Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1983 Oshkosh S Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
STEP TREAD WAS DESIGNED WITH AN UPTURNED EDGE. ALSO, INCORRECT BOLTS WERE USED TO ATTACH THE STEPS TO VEHICLE; INCORRECT BOLTS MAY FATIGUE AND BREAK ALLOWING THE STEPS TO SEPARATE FROM CAB.
Consequence
PERSONS EXITING THE CAB CAN TRIP AND FALL ON UPTURNEDEDGES. ALSO, FATIGUE OR BROKEN BOLTS COULD CAUSE THE STEPS TO BREAK AWAY AT THETIME THAT A PERSON IS ENTERING OR EXITING THE VEHICLES.
Remedy
REPLACE INCORRECTLY DESIGNED STEPS, REPLACE INCORRECT BOLTS.
Defect
LOOSENESS MAY DEVELOP AT THE ATTACHMENT (BALL JOINT) OF THE DRAG LINK TO THE STEERING ARM DUE TO AN INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED RETAINING NUT. THIS CAN WEAR THE STEERING ARM HOLE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: STEERING LOOSENESS COULD CAUSE HANDLING DIFFICULTY WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE DRAG LINK BALL STUD IF WEAR IS OBSERVED AND/OR TORQUE TO SPECIFICATION.
Defect
THESE TRUCKS WERE EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE SWITCHES IN THE LOAD SPAN TAG SYSTEM. WHEN A MALFUNCTION IN THIS SYSTEM OCCURS, AXLE TO PAVEMENT PRESSURE INCREASES WHEN VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN AN UNLOADED CONDITION.
Remedy
THE EXISTING CONTROL SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED WITH A THREE-POSITION SWITCH WHICH, BY USE OF A NEUTRAL POSITION, WILL PREVE NT PRESSURE BUILDUP. A NEW OPERATION LABEL WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1983 Oshkosh S Series. 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.