1983 Ford Ranger
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1983
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1983: 11 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 11 |
| 1984 | 12 |
| 1985 | 27 |
| 1986 | 36 |
| 1987 | 51 |
| 1988 | 90 |
| 1989 | 73 |
| 1990 | 106 |
| 1991 | 133 |
| 1992 | 191 |
| 1993 | 235 |
| 1994 | 455 |
| 1995 | 321 |
| 1996 | 413 |
| 1997 | 411 |
| 1998 | 576 |
| 1999 | 755 |
| 2000 | 670 |
| 2001 | 515 |
| 2002 | 346 |
| 2003 | 243 |
| 2004 | 404 |
| 2005 | 289 |
| 2006 | 271 |
| 2007 | 270 |
| 2008 | 326 |
| 2009 | 168 |
| 2010 | 156 |
| 2011 | 235 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2019 | 271 |
| 2020 | 130 |
| 2021 | 119 |
| 2022 | 38 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 93 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
3 of 11 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch.
Visibility
1 of 11 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield.
Show complaint excerpts
Passenger side window shattered. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-16
Structure
1 of 11 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Service brakes
1 of 11 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Seat belts
1 of 11 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1982-05-03Engine and engine cooling82V033000 On the involved vehicles, the muffler grass shields were inadvertently omitted during manufacture. Without the grass shield, and during certain operating conditions, the muffler surface temperatures…
Remedy: Dealer will install grass shields on all affected vehicles at no cost to owner.
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1983-04-15Suspension83V032000 Some of the involved vehicles may have been built with improperly heat treated front suspension lower spring seat attaching studs. These studs could fracture during vehicle operation, allowing the…
Remedy: The dealer will replace the lower spring seat studs on both the left and right sides of the vehicle at no charge to owners.
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1984-10-22Fuel system, gasoline84V082000 If truck is struck from the side, the cap on the fuel tank could become unsealed, allowing unsafe leakage of fuel. This is a failure to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety…
Remedy: Upon inspection, fuel cap tethers will be replaced or diesel fuel information rings will be removed.
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1984-10-22Latches/locks/linkages84V111000 Secondary hood latch components may have been improperly positioned during assembly. If the hood is not closed tightly, or is inadvertently released, the secondary latch may not work and the hood…
Remedy: The hood assembly will be inspected and the hood and latch components will be adjusted, if necessary, without charge to the owner.
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1984-10-22Fuel system, gasoline84V112000 The flexible hose connecting the fuel pump to the carburetor fuel line may separate from the fuel pump.
Remedy: The existing fuel hose will be replaced and two new hose clamps will be installed.
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1998-04-15Service brakes, air98E010000 Equipment description: aftermarket brake rotors for use on certain Ford and Mazda trucks. Cracked castings caused cracks to appear on the outer diameter of the rotor hat or around the stud hole.
Remedy: Aimco will reimburse consumers/installers for the cost of replacement rotors and installation. Consumers are requested to return to the location where the rotors were originally purchased/installed…
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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 Ranger — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 82V033000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 83V032000 · Suspension
- Recall 84V082000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 84V111000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 84V112000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 98E010000 · Service brakes, air
- Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1983 Ford Ranger 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 Ranger?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1983 Ford Ranger have?
- 7 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.