1981 Volvo DL vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Volvo DL | 1 | 1 | D | |
| 1981 Volvo Volvo | 2 | 0 | D | 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 Volvo DL
Does the 1981 Volvo DL have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1981 Volvo DL: ignition (October 1981). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Volvo DL?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (1).
How many complaints has the 1981 Volvo DL had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 8, 2001 and the latest on January 8, 2001. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1981 Volvo DL a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 39 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Volvo DL 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.
Which Volvo DL years have the most complaints?
1983 (3), 1984 (3), 1990 (2). See every Volvo DL year compared.
What should I do if my 1981 Volvo DL 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