1983 Ford Econoline problems

General information about Ford-Econoline
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced for 1961 as the replacement of the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced. Marketed for both cargo and passenger transport configurations, the E-Series has been designed with multiple design variations for both retail and commercial sale, including vans, and commercial-grade cutaway van chassis and stripped chassis (a chassis without bodywork).

With over 8.2 million units sold since 1961, the Ford E-Series is the third-best selling van line in history (outranked only by the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter). Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations. In 2021, the model line entered its 60th year of production (becoming the second current Ford line to do so).

The E-Series (cutaway/stripped chassis) is assembled by Ford at its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), which has produced the model line since 1975. Prior to its closure, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) assembled the model line from 1961 to 2005.

Social links

Common 1983 Ford Econoline problems

The 1983 Ford Econoline is known for several common problems, including issues with the fuel system, transmission, engine, brakes, and electrical system.

Fuel System: One of the most common issues with the 1983 Ford Econoline is the fuel system. This can include problems with the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and fuel filter. These issues can cause the vehicle to spit and sputter, then die, or have difficulty starting. Fuel system problems can also lead to poor fuel economy and reduced engine performance.

Transmission: Another common problem with the 1983 Ford Econoline is the transmission. This can include issues with the transmission shifting, slipping, or not engaging at all. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn or damaged transmission components, low transmission fluid levels, or issues with the vehicle's computer system. Transmission problems can lead to difficulty driving and reduced fuel efficiency.

Engine: The 1983 Ford Econoline is also known for engine problems. These can include issues with the engine stalling, misfiring, or running rough. Engine problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or issues with the engine's fuel or air intake systems. Engine problems can lead to reduced engine performance, poor fuel economy, and difficulty driving.

Brakes: The 1983 Ford Econoline is also known for brake problems. These can include issues with the brake pads, rotors, and calipers. Brake problems can lead to reduced stopping power, increased stopping distances, and increased wear on other brake components. Brake problems can also lead to safety issues, as they can make it more difficult to stop the vehicle quickly and safely.

Electrical System: The 1983 Ford Econoline is also known for electrical system problems. These can include issues with the vehicle's battery, alternator, and wiring. Electrical system problems can lead to difficulty starting the vehicle, reduced electrical power, and safety issues. Electrical system problems can also lead to other issues, such as problems with the vehicle's lights, radio, and other electrical components.

In conclusion, the 1983 Ford Econoline is known for several common problems, including issues with the fuel system, transmission, engine, brakes, and electrical system. These problems can lead to reduced vehicle performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and safety issues. It is important to address these issues promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.

How many miles per gallon does a 1983 Ford Econoline van get?

Based on data from 2 vehicles, 31 fuel-ups and 4,115 miles of driving, the 1983 Ford E-350 Econoline gets a combined Avg MPG of 7.53 with a 0.90 MPG margin of error.

How long do Ford Econoline vans last?

What is the realistic life expectancy for a well-maintained gasoline cargo van such as a Ford econoline? If it doesn't rust away, a well maintained van can last INDEFINITELY, compared to what it costs to buy a NEW van to replace your old one.

Why was Ford Econoline discontinued?

In June 2014, production of E-Series passenger and cargo vans was discontinued as sales of the Ford Transit began in North America; at the time of its retirement, the model line had been the best-selling full-size van line in the United States since 1980.

Are Ford Econolines good on gas?

I average 13 in city, sometimes towing. I get a solid 15-16 hwy as long as I keep my foot out of it. If you do plan to go 4wd in the future, I would recommend stepping up to the diesel or V10.

What is the gas mileage on a 1983 Ford Econoline?

Based on data from 2 vehicles, 31 fuel-ups and 4,115 miles of driving, the 1983 Ford E-350 Econoline gets a combined Avg MPG of 7.53 with a 0.90 MPG margin of error.

How long do Ford Econoline vans last?

Why was Ford Econoline discontinued?

Are Ford Econolines good on gas?

I average 13 in city, sometimes towing. I get a solid 15-16 hwy as long as I keep my foot out of it. If you do plan to go 4wd in the future, I would recommend stepping up to the diesel or V10.

1983 Ford Econoline car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Econoline problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Ford Econoline vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1983 Ford Econoline complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Ford Econoline.

2013-07-09

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-05-01
VIN: 1FDEE14F8DH
Components: TIRES
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1983 FORD ECONOLINE VAN, EQUIPPED WITH COOPER LIFELINER CLASSIC II TIRES, SIZE 255/70/R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE CRACKS AND BLISTERS IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE FOUR TIRES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SEE THE METAL INSIDE THE TIRE. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER, WHO REFUSED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE CURRENT VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. KMJ UPDATED 8/26/13 *CN THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED CRACKS IN THE TIRE EXPOSING THE INSIDE WIRES.

Add Complaint

2000-08-30

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-11-24
VIN: 1FDES14G4DH
Components: TIRES
Summary: VAN WAS BOUGHT USED FROM DEALER BUT I KNEW PREVIOUS OWNER. VAN HAD 4 LIKE NEW TIRES. VAN WAS IN NEAR MINT CONDITION DESPITE AGE AND MILEAGE. WHILE ON VACATION, RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. BIG HOLE, STEEL BELT SHREDDED. WAS ABLE TO CHANGE SPARE DESPITE VERY HAZARDOUS LOCATION. MADE IT INTO DOUGLAS GEORGIA, EVERYTHING CLOSED EXCEPT WAL-MART. REPLACED TIRE WITH GOODYEAR TIRE. ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER WAS NEAR DOTHAN ALABAMA AND ABOUT 45 MILES FROM HOME WHEN I NOTICED SAME SYMPTOMS OTHER TIRE HAD DISPLAYED BEFORE BLOWING OUT. TRIED TO MAKE IT HOME BUT TIRE BLEW OUT EXACTLY LIKE FIRST ONE ON THE CHOCTAWHATCHEE RIVER BRIDGE. TIRE WAS AGAIN REPLACE AT WAL-MART. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER I NOTICED TREAD ON RIGHT FRONT WAS SHOWING STEEL BELT THROUGH BREAK IN TREAD. I PHONED FIRESTONE HEADQUARTERS AND ASKED IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH TIRES. WAS TOLD NO BUT THEY WOULD GIVE ME AN ADJUSTMETN ON THE 2 WHICH WERE STILL ON VEHICLE. I TOOK VAN TO RON'S FIRESTONE IN GENEVEA, ALA. RONS HAD SOD TIRES ORIGINALLY AND WAS VERY FAMILIAR WITH VAN AS HE HAD DONE ALL MAINTENANCE ON IT. RONS REPLACED BOTH TIRES ALTHOUGH THE ADJUSTMENT WAS SO POOR THAT I COULD HAVE JUST GONE TO WAL-MART AND BOUGHT 2 NEW COMPARABLE OR BETTER TIRES FOR SAME PRICE. WHEN NEWS OF LATEST RECALL CAME OUT I PHONED FIRESTONE TOLL FREE NUMBER. WAS TOLD TO CALL ANOTHER NUMBER. DID SO AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD CALL ME BACK. THEY NEVER DID. HAVE ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES TO CALL THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AND HAVE BEEN PUT ON HOLD EACH TIME FOR OVER AND HOUR (YES THAT'S RIGHT) AND STILL DIDN'T GET THROUGH. TRIED TO PHONE REGULAR CORPORATE NUMBER BUT THEY REFUSED TO PUT ME THROUGH TO ANYONE. IT APPEARS FIRESTONE HAS ERECTED A TOTAL WALL AROUND COMPANY EXCEPT FOR ONE TOLL FREE NUMBER WHICH CAN ONLY GIVE ADVICE ABOUT CERTAIN THINGS AND ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE DISCUSSED. FRANKLY AM FED UP WITH THE COMPANY AND THEIR REFUSAL TO DEAL WITH PROBLEM.( DOT NUMBER: UNKNOWN TIRE SIZE: 235 75R15 )

Add Complaint

1983 Ford Econoline recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1983 Ford Econoline.

2007-08-27

Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

1987-09-09

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Summary: VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES IN SEVERE DUTY APPLICATIONS.
Consequence: THIS CREATES POTENTIAL FOR FUEL EXPULSION FROM THE FUELFILLER PIPE WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN AFIRE.
Remedy: INSTALL MODIFICATION KITS TO MINIMIZE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL EXPULSION AND TO SHIELD UNDERBODY COMPONENTS FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT.

1987-07-21

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Summary: EXPULSION OF FUEL DUE TO OVERPRESSURIZATION.
Consequence: FUEL OR FUEL VAPORS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITIONSOURCE CAN CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy: MODIFICATION OF THE BASE FUEL VENTING AND EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM TO REDUCE OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES.

1985-05-14

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Summary: WHEN FRONTALLY IMPACTED INTO A FIXED BARRIER AT 30 MPH, AS SPECIFIED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 301, THE LEFT FRAME RAILS OF SUCH VEHICLES MAY DISPLACE INBOARD, PINCHING THE FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR CANISTER BETWEEN THE FRAME RAIL AND ENGINE SUFFICIENTLY TO DISPLACE THE FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR DRAIN ROD, ALLOWING THE CONTENTS OF THE CANISTER TO DRAIN. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL LEAK DURING OR AFTER A CRASH INCREASES THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE.
Remedy: INSTALL A CANISTER SHIELD, A REVISED DESIGN DRAIN ROD SHIELD, AND MODIFY FUEL/WATER SEPARATOR MOUNTING BRACKET.

1983-03-07

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: 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.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD ASSEMBLY.

1982-12-13

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: 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.
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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1983 Ford Econoline problems:

1983 Ford Econoline Review - Carsurvey.org

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/ford/econoline/1983/

Nov 3, 2009 ... Read a 1983 Ford Econoline review from a real owner. Find out what it's like to drive, and what problems it's had.

1983 460 Ford 350 Econoline Motorhome - Ford Forum - Enthusiast ...

https://www.fordforum.com/forum/ford-econoline-e-series-18/1983-460-ford-350-econoline-motorhome-17305/

Jun 14, 2009 ... We have the same motorhome but 1989 with the same problem, after trying so many things found when we pulled the gas tank off it was loaded with ...

Q&A: Troubleshooting 1990 Ford Econoline Camper Van

https://www.justanswer.com/ford/9u2hh-i-m-having-problem-1990-ford-econoline-camper-van.html

Jul 30, 2016 ... I'm having a problem with my 1990 ford econoline camper van with ignition switch problems - not the key cylinder I feel - Answered by a ...

1985 F350 - Common issues? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1134943-1985-f350-common-issues.html

Jan 30, 2012 ... 1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - 1985 F350 - Common issues? - Just bought a 1985 F350 with a 460 4spd manual 4x4.