MYRModel Year Report

1983 Ford Thunderbird

○ Not enough data
1983 Ford Thunderbird
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:51:50.378Z

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
3

Too few to rank

Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1983

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1983 3 1984: 26 complaints 1985: 14 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 63 complaints 1988: 92 complaints 1989: 125 complaints 1989 1990: 141 complaints 1991: 112 complaints 1992: 186 complaints 1992 1993: 425 complaints 1994: 315 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
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1983 3 1984: 26 complaints 1985: 14 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 63 complaints 1988: 92 complaints 1988 1989: 125 complaints 1990: 141 complaints 1990 1991: 112 complaints 1992: 186 complaints 1992 1993: 425 complaints 1994: 315 complaints 1994 1995: 261 complaints 1996: 233 complaints 1996 1997: 169 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 2002: 93 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2004: 34 complaints 2004 2005: 27 complaints
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1983 3 1984: 26 complaints 1984 1985: 14 complaints 1985 1986: 23 complaints 1986 1987: 63 complaints 1987 1988: 92 complaints 1988 1989: 125 complaints 1989 1990: 141 complaints 1990 1991: 112 complaints 1991 1992: 186 complaints 1992 1993: 425 complaints 1993 1994: 315 complaints 1994 1995: 261 complaints 1995 1996: 233 complaints 1996 1997: 169 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2002: 93 complaints 2002 2003: 33 complaints 2003 2004: 34 complaints 2004 2005: 27 complaints 2005

1983: 3 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19810
19820
19833
198426
198514
198623
198763
198892
1989125
1990141
1991112
1992186
1993425
1994315
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.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2001-07-12

Seat belts

1 of 3 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

The driver's seatblet buckle will not latch or remain latched.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-08-30

Fuel system, other

1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, other, most commonly citing fuel pump.

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, 2003-03-20

Also filed under Electrical system

Electrical system

1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.

FIRE

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1983-01-28Fuel system, gasoline83V012000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. 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 →

  3. R
    1983-03-25Fuel system, gasoline83V039000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1986-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-28 Seatback failure
  5. I
    1989-02-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-06-13 Parking brake failure
  6. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1983 Ford Thunderbird — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, other: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 83V012000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 83V028000 · Power train
  • Recall 83V039000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 07E064000 · 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 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.