MYRModel Year Report

1983 Ford Thunderbird

○ Not enough data
1983 Ford Thunderbird
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:53:40.878Z

Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Thunderbird Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1983 highlighted. 1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 26 complaints 1985: 14 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 61 complaints 1988: 92 complaints 1989: 124 complaints 1989 1990: 140 complaints 1991: 112 complaints 1992: 184 complaints 1992 1993: 423 complaints 1994: 300 complaints 1995: 261 complaints 1995 1996: 233 complaints 1997: 169 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 2002: 93 complaints 2003: 33 complaints 2003 2004: 34 complaints 2005: 27 complaints 2005
1983: 3 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19810
19820
19833
198426
198514
198623
198761
198892
1989124
1990140
1991112
1992184
1993423
1994300
1995261
1996233
1997169
19983
19992
200293
200333
200434
200527

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 3 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE CRUISE CONTROL CAME ON WITHOUT WARNING AT 5 MPH ON WET STREET, AS IT WAS RAINING, AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20010712

SEAT BELTS

1 of 3 total reports mentions: seat belts.

Show complaint excerpts

THE DRIVER'S SEATBLET BUCKLE WILL NOT LATCH OR REMAIN LATCHED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960830

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, other.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE DASH BOARD. THE DEALER INDICATED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *NLM THE VEHICLE TURNED OVER BUT WOULDN'T START. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. METAL SHAVINGS WERE FOUND IN THE FUEL PUMP RELAY SWITCH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030320

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE DASH BOARD. THE DEALER INDICATED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *NLM THE VEHICLE TURNED OVER BUT WOULDN'T START. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. METAL SHAVINGS WERE FOUND IN THE FUEL PUMP RELAY SWITCH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030320

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19830128 — fuel system, gasoline

SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH FUEL TANKS THAT HAVE INADEQUATELY WELDED FRONT SEAMS THAT CAN LEAK.

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRECTED AT THE FACTORY; IF NOT, THE FUEL TANK WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER.

Campaign 83V012000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19830226 — power train

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 MANUFA

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 83V028000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19830325 — fuel system, gasoline

FUEL LEAKS COULD DEVELOP IN EITHER OF TWO CONNECTIONS IN A FUEL SUPPLY LINE. ONE CONNECTION UNDER THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED OR IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. THE OTHER SUSPECT PART IS IN THE ENGINE COM

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A REVISED DESIGN FUEL LINE VALVE ASSEMBLY WITH NEW HOSE CLAMPS AND REPLACE THE FUEL SUPPLY HOSE CLAMP, IF IT IS DAMAGED OR INCORRECT. NOTIFICATION WAS MADE TO DEALERS PRIOR TO

Campaign 83V039000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19860326 — EA (closed 19890728)

SEATBACK FAILURE

I 19890209 — PE (closed 19890613)

PARKING BRAKE FAILURE

R 20071015 — fuel system, gasoline

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 VEHIC

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.

Campaign 07E064000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1983 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, other issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 83V012000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 83V028000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 83V039000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2003 ▲ 2004 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1993 ■ 1994 ■ 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1983 Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1983 Ford Thunderbird have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.