Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1983 Grumman 870 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
INSTALLATION OF TWO OPTIONAL REAR SIDE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS INCREASED THE BULB LOAD ON THE COMBINATION TURN/HAZARD FLASHER FROM 8 TO 10 BULBS, WHEN OPERATED IN THE HAZARD MODE.
Consequence
FLASHER DID NOT MEET THE HAZARD FLASHER PERFORMANCE TESTREQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN FMVSS 108.
Remedy
INSTALL A COMBINATION TURN/HAZARD FLASHER THAT COMPLIES WITH THIS STANDARD.
Defect
THE FLASHING MODE OF THE DECELERATION LIGHT SYSTEM IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 108.
Consequence
FLASHING DECELERATION LIGHTS MAY BE CONFUSING TO OTHERDRIVERS; BUSES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 108.
Remedy
MODIFY DECELERATION LIGHTS TO REMOVE THE FLASHING MODE.
Defect
BUSES HAVE ONLY TWO EMERGENCY WINDOW EXITS IDENTIFIED ON LEFT SIDE, INSTEAD OF THREE REQUIRED BY FMVSS 217.
Consequence
BUSES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 217.
Remedy
ADD EMERGENCY EXIT INSTRUCTIONS TO 3RD WINDOW ON LEFT SIDE.
Defect
SOME BUSES MAY HAVE MISALIGNMENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY AND THE GEAR BOX.
Remedy
REPLACEMENT OF THE LOWER JACKET TUBE BEARING, STEERING MOUNTING BRACKET, AND POSSIBLY THE WHEEL TUBE.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1983 Grumman 870. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.