Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1983 Toyota Camry — 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.
6
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
4
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 2 | 33% | new |
| Child Seat | 1 | 17% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 17% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 17% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 17% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CRUISE CONTROL COMPUTER MALFUNCTION COULD OCCUR UPON SHUTTING OFF THE CONTROL AFTER CONTINUOUS USE FOLLOWED BY COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.
Consequence
THERMAL SHOCK TO THE CRUISE CONTROL COMPUTER COULD RESULT IN ENGINE RACING IF THE ENGINE IS RESTARTED WITH THE MAIN CONTROL SWITCH IN THE 'ON' POSITION. THIS COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT IF THIS IS PERFORMED IN NORMAL TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.
Remedy
REPLACE COMPUTER WITH ONE OF IMPROVED DESIGN.
Defect
VOLTAGE REGULATOR WHICH CONTROLS THE AMOUNT OF FLOW IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BETWEEN THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR, MAY HAVE MANUFACTURING ERRORS IN AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT. THE REGULATOR MAY OVERCHARGE THE BATTERY.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR AT NO CHARGE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CAR REAR ENDED IN ACCIDENT. GAS TANK WAS RUPTURED. DRIVER FOUND OUT THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS VERY RUSTY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”
“WHILE PLACING THE CHILD INSIDE OF THE CAR SEAT THE RED BUTTON COLLAPSED. AS A RESULT THE CHILD WAS NOT RESTRAINED SECURELY IN THE SEAT. *NLM”
The record is thin — 6 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 Toyota Camry. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Camry years to avoid are 2007, 2009, 2002, 2008, 2018, 2003, 2005, 2012, 2004, 2011, 2010, 1998, 1997, 1999, 1992, 2014, 2000, 1996, 1995. The cleanest record among Camry years belongs to 1983.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.