Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1983 Ford F-350 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 7 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
7
Recalls
3
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 100% | new |
7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
WATER SEPARATOR CANISTER MAY BE PUNCTURED IN A COLLISION. CRASH TESTS IN A 30 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION REVEALED FUEL LEAKAGE EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
Remedy
A PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR THE CANISTER WILL BE INSTALLED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Defect
IN A COLLISION, BOLTS MAY DAMAGE OR PIERCE A FUEL LINE, CAUSING FUEL SPILLAGE. AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY NOT BE CAPABLE OF MEETING THE MINIMUM FUEL LEAKAGE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING 2.18 INCH BOLTS IN THE LEFT FRONT FENDER APRON WITH ONE INCH LONG BOLTS AT NO CHARGE.
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.
Defect
FUEL SYSTEM ON THE SUSPECT VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT PROJECTILE FUEL TANK SHIELDS.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A PROTECTIVE FUEL TANK SHIELD WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE A DIODE IN THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP CIRCUIT THAT MAY SHORT DURING ENGINE STARTING DUE TO INADEQUATE CAPACITY TO WITHSTAND CURRENT DRAW. A SHORT CIRCUIT WOULD RESULT IN NORMAL ENGINE STARTING, BUT THE PUMP WILL NOT CONTINUE TO SUPPLY THE ENGINE WITH FUEL.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE ELEMENT IN THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP CIRCUIT WITH A NEW RELAY FEED WIRING ASSEMBLY WHICH CONTAINS A LARGER CAPACITY DIODE, FREE OF CHARGE.
Defect
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LOCK WEDGES USED TO SECURE THE AXLE BEARING NUTS TO THE AXLE HOUSING MAY FALL OUT OF POSITION, ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN. THE NUT ON THE LEFT SIDE MAY FALL OFF, ALLOWING MOVEMENT OF THE AXLE SHAFT.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE LOCK WEDGES WITH AN IMPROVED VERSION. WHEEL BEARINGS WILL BE INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED OR REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.
Defect
THE SPRINGS THAT ASSIST IN RAISING THE HOOD MAY DETACH FROM THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE HOOD CAN BE IN ANY POSITION WHEN THIS OCCURS.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE HOOD LIFT ASSIST SPRING ASSEMBLIES WITH REVISED PARTS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER HAS 4 COOPER DISCOVERER ,TIRE SIZE 125033X16.5. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY TRUCK BEGAN TO SHAKE REAL HARD. THEN FOUND OUT THAT TIRE HAD A BUBBLE ON IT ABOUT 2 INCHES AND 12-16" LONG. *AK”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 7 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 1983 Ford F-350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 1999, 2000, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2020, 2004, 2006, 2011, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2005, 1996, 2014, 2002, 1993, 1994, 2021, 2013, 2003. The cleanest record among F-350 years belongs to 2010.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.