The Triumph TR7 spans 1981–1981 with 1 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Triumph TR7 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1981 across multiple generations.
How to read a Triumph TR7 VIN — every digit explained
Every Triumph TR7 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Triumph and the country it was built in (real Triumph codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this TR7.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- UKSAT · SMT
- Brazil97N
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your TR7, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Triumph TR7 have?
The Triumph TR7 has 1 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1981. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1981 Triumph TR7 recalls 1
Seat Belts:front
What's wrong. WIDESPREAD LACK OF UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE OPERATION OF WEBBING SENSITIVE AND DUAL SENSITIVE SEAT BELTS HAS LEAD TO NON-USE OF BELTS BY A NUMBER OF OWNERS. SOME BELTS RETRACTORS MAY JAM, BIND OR LOCK. THIS MAY DISCOURAGE THE USE OF THE SAFETY BELTS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: NON-USE OF SEAT BELTS SUBJECTS OCCUPANTS TO RISK OF INJURY IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN BRAKING.
Fix. INSTRUCTINS ON PROPER BELT USAGE AND SIMPLE CHECKS WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS AND WILL REPLACE ANY MALFUNCTIONING RETRACTOR.
Best and worst years for the Triumph TR7
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Triumph TR7 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Triumph TR7 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Triumph TR7 — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Triumph TR7 specifications & dimensions
The 1981 Triumph TR7 measures 165″ long on a 85″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,491 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Triumph TR7 window sticker.
| Wheelbase | 85″ (216 cm) |
| Body / trim | Tr7 |
| Curb weight | 2,491 lb (1130 kg) |
| Overall width | 66″ (168 cm) |
| Overall height | 50″ (126 cm) |
| Overall length | 165″ (420 cm) |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Triumph TR7 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the TR7 holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Triumph TR7 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Triumph TR7 get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Triumph TR7 have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Triumph TR7 cost to own?
A Triumph TR7 depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used TR7 is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this TR7 loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the TR7 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Triumph TR7 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the TR7 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Triumph TR7 last?
A well-maintained Triumph TR7 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Triumph TR7’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this TR7’s VIN free →All Triumph TR7 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Triumph TR7 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 TR7 | 1 recall | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the TR7?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Triumph TR7.
How many recalls does the TR7 have?
1 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1981. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a TR7 last?
A well-maintained TR7 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the TR7 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the TR7 is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Triumph TR7 warranty?
New Triumph models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Triumph dealer.
Where is the Triumph TR7 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your TR7's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Triumph may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a TR7 weigh?
The TR7's curb weight is around 2,491 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the TR7 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.