Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 1983 Ford F-150 — 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.
12
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 33% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 3 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 3 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 1 | 8% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 8% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THESE TIRES ARE SEPARATING AND CLOSE TO BLOWING OUT!! UNFORTUNATELY I CANT AFFORD A NEW SET. THEY ONLY HAVE 15000 MILES ON THEM. I CONTACTED UNIROYAL AND THEY WERE VERY DEFIANT AND BRASH!! SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED USING THIS TIRE, IF THEY HAVENT ALREADY!! THIS TIRE IS ROTTED AND FALLING APART.…”
“DROVE VEHICLE TO STORE, GOT MIRROR, ARRIVED HOME & PARKED, DAUGHTER G0T PURSE, NOTICED SMOKE, PULLED UP HOOD; FLAMES SHOT UP; VEHICLE BURNED COMPLETELY. *AK”
“VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE SAFETY CHECK VALVE TO STOP THE FLOW OF FUEL OF VEHICLE WHEN ITS NOT RUNNING .THIS CAUSED A FIRE THAT DESTROYED CONSUMERS HOUSE. COULD HAVE RESULTED IN INJURIES. *AK *SB”
“INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. TOOK DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND REPLACED CARBURETOR 3 TIMES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK”
The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (4 complaints), engine (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1983 Ford F-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-150 years to avoid are 2013, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2004, 2015, 2014, 2017, 2019, 1998, 2001, 2005, 1999, 2000, 2021, 2010, 2002, 1994, 2020. The cleanest record among F-150 years belongs to 1976.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.