1983 Ford Fairmont problems

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The Ford Fairmont is a model line of compact cars that was manufactured by Ford from the 1978 to 1983 model years. The successor of the Ford Maverick, the Fairmont marked the third generation of compact sedans sold by Ford in North America. Initially slotted between the Pinto and Granada within the Ford line, the Fairmont was later marketed between the Ford Escort and Ford LTD. In contrast to its predecessor (only offered as a two-door or four-door sedan), the model line was offered as a two-door notchback sedan, two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon. Though never sold as a Lincoln, Mercury sold a divisional counterpart of the Fairmont as the Mercury Zephyr.

The inaugural model lines of the rear-wheel drive Ford Fox platform (which served to replace models based on the Ford Falcon), the Fairmont and Zephyr shared underpinnings with twelve additional model lines for Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln. Though the Fairmont itself was produced for only six model years, the Fox platform would live on for another two decades, underpinning vehicles (in updated form) through the 2004 model year.

Through its production, Ford produced the Fairmont at numerous facilities across North America. On November 15, 1977, a Fairmont (a 1978 Fairmont Futura coupe) became the 100 millionth vehicle assembled by Ford Motor Company. For 1984, the model line was replaced with the front-wheel drive Ford Tempo.

1983 Ford Fairmont

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Common 1983 Ford Fairmont problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Ford Fairmont 1983, several common problems have been identified:

  • Fuel System Problems:
    The Ford Fairmont 1983 has faced recurring issues with the fuel system. This includes problems with fuel delivery, fuel filters, and fuel pump performance, which can lead to misfires under load. Faulty ignition coils are particularly common in these models, often causing misfiring in the engine.
  • Transmission Concerns:
    Transmission problems have been highlighted as a common issue with the Ford Fairmont. These issues can impact the vehicle's performance and overall driving experience, requiring attention and potential repairs to ensure smooth operation.
  • Braking System Challenges:
    The braking system of the Ford Fairmont 1983 has been a source of complaints among owners. Issues related to brakes can affect the safety and handling of the vehicle, necessitating regular maintenance and potential repairs to ensure optimal braking performance.
  • Electrical Troubles:
    Electrical problems have been reported by owners of the Ford Fairmont. These issues can range from security codes for the stereo system to more complex electrical faults that may impact various components of the vehicle.
  • Suspension and Visibility Issues:
    Complaints have also been raised regarding suspension and visibility problems in the Ford Fairmont. These issues can affect the comfort, stability, and safety of the vehicle, requiring proper diagnosis and maintenance to address them effectively.
  • Air Conditioning and Equipment Concerns:
    Owners have experienced challenges with the air conditioning system and other equipment in the Ford Fairmont. Proper maintenance and timely repairs are essential to ensure the functionality and comfort of these components within the vehicle.

These common problems with the Ford Fairmont 1983 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and attention to detail to address issues as they arise and ensure the longevity and performance of this classic vehicle.

1983 Ford Fairmont engine

How much horsepower does a 1983 Ford Fairmont have?

For its entire production run, the standard engine for the Fairmont was a 140 cu in (2.3 L) inline-4 (shared with the Pinto). Initially producing 88 hp, following several revisions, output rose to 90 hp by 1983.

How much is a 1981 Ford Fairmont worth?

All 1981 Ford Fairmont pricing and specs

The trade puts the value of an XD Fairmont ESP at between $1700 and $3800, depending on its condition. A car such as yours, however, may be worth more on the collectable car market -- if you are prepared to wait for the right person to come along.

How many years did Ford make the Fairmont?

But it was classified as a Sub-Compact. Although the pinto shared a similar design with other subcompacts of the time with the location of its fuel tank it was that specific feature that would make

What is the name of the Ford Fairmont chassis?

For 1978, the Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr were the first models derived from the chassis, replacing the Ford Maverick and Mercury Comet. As downsizing expanded into the intermediate segment, the Fox platform came into use for mid-size applications, replacing the larger Ford Torino chassis.

1983 Ford Fairmont car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Electrical system problems

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

1983 Ford Fairmont complaints

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Ford Fairmont.

1998-03-17

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: MODULATOR VALVE FAILED, CAUSING GEAR SHIFT TO STICK.
1998-03-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: REPLACEMENT ALTERNATOR FAILED.
1998-03-17

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: RADIATOR FAN FAILED.
1997-10-28

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1FABP36X3DK
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY.
1997-10-17

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE STALL WHEN CROSSING A INTERSECTION AFTER A STOP.
1997-10-17

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE STALLS IN TRAFFIC WHEN CROSSING A INTERSECTION AFTER A STOP.

1983 Ford Fairmont recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1983 Ford Fairmont.

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.
1983-02-24
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
  • Summary: THE SHIFT INDICATOR MAY NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE SHIFT SELECTOR POSITION. SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR TUBE RETAINING CLIPS THAT MAY NOT BE HARD ENOUGH. THE CLIP MAY LOOSEN OR FALL OFF, AND THE SELECTOR TUBE MAY BECOME DISPLACED.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR TUBE RETAINING CLIP AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
1982-10-13
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
  • Summary: THE PARK LEVER ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES CONTAINS A DEFECTIVE SPRING WHICH COULD PREVENT AUTOMATIC ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARKING GEAR.
  • Remedy: THE PARK ACTUATING LEVER ROD SPRING WILL BE REPLACED WITH AN UPGRADED SPRING WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1983 Ford Fairmont problems:

Ford Fairmont — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Ford Fairmont — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/2749/ford/x/ford-fairmont

Feb 4, 2002 ... andre1969 Member Posts: 25,664. February 2002. Ford was known ... In the long run, a Fairmont would probably give you more trouble ... In 1983, it ...

Common Problems With Cruise Control?
Common Problems With Cruise Control?
http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?186660-Common-Problems-With-Cruise-Control

Oct 2, 2018 ... Any common problems with Ford cruise I should know about ... Common Problems With Cruise Control? ... 83 Fairmont & Zephyr, 83-86 LTD & Marquis ...

Ford Fairmont Questions - chrome - CarGurus
Ford Fairmont Questions - chrome - CarGurus
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c17349_ds488023

Oct 4, 2010 ... ... problem but you would have to polish it regular to keep it from oxidizing. ... (Not battery) Does someone known what it mean ? Cheers. 1983 Ford ...

Fairmont 1980 Ford Fairmont Won't Crank
Fairmont 1980 Ford Fairmont Won't Crank
http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?172147-1980-Ford-Fairmont-Won-t-Crank

Nov 14, 2015 ... Another problem I have with it is ... 1983 Mercury Cougar LS 1986 Ford Thunderbird ... Will Rogers" common sense is not as common as you think" ...

Q&A: Ford Fairmont Speedo Not Working - 2006 BF Falcon & 2007 ...
Q&A: Ford Fairmont Speedo Not Working - 2006 BF Falcon & 2007 ...
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/azagr-speedo-not-working-bf-ford-fairmont-six-speed-automatic.html

Jan 31, 2018 ... Most of the time if it was a speed sensor at fault this would cause anti-lock brake light to come on as well as shifting issues.You will need to ...

Other years of Ford Fairmont

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Fairmont 1978
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Fairmont 1981
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ford fairmont 1982 photo
Fairmont 1982
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ford fairmont 1983 photo
Fairmont 1983
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1983 Ford Fairmont photo