VehicleVerdict

1983 Ford F-100 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1983 Ford F-100 — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1983 compare to other F-100 years?

F-100 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1983 highlighted3 complaints1967: 0 complaints1969: 1 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 3 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 1 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 3 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 1 complaints1990: 2 complaints1996: 3 complaints
F-100 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1983 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-100 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1983 Ford F-100 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels2100%

Does the 1983 Ford F-100 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.

83V028000TransmissionMarch 7, 1983 · 98,162 units

Defect

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 MANUFACTURED. A PIN THAT RETAINS COMPONENTS ON A LINKAGE (ACTUATING) ROD COULD BREAK AND THE LINKAGE MAY NOT ENGAGE THE PARKING GEAR.

Remedy

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

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TREAD SEPARATED ON HOT CALIF (I-10) HWAY; CONTROLLED BLOWOUTW/O COLLISION; LOOSE TREAD-STEEL DAMAGED BODY; TOOK 3 CHP PATROL CARS TO BLOCK ENTIRE I-10 TO MOVE VEHICLE TO BREAKDOWN LANE (04/96). *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P23575R16 )”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 1, 1996

1983 Ford F-100 — common questions

Is the 1983 Ford F-100 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 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 F-100 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1983 Ford F-100. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1983 Ford F-100 under NHTSA investigation?

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

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.