1981 Dodge Ramcharger 2WD MT
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 1985 Dodge Ramcharger 4WD in Light Blue Metallic, front left, 07-04-2026 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Dodge Ramcharger -- 07-20-2009 by IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Dodge Ramcharger (16828555340) by Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Dodge Ramcharger (16395930923) by Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1985 Dodge Ramcharger 4WD in Light Blue Metallic, rear left, 07-04-2026 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1981 Dodge Ramcharger 2WD MT is a 5.2-liter V8 with a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | OHV V8 (318 cu in), standard engine |
| Displacement | 5.2 L |
| Injection Type | Carburetor |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD (2WD) |
| Differential Type | Limited-slip differential optional (9.25 in Chrysler corporate rear axle); standard open differential otherwise |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | Manual transmission (3-, 4-, or 5-speed offered across 1981-1993 per Wikipedia; exact count for this model year not specified in source) |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Width | 79.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 106 in |
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1981 Dodge RAMCHARGER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Sep 24, 1984 · STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPACT TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE STRUCTURE OF THE REAR STEP BUMPER MAY NOT WITHSTAND A REAR END COLLISION SIMILAR TO THE FORCE CREATED IN TESTING; FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR UPON IMPACT.
Remedy: A FUEL TANK PROTECTIVE SKID PLATE WILL BE INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE.
NHTSA campaign 84V115000
1 owner complaint to NHTSA for the 1981 Dodge RAMCHARGER
Owner Complaints
1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA for the 1981 Dodge RAMCHARGER. See all on nhtsa.gov
| Tires | 1 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1981 DODGE RAMCHARGER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.