VehicleVerdict

1983 Ford Bronco problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1983 Ford Bronco — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1983 compare to other Bronco years?

Bronco NHTSA complaints by model year, 1983 highlighted468 complaints1967: 2 complaints1969: 1 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 4 complaints1984: 11 complaints1985: 24 complaints1986: 43 complaints1987: 61 complaints1988: 68 complaints1989: 118 complaints1990: 77 complaints1991: 37 complaints1992: 56 complaints1993: 45 complaints1994: 114 complaints1995: 131 complaints1996: 109 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 5 complaints2021: 288 complaints2022: 468 complaints2023: 255 complaints2024: 101 complaints2025: 66 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Bronco NHTSA complaints by model year, 1983 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Bronco years to avoid →

What are the most common 1983 Ford Bronco problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes125%
Electrical System125%
Engine125%
Tires & Wheels125%

Does the 1983 Ford Bronco have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E064000Fuel SystemAugust 27, 2007 · 34,000 units

Defect

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 VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Consequence

A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

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.

83V020000SeatsFebruary 24, 1983 · 22 units

Defect

THE MANUFACTURER SUSPECTS THAT THE HARDWARE THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT TRACKS (THE STRIPS THAT THE SEAT SLIDES ON) TO THE FLOOR MAY BECOME LOOSE OR MAY FAIL TO HOLD THE SEAT IN PLACE DURING A COLLISION. THIS CONDITION IS DUE TO THE SUBSTITUTION OF AN INCORRECT WASHER DURING MANUFACTURE. THE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS".

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL ADDITIONAL LARGER DIAMETER WASHERS ON THE BOLT ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY DISCOVERED THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE TIRE HAD A LARGE BULGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 28, 2006

“WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE CUTS OFF, AND CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEM STARTING VEHICLE.VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT DEALER FOR REPAIRS, AND DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 12, 1999

1983 Ford Bronco — common questions

Is the 1983 Ford Bronco reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1983 Ford Bronco have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1983 Ford Bronco. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1983 Ford Bronco under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford Bronco years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Bronco years to avoid are 2022, 2021, 2023, 1995, 1989, 1994, 1996, 2024, 1990, 1988, 2025, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1986, 1991. The cleanest record among Bronco years belongs to 1980.

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.