VehicleVerdict

1983 Chevrolet Caprice problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1983 Chevrolet Caprice — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1983 compare to other Caprice years?

Caprice NHTSA complaints by model year, 1983 highlighted185 complaints1965: 0 complaints1966: 0 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 2 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 6 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 8 complaints1984: 8 complaints1985: 8 complaints1986: 41 complaints1987: 20 complaints1988: 16 complaints1989: 19 complaints1990: 6 complaints1991: 170 complaints1992: 133 complaints1993: 63 complaints1994: 185 complaints1995: 111 complaints1996: 87 complaints1997: 3 complaints2003: 1 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 9 complaints2014: 14 complaints
Caprice NHTSA complaints by model year, 1983 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Caprice years to avoid →

What are the most common 1983 Chevrolet Caprice problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine338%
Electrical System225%
Other113%
Body & Structure113%
Visibility & Wipers113%

Does the 1983 Chevrolet Caprice have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E088000OtherOctober 24, 2007 · 121,680 units

Defect

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VALVE COVER GASKETS LEAKED OIL ON EXHAUST CAUSING FIRE. REQUIRED 10 # DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER TO PUT OUT FIRE. VERY DIFFICULT TO EXTINGUISH.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 19, 2001 · fire

“THE PLASTIC HVAC UNIT MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL IS POORLY DESIGN WHICH ALLOWED A FIRE TO SPREAD INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT ONLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, DIRECTLY THROUGH THE PLASTIC HVAC UNIT. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · fire

1983 Chevrolet Caprice — common questions

Is the 1983 Chevrolet Caprice reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1983 Chevrolet Caprice have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1983 Chevrolet Caprice. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1983 Chevrolet Caprice under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Caprice years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Caprice years to avoid are 1994, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1993, 1986, 2014. The cleanest record among Caprice years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.