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
- 4
- Recalls
- 8
- Investigations
- 54
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1983
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1983: 4 complaints
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.
Tires
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-03-15
Power train
1 of 4 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-11-12
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine compartment fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-11-14
Electrical system
1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing switch.
Show complaint excerpts
While parked for two days, noticed smoke and fire coming from dash area, possible electrical.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-19
Safety timeline
8 recalls · 54 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1982-11-12Power train82V104000 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…
Remedy: The dealer will replace defective lock wedges with an improved version. Wheel bearings will be inspected and adjusted or replaced, if necessary.
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1983-01-21Fuel system, gasoline82V124000 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…
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.
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1984-05-18Fuel system, gasoline84V034000 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…
Remedy: Fuel tank supports and fasteners will be replaced without charge.
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1985-09-30CClosed 1988-08-02 Dual rear wheel retention
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1986-11-04Engineering analysisClosed 1987-04-29 Filler neck spurt
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1987-04-29CClosed 1987-09-01 Filler neck spurt
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1987-07-14Engine and engine cooling87V113000 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.
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1987-07-17Defect petitionClosed 1987-08-07 Ford E-350 ems vehicle fires
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1987-07-17Defect petitionClosed 1987-08-18 Ford E350 ems veh. Fires
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1988-02-03Engine and engine cooling87V144000 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.
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1988-05-12Defect petitionClosed 1988-11-16 Fires-coolant hose failure
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1988-09-14Engine and engine cooling88V133000 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.
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1989-02-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-29 Underhood fires
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1989-02-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-02 Heater hose misrouting
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-04-19 Heater hose misrouting
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-29 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-21 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-06-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-19 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-19 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-06-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-19 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-03 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-19 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-29 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-29 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-27 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-03 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-27 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-28 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-05 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-03-15 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-19 Underhood fires
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1989-02-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-01 Underhood fires
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1989-03-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-08-01 Heater hose routing
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1989-09-01Visibility89V140000 Heater hose may be incorrectly routed.
Remedy: Reroute and repair hose as necessary.
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Date not on fileFuel system, diesel85V061000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1983 Ford E350 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 85V061000 · Fuel system, diesel
- Recall 82V104000 · Power train
- Recall 82V124000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 84V034000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 87V113000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 87V144000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 88V133000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 89V140000 · Visibility
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.