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1983 Ford EscortProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 1983 Ford Escort, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints73 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 28, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1983 Ford Escort has problems

7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system22
Service brakes, hydraulic21
Fuel system, gasoline10
Seat belts10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

1983 Ford Escort recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Delivery: fuel pump

Recall 88V-193 · Dec 19, 1988 · 550 vehicles

Risk. FUEL PUMPED THROUGH THE RUPTURED DIAPHRAGM AND OUT OFTHE VENT OPENING COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.

Best & worst years

1983 vs. every other Escort year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Escort median. How we score

'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1983 Ford Escort, and the recalls they led to.

  1. STALLING AND CARBURETOR MALFUNCTIONSDP84017 · closed Sep 10, 1984
    No recall
  2. STALLINGDP86016 · closed Aug 7, 1986
    No recall
  3. SEATBACK FAILUREEA86010 · closed Jul 28, 1989
    Led to recall 86V-082
In owners' words

What Escort owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY OWNER SMELLED SMOKE. DRIVER LIFTED HOOD AND WIRING HARNESS WAS ON FIRE NEAR FIREWALL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Complaint 984680 · May 20, 1996

Own a 1983 Escort?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.