1983 Ford F250 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
6 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. WATER SEPARATOR CANISTER MAY BE PUNCTURED IN A COLLISION. CRASH TESTS IN A 30 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION REVEALED FUEL LEAKAGE EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
What could happen:
The fix: A PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR THE CANISTER WILL BE INSTALLED WITHOUT CHARGE.
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 F250.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V065000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: WATER SEPARATOR CANISTER MAY BE PUNCTURED IN A COLLISION. CRASH TESTS IN A 30 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION REVEALED FUEL LEAKAGE EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
Consequence:
Remedy: A PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR THE CANISTER WILL BE INSTALLED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS; 4X4 CHASSIS CABS EQUIPPED WITH 6.9 LITER DIESELENGINES. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A PICKUP BOX THAT WAS REMOVED AFTER DELIVERY(TO INSTALL OTHER AFTERMARKET BODIES).SYSTEM: FUEL SYSTEM: FUEL WATER SEPARATOR CANISTER.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE FUEL WATER SEPARATOR CANISTER IS PUNCTURED, FUELLEAKAGE COULD CAUSE A FIRE RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE A DIODE IN THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP CIRCUIT THAT MAY SHORT DURING ENGINE STARTING DUE TO INADEQUATE CAPACITY TO WITHSTAND CURRENT DRAW. A SHORT CIRCUIT WOULD RESULT IN NORMAL ENGINE STARTING, BUT THE PUMP WILL NOT CONTINUE TO SUPPLY THE ENGINE WITH FUEL.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE ELEMENT IN THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP CIRCUIT WITH A NEW RELAY FEED WIRING ASSEMBLY WHICH CONTAINS A LARGER CAPACITY DIODE, FREE OF CHARGE.
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 F250.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 82V124000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE A DIODE IN THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP CIRCUIT THAT MAY SHORT DURING ENGINE STARTING DUE TO INADEQUATE CAPACITY TO WITHSTAND CURRENT DRAW. A SHORT CIRCUIT WOULD RESULT IN NORMAL ENGINE STARTING, BUT THE PUMP WILL NOT CONTINUE TO SUPPLY THE ENGINE WITH FUEL.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE ELEMENT IN THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP CIRCUIT WITH A NEW RELAY FEED WIRING ASSEMBLY WHICH CONTAINS A LARGER CAPACITY DIODE, FREE OF CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS AND MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: FUEL; FUEL PUMP.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, A VEHICLE MAY STALL WITHOUTPRIOR WARNING, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. (VEHICLE WILLRESTART BUT WILL STALL AGAIN IN 5 TO 10 SECONDS).
3. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. THE SPRINGS THAT ASSIST IN RAISING THE HOOD MAY DETACH FROM THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE HOOD CAN BE IN ANY POSITION WHEN THIS OCCURS.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE HOOD LIFT ASSIST SPRING ASSEMBLIES WITH REVISED PARTS.
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 F250.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 82V105000.
- 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: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Summary: THE SPRINGS THAT ASSIST IN RAISING THE HOOD MAY DETACH FROM THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE HOOD CAN BE IN ANY POSITION WHEN THIS OCCURS.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE HOOD LIFT ASSIST SPRING ASSEMBLIES WITH REVISED PARTS.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS OVER 8,500 GVWR EQUIPPED WITH 6.9 LITERDIESEL ENGINES.SYSTEM: HOOD ASSEMBLY; HINGE ATTACHMENTS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: SPRING DETACHMENT MAY CAUSE THE SPRING TO STRIKEPERSONS NEARBY. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE FOR THE HOOD TO FALL UNEXPECTEDLY CAUSINGPERSONAL INJURY.NOTE: THE OWNER IS ADVISED TO AVOID OPENING AND CLOSING THE HOOD UNTIL THEVEHICLE CAN BE REPAIRED.
4. 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. ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LOCK WEDGES USED TO SECURE THE AXLE BEARING NUTS TO THE AXLE HOUSING MAY FALL OUT OF POSITION, ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN. THE NUT ON THE LEFT SIDE MAY FALL OFF, ALLOWING MOVEMENT OF THE AXLE SHAFT.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE LOCK WEDGES WITH AN IMPROVED VERSION. WHEEL BEARINGS WILL BE INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED OR REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.
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 F250.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 82V104000.
- 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:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LOCK WEDGES USED TO SECURE THE AXLE BEARING NUTS TO THE AXLE HOUSING MAY FALL OUT OF POSITION, ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN. THE NUT ON THE LEFT SIDE MAY FALL OFF, ALLOWING MOVEMENT OF THE AXLE SHAFT.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE LOCK WEDGES WITH AN IMPROVED VERSION. WHEEL BEARINGS WILL BE INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED OR REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS WITH DANA FULL-FLOATING REAR AXLES.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING ACTION ORPARTIAL OR TOTAL SEPARATION OF THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY. INEITHER CASE, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT COULD FOLLOW.
5. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. IN A COLLISION, BOLTS MAY DAMAGE OR PIERCE A FUEL LINE, CAUSING FUEL SPILLAGE. AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY NOT BE CAPABLE OF MEETING THE MINIMUM FUEL LEAKAGE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING 2.18 INCH BOLTS IN THE LEFT FRONT FENDER APRON WITH ONE INCH LONG BOLTS AT NO CHARGE.
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 F250.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 83V047000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: IN A COLLISION, BOLTS MAY DAMAGE OR PIERCE A FUEL LINE, CAUSING FUEL SPILLAGE. AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY NOT BE CAPABLE OF MEETING THE MINIMUM FUEL LEAKAGE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING 2.18 INCH BOLTS IN THE LEFT FRONT FENDER APRON WITH ONE INCH LONG BOLTS AT NO CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6.9 LITER DIESEL ENGINES.SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; FENDER APRON ATTACHING BOLTS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: EXCESSIVE LENGTH BOLTS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO CONTACTAND DAMAGE THE FUEL LINE DURING VEHICLE IMPACTS. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCEOF A SOURCE OF IGNITION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
6. 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 F250.
- 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
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Body / structure (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
08/25/1995 · Body / structure
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING STEP ON CLUTCH PEDAL THE FIRE WALL BROKE . TT
08/25/1995 · Transmission / drivetrain
CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. TT