Large Recall NHTSA · 81V008000 Reported January 12, 1981

Power train:transmission:automatic:indicator:lever

Ford Motor Company · Power Train · 21,000,000 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
81V008000
Manufacturer Campaign
NR (Not Reported)
Manufacturer
Component
Power Train
Vehicles Affected
21,000,000
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
January 12, 1981

Defect Summary

This is a manufacturer"s notice to advise owners of proper vehicle operation. The parking gear may not be securely engaged after the operator has attempted to shift to park. The vehicle may appear to be in park though actually in reverse. This could allow the vehicle to move unexpectedly.

Corrective Action

Owners will be provided with a self-sticking label containing important safety precautions as a daily reminder of the serious hazards of unexpected vehicle motion. It should be placed inside the vehicle in an easily seen location.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference recall ID 81V008000 or campaign NR (Not Reported).
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Power Train.

FAQ: Recall 81V008000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 81V008000?

NHTSA recall 81V008000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on January 12, 1981. It addresses: Power train:transmission:automatic:indicator:lever. The recall affects approximately 21,000,000 vehicles, with the defect involving the Power Train component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 81V008000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.