MYRModel Year Report

1983 Ford F150

○ Not enough data
1983 Ford F150
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:06:23.474Z

Only 10 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 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
10

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1983

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 5 complaints 1983: 10 complaints 1983 10 1984: 13 complaints 1985: 28 complaints 1986: 61 complaints 1986 1987: 89 complaints 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1990: 254 complaints 1990
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1983 10 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1985 1986: 61 complaints 1986 1987: 89 complaints 1987 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1989 1990: 254 complaints 1990
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1983 10 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1985 1986: 61 complaints 1986 1987: 89 complaints 1987 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1989 1990: 254 complaints 1990

1983: 10 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19812
19825
198310
198413
198528
198661
198789
1988141
1989210
1990254

Known problem areas

Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Tires

3 of 10 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Show complaint excerpts

These tires are separating and close to blowing out!! Unfortunately I cant afford a new set. They only have 15000 miles on them. I contacted uniroyal and they were very defiant and brash!!

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-16

Engine and engine cooling

3 of 10 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and emission control.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine compartment fire.(Ohio state police report)

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-31

Electrical system

3 of 10 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and starter assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Drove vehicle to store, got mirror, arrived home & parked, daughter G0T purse, noticed smoke, pulled up hood; flames shot up; vehicle burned completely.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-16

Vehicle was parked turned switch saw smoke, and console caught on fire. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-09

Visibility

1 of 10 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing fan/motor.

Vehicle speed control

1 of 10 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1983-02-26Power train83V028000 The parking gear may not engage, even though the gear shift lever is placed in the "Park" Position. This occurs if the linkage inside the transmission that actuates the park gear was improperly…

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the parking pawl actuating rod assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1989-01-26Defect petitionClosed 1989-08-01 F-series fuel tank fires

Buy-smart checklist

1983 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Tires: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 83V028000 · Power train
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1983 Ford F150 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 F150?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1983 Ford F150 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.