Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1983 Ford F-800 — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
TWO-INCH SPACERS SPECIFIED FOR INSTALLATION BETWEEN THE FRONT AXLES AND EACH FRONT SPRING ASSEMBLY WERE OMITTED DURING MANUFACTURE. UNDER CERTAIN TURNING AND BOUNCING CONDITIONS, A FRONT TIRE COULD CONTACT ADJACENT VEHICLE COMPONENTS, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF THE DRAG LINK TO STEERING ARM BALLJOINT OR LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE.
Remedy
FRONT AXLE SPACERS WILL BE INSTALLED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Defect
ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE WIRING ASSEMBLY TO THE FLOOR MOUNTED HEADLAMP DIMMER SWITCH MAY BE TOO TIGHT; SHOULD WIRES DISCONNECT, THE HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT OPERATE.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL MODIFY THE DIMMER SWITCH WIRING WITH A WIRE EXTENSION ASSEMBLY AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1983 Ford F-800. 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 NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.