1983 Ford E350
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 10 |
| 1987 | 14 |
| 1988 | 10 |
| 1989 | 25 |
| 1990 | 23 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
4 OF 6 TIRES BOUGHT IN 04 THREAD SEPARATING. NO ACCIDENT. MOTOR JUST STARTED SHAKING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20110315
1 of 4 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON AND IN THE PARK POSITION, ON ITS OWN THE VEHICLE JUMPED OUT OF GEAR FROM PARK INTO REVERSE. *AK CONSUMER STATES THIS IS NOT HIS VEHICLE OR HIS COMPLAINT.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 19961112
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19961114
1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE PARKED FOR TWO DAYS, NOTICED SMOKE AND FIRE COMING FROM DASH AREA, POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960419
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LOCK WEDGES USED TO SECURE THE AXLE BEARING NUTS TO THE AXLE HOUSING MAY FALL OUT OF POSITION, ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN. THE NUT ON THE LEFT SIDE MAY FALL OFF, ALLOWING MOVE
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE LOCK WEDGES WITH AN IMPROVED VERSION. WHEEL BEARINGS WILL BE INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED OR REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.
Campaign 82V104000 — check if this car was fixed
SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE A DIODE IN THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP CIRCUIT THAT MAY SHORT DURING ENGINE STARTING DUE TO INADEQUATE CAPACITY TO WITHSTAND CURRENT DRAW. A SHORT CIRCUIT WOULD RES
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE ELEMENT IN THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP CIRCUIT WITH A NEW RELAY FEED WIRING ASSEMBLY WHICH CONTAINS A LARGER CAPACITY DIODE, FREE OF CHARGE.
Campaign 82V124000 — check if this car was fixed
ATTACHING BOLTS ON FUEL TANK SUPPORTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED; ALSO, THE SUPPORTS ARE TOO THIN. HIGH LEVELS OF STRESS, WHICH COULD OCCUR UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS, COULD CAUSE C
Remedy: FUEL TANK SUPPORTS AND FASTENERS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Campaign 84V034000 — check if this car was fixed
DUAL REAR WHEEL RETENTION
FILLER NECK SPURT
FILLER NECK SPURT
EXPULSION OF FUEL DUE TO OVERPRESSURIZATION.
Remedy: MODIFICATION OF THE BASE FUEL VENTING AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM TO REDUCE OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES.
Campaign 87V113000 — check if this car was fixed
FORD E-350 EMS VEHICLE FIRES
FORD E350 EMS VEH. FIRES
VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES IN SEVERE DUTY APPLICATIONS.
Remedy: INSTALL MODIFICATION KITS TO MINIMIZE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL EXPULSION AND TO SHIELD UNDERBODY COMPONENTS FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT.
Campaign 87V144000 — check if this car was fixed
FIRES-COOLANT HOSE FAILURE
EXTREME OPERATING CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HEATER HOSES OR ENGINE BYPASS HOSES.
Remedy: REPLACE HOSES AND RADIATOR CAPS; INSTALL HIGH HEAT RESISTANCE ALUMINIZED STAINLESS STEEL MUFFLERS.
Campaign 88V133000 — check if this car was fixed
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HEATER HOSE ROUTING
HEATER HOSE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ROUTED.
Remedy: REROUTE AND REPAIR HOSE AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 89V140000 — check if this car was fixed
WHEN FRONTALLY IMPACTED INTO A FIXED BARRIER AT 30 MPH, AS SPECIFIED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO.
Remedy: INSTALL A CANISTER SHIELD, A REVISED DESIGN DRAIN ROD SHIELD, AND MODIFY FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR MOUNTING BRACKET.
Campaign 85V061000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1983 Ford E350 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V061000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 82V104000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 82V124000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 84V034000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V113000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V144000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V133000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V140000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1983 Ford E350 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1983 Ford E350?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1983 Ford E350 have?
8 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.