Consequence
OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED IN EVENT OFAN ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN STOP.
Remedy
INSTALL PROPER MOUNTING HARDWARE AND SEAT BELTS.
1982 Ford E-150 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1982 Ford E-150 — 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.
3
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1982 compare to other E-150 years?
What are the most common 1982 Ford E-150 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 33% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 33% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 33% | ▼ down |
Does the 1982 Ford E-150 have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE SHIFT ROD IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEATED IN THE RETENTION GROMMET OF THE STEERING COLUMN SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY. IF THE SHIFT ROD WERE TO DISENGAGE, THE DRIVER COULD NOT SELECT THE PROPER TRANSMISSION FUNCTION WHICH WOULD CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT ROD ATTACHMENT AND MAKE SURE IT IS PROPERLY SEATED AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONVERSION VAN WITH AFTERMARKET SEATS THAT RECLINE & SWERVE, NOT MOUNTED ON MANUFACTURER'S BASE. PEDESTAL WAS BUILT TO BOLT SEAT. MAIN HOLDING 4 1/4 X20 BOLTS WITH 3/8 NUT. THIS FAILED TO HOLD SEAT PROPERLY. SEATS WOULD MOVE AROUND.*AK BACK SUPPORT FRAMES FOR TWO OF CAPTAIN SEATS BROKE CAUSING THE…”
“ON TWO OCCASION CONSUMERS FIRESTONE ATX (P235/75/15) TIRES EXPERIENCED BLOWOUTS WHILE DRIVING, THE SECOND BLOWOUT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL. NLM”
1982 Ford E-150 — common questions
Is the 1982 Ford E-150 reliable?
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1982 Ford E-150 have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1982 Ford E-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1982 Ford E-150 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford E-150 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-150 years to avoid are 1994, 1997, 1999, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1998, 1996, 2000, 2001, 1989, 2002, 2004, 2003, 2011. The cleanest record among E-150 years belongs to 2023.
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.