1983 Ford Mustang
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1983
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1983: 5 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 4 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 18 |
| 1985 | 16 |
| 1986 | 30 |
| 1987 | 38 |
| 1988 | 108 |
| 1989 | 111 |
| 1990 | 87 |
| 1991 | 78 |
| 1992 | 70 |
| 1993 | 102 |
| 1994 | 368 |
| 1995 | 603 |
| 1996 | 246 |
| 1997 | 176 |
| 1998 | 236 |
| 1999 | 213 |
| 2000 | 311 |
| 2001 | 173 |
| 2002 | 118 |
| 2003 | 145 |
| 2004 | 116 |
| 2005 | 705 |
| 2006 | 423 |
| 2007 | 615 |
| 2008 | 347 |
| 2009 | 181 |
| 2010 | 261 |
| 2011 | 466 |
| 2012 | 469 |
| 2013 | 271 |
| 2014 | 359 |
| 2015 | 439 |
| 2016 | 379 |
| 2017 | 268 |
| 2018 | 196 |
| 2019 | 152 |
| 2020 | 122 |
| 2021 | 55 |
| 2022 | 50 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 85 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
3 of 5 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle caught on fire while parked for several. Source electrical
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-07-26
Ignition caught fire and burned car and house.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-22
Steering
1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving vehicle shut down. When attempting to restart, vehicle burst into flames. Please describe details.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-14
Safety timeline
1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1985-02-22Engineering analysisClosed 1987-04-14 Floor pan cracks
-
I
1986-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-28 Seatback failure
-
I
1990-05-02Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-10 Floor pan fracture
-
R
2007-10-15Fuel system, gasoline07E064000 Certain federal-mogul aftermarket fuel pumps sold under the brand names of carter, accuflow, napa, truflow, parts depo, and parts master, shipped between August 2006 and July 2007 for use on the…
Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2007. Owners can contact federal-mogul at 248-354-7700.
Buy-smart checklist
1983 Ford Mustang — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1983 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1983 Ford Mustang 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.