MYRModel Year Report

1983 Ford Escort

○ Not enough data
1983 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:32:54.492Z

Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
7

Too few to rank

Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 1983

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1983 7 1984: 21 complaints 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1990: 104 complaints 1990 1991: 335 complaints 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1983 7 1984: 21 complaints 1985: 26 complaints 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1989 1990: 104 complaints 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1997: 543 complaints 1997 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2003: 10 complaints 2003
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1982 1983: 7 complaints 1983 7 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1986 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1988 1989: 152 complaints 1989 1990: 104 complaints 1990 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1992 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1994 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1997 1998: 375 complaints 1998 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2000 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003

1983: 7 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19824
19837
198421
198526
198646
198759
1988148
1989152
1990104
1991335
1992166
1993383
1994289
1995576
1996205
1997543
1998375
1999325
200098
200168
200233
200310

Known problem areas

Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Service brakes

2 of 7 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

INJURY

Electrical system

2 of 7 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and switch.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Ignition switch shorted, causing fire. (First vehicle on 601624, 601627)

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-11-06

While driving on highway owner smelled smoke. Driver lifted hood and wiring harness was on fire near firewall. Please describe details.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-20

Seat belts

1 of 7 total reports mentions: seat belts.

Fuel system, gasoline

1 of 7 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing carburetor system.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1982-09-01Fuel system, gasoline82V088000 During a crash barrier test, the rubber hose connecting the fuel tank and the metal filler pipe vent tube was cut, resulting in fuel leakage. The involved vehicles fail to comply with federal motor…

    Remedy: Dealer will install a brace between the right side rear quarter panel and the body side rail to improve fuel tank impact resistance.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1983-07-18Latches/locks/linkages83V063000 Door lock pillars could develop fatigue cracks from normal usage of door, at the point where door latch striker reinforcements are attached.

    Remedy: Any damaged lock pillars will be repaired and reinforcements will be installed between the door latch striker and lock pillars.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1984-05-30Defect petitionClosed 1984-09-10 Stalling and carburetor malfunctions
  4. R
    1984-08-14Seats84V071000 Seat frame structure could sever front seat belts if vehicle is involved in an accident, depending on force of impact.

    Remedy: Dealer will install a molded spacer between reinforcement plates and lower decorative plastic cover.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    1986-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-28 Seatback failure
  6. I
    1986-07-24Defect petitionClosed 1986-08-07 Stalling
  7. R
    1989-01-23Fuel system, gasoline88V193000 The diaphragm material of the mechanical fuel pumps may deteriorate and allow the diaphragm to rupture.

    Remedy: Install new mechanical fuel pumps with improved diaphragm material and revise wiring for electric fuel pump circuits.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    Date not on fileSeat belts85V067000 Rear seat belt retractors may allow twisted webbing to enter the retractor housing and jam the retractor.

    Remedy: A clip will be inserted into the retractor housing webbing to prevent jamming.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1983 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 85V067000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 82V088000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 83V063000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 84V071000 · Seats
  • Recall 88V193000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1983 Ford Escort 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 Escort?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1983 Ford Escort have?
5 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.