1983 Ford Mustang problems

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

The Ford Mustang is a series of American automobiles manufactured by Ford. In continuous production since 1964, the Mustang is currently the longest-produced Ford car nameplate. Currently in its seventh generation, it is the fifth-best selling Ford car nameplate. The namesake of the "pony car" automobile segment, the Mustang was developed as a highly styled line of sporty coupes and convertibles derived from existing model lines, initially distinguished by "long hood, short deck" proportions.

Originally predicted to sell 100,000 vehicles yearly, the 1965 Mustang became the most successful vehicle launch since the 1927 Model A. Introduced on April 17, 1964 (16 days after the Plymouth Barracuda), over 400,000 units were sold in its first year; the one-millionth Mustang was sold within two years of its launch. In August 2018, Ford produced the 10-millionth Mustang; matching the first 1965 Mustang, the vehicle was a 2019 Wimbledon White convertible with a V8 engine.

The success of the Mustang launch led to multiple competitors from other American manufacturers, including the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird (1967), AMC Javelin (1968), and Dodge Challenger (1970). It also competed with the Plymouth Barracuda, which was launched around the same time. The Mustang also had an effect on designs of coupes worldwide, leading to the marketing of the Toyota Celica and Ford Capri in the United States (the latter, by Lincoln-Mercury). The Mercury Cougar was launched in 1967 as a unique-bodied higher-trim alternative to the Mustang; during the 1970s, it included more features and was marketed as a personal luxury car.

From 1965 until 2004, the Mustang shared chassis commonality with other Ford model lines, staying rear-wheel-drive throughout its production. From 1965 to 1973, the Mustang was derived from the 1960 Ford Falcon compact. From 1974 until 1978, the Mustang (denoted Mustang II) was a longer-wheelbase version of the Ford Pinto. From 1979 until 2004, the Mustang shared its Fox platform chassis with 14 other Ford vehicles (becoming the final one to use the Fox architecture). Since 2005, Ford has produced two generations of the Mustang, each using a distinct platform unique to the model line.

Through its production, multiple nameplates have been associated with the Ford Mustang series, including GT, Mach 1, Boss 302/429, Cobra (separate from Shelby Cobra), and Bullitt, along with "5.0" fender badging (denoting 4.9 L OHV or 5.0 L DOHC V8 engines).

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Common 1983 Ford Mustang problems

Based on the information from the sources provided, here are some common problems reported by owners of the Ford Mustang 1983:

Corrosion on the Hood: Older model years of the Ford Mustang, including the 1983 model, have been known to experience corrosion on the hood. This problem is related to the paint blistering exhibited by some units of the 2007 and 2010 Ford Mustangs. The corrosion issue arose because Ford used aluminum hoods without proper insulation from iron-based connecting and supporting parts used in prior model years.

Interior Accessory Problems: Owners of the 1983 Ford Mustang have reported issues with interior accessories. Common problems include troubles with the vehicle's radio/sync display. Some owners have experienced issues where the display fails to show useful information other than the current time and temperature when the sync is paired with a phone or when the radio is turned on. The radio unit may not receive any radio or music data.

Steering Wheel and Rearview Camera Problems: Another common problem experienced by some owners of the 1983 Ford Mustang is related to the steering wheel and rearview camera. While specific details for the 1983 model are not explicitly mentioned, steering assist light issues and problems with the rearview camera have been reported in other model years.

Vibration While Driving: Vibration while driving has been a reported issue in some Ford Mustangs, including the 1983 model year. Most Mustangs started vibrating at around 60 mph, with causes ranging from imbalanced driveshafts to rear-end assembly issues. In some cases, the problem was traced back to the tires, indicating a range of potential sources for this problem.

These common problems reported by owners of the Ford Mustang 1983 highlight various issues that can affect the performance, aesthetics, and functionality of the vehicle. Addressing these problems promptly through proper maintenance and repairs can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the Ford Mustang.

Is the 1983 Ford Mustang reliable?

Reliability Rating: 8/10

Looking at examples on websites like Bring-A-Trailer, the 1983 Ford Mustang comes in as the most affordable model. The option to have your Mustang as a convertible and the rare Mustang GT Turbo was introduced.

Are old Mustangs hard to maintain?

Older models of Mustang are easy to maintain. They were built to be tough and are less likely to experience serious mechanical issues from the get-go. Models with minor strain over their lifetimes will be the easiest and cheapest to fix up.

What engine does a 1983 Mustang have?

Engines. Engines for the 1983–1986 models included the 2.3 L, the 2.3 L turbo - now fuel-injected and available only in the Turbo GT and SVO, the 3.8 L Essex V6, and the High Output (H.O.) 302 cu in (4.9 L) V8 engine, with a new four-barrel carburetor made by Holley.

What years are the most reliable Mustangs?

Moving over to Consumer Reports, both 2018 and 2019 models received a perfect Reliability Verdict of 5.0 out of 5.0 and Owner Satisfaction of 4.0 out of 5.0. CR stated that these Mustang years are more reliable than standard sports cars in the market.

Is the 1983 Ford Mustang reliable?

Reliability Rating: 8/10

What engine does a 1983 Mustang have?

What year Mustang has the least problems?

The 2008 year is one of the standouts of the fifth generation Mustang and deserves to be called the most reliable Ford Mustang year. For starters, the 2008 Mustang received a perfect reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0 from Consumer Reports.

Is an old Mustang a good car?

Overall, classic Mustangs are a strong investment. Classic car values increase over time, making them worthwhile purchases. Mustangs also have unique traits that improve their investment value, like: Easy maintenance: Mustangs are known for their durability and simple maintenance.

1983 Ford Mustang car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Electrical system problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Steering problems

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

1983 Ford Mustang complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Ford Mustang.

1996-07-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-03-28
Fire: 1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED FOR SEVERAL. SOURCE ELECTRICAL

Add Complaint

1996-05-14

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Fire: 1
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART, VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-05-08

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: STEERING
Summary: SMOKE COMES FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-05-03

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1FABP28F8DF
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN, DUE TO SHORT IN IGNITION SWITCH. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-04-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-02-16
Fire: 1
VIN: 1SABP28S6DS
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: IGNITION CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED CAR AND HOUSE. *AK

Add Complaint

1983 Ford Mustang recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1983 Ford Mustang.

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1983 Ford Mustang problems:

1983 Ford Mustang Reviews - Carsurvey.org

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

Jul 19, 2003 ... 1983 Ford Mustang GLX 3.8L from North America. Summary: A very fun car. Faults: Already had some problems when purchased, including a ...

What the most common problems with the 5.0 mustang? | Ford ...

https://www.allfordmustangs.com/threads/what-the-most-common-problems-with-the-5-0-mustang.85656/

Aug 10, 2007 ... For what it's worth: I love working on my car. I know it's time consuming, but it's fun. -YB. 1990 Black Mustang GT - Breanna

Common Foxbody problems? | Ford Mustang Forums

https://www.corral.net/threads/common-foxbody-problems.601954/

Jan 31, 2005 ... 1983 F250 SC LB - The parts hauler and rolling trash can. perfect for the ridiculous 300 I6. 1968 Mercury Cougar - The newly acquired ...