1983 Ford F150 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD ASSEMBLY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1983 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 83V028000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD ASSEMBLY.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVETRANSMISSIONS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; TRANSMISSION, PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ASSEMBLY.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED AND THE PARKINGGEAR DOES NOT ENGAGE, UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ANDPERSONAL INJURY.NOTE: DRIVERS SHOULD ALWAYS APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER LEAVING THEVEHICLE.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1983 Ford F150 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (4), Engine (3), Electrical system (3), Vehicle Speed Control (1), Visibility (wipers / glass) (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/30/2002 · Wheels / tires
THESE TIRES ARE SEPARATING AND CLOSE TO BLOWING OUT!! UNFORTUNATELY I CANT AFFORD A NEW SET. THEY ONLY HAVE 15000 MILES ON THEM. I CONTACTED UNIROYAL AND THEY WERE VERY DEFIANT AND BRASH!! SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED USING THIS TIRE, IF THEY HAVENT ALREADY!! THIS TIRE IS ROTTED AND FALLING APART. IT WAS OBVIOUSLY MADE WITH FAULTY COMPONENTS!! DO YOUR JOD…
09/30/2002 · Wheels / tires
THESE TIRES ARE SEPARATING AND CLOSE TO BLOWING OUT!! UNFORTUNATELY I CANT AFFORD A NEW SET. THEY ONLY HAVE 15000 MILES ON THEM. I CONTACTED UNIROYAL AND THEY WERE VERY DEFIANT AND BRASH!! SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED USING THIS TIRE, IF THEY HAVENT ALREADY!! THIS TIRE IS ROTTED AND FALLING APART. IT WAS OBVIOUSLY MADE WITH FAULTY COMPONENTS!! DO YOUR JOD…
08/23/2001 · Engine
ENGINE STOPS WHILE DRIVING.STARTER STICKS. *AK
10/05/2000 · Wheels / tires
FIRESTONE TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. *SLC
09/12/2000 · Wheels / tires
TIRE FAILURE-FIRESTONE TOWN & COUNTRY 235/75/R15-TREAD SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY. TIRES PURCHASED ON 1/99. INSURED SAVED TIRES. (CLAIM# 48-5136-721) *MW
11/17/1998 · Engine · fire
VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE SAFETY CHECK VALVE TO STOP THE FLOW OF FUEL OF VEHICLE WHEN ITS NOT RUNNING .THIS CAUSED A FIRE THAT DESTROYED CONSUMERS HOUSE. COULD HAVE RESULTED IN INJURIES. *AK *SB
07/07/1998 · Vehicle Speed Control
INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. TOOK DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND REPLACED CARBURETOR 3 TIMES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK
11/19/1996 · Engine · fire
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)