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1981 Dodge Diplomat Wagon Base

The 1981 Dodge Diplomat Wagon Base is a 130-hp 5.2-liter V8 wagon with a 3-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive.

It makes 130 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 230 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm.

The Diplomat Wagon measures 205.5 inches long on a 112.7-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeWagon
PowertrainGas
Engine
Engine TypeOHV V8 (318 LA), two-barrel carburetor
Displacement5.2 L
Horsepower130 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque230 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Injection Typetwo-barrel carburetor
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
Transmission3-speed automatic (TorqueFlite)
Dimensions & Weight
Length205.5 in
Width74.2 in
Height55.5 in
Wheelbase112.7 in

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1981 Dodge DIPLOMAT. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sep 22, 1981 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

Remedy: THE SHIELD PORTION OF THE "RESUME" SLIDE LEVER IN THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.

NHTSA campaign 81V111000

May 5, 1981 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM

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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 81V055000

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1981 DODGE DIPLOMAT. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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