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1983 Chevrolet Caprice Base

The 1983 Chevrolet Caprice Base is a 110-hp 3.8-liter V6 with a 3-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $9,266 MSRP.

It makes 110 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 190 lb-ft of torque at 1600 rpm.

The Caprice measures 212.1 inches long on a 116.0-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,549 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeWagon
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$9,266 ($30,235 *)
Engine
Engine Type3.8L 90-deg V6 (Chevrolet 229)
Displacement3.8 L
Horsepower110 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque190 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Bore and Stroke94.9 x 88.4 mm (3.74 x 3.48 in)
Compression Ratio8.6
Injection TypeCarburetor
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
Transmission3-speed Automatic
Fuel Economy
Tank Capacity25.1 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionDouble wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear SuspensionRigid axle, coil springs
Turning Diameter44.6 ft
Brakes
Front Brake DiscVented Discs
Rear Brake DiscDrums
Tires & Wheels
Tires Front205/75 R15
Tires Rear205/75 R15
Dimensions & Weight
Length212.09 in
Width75.31 in
Height56.42 in
Wheelbase115.98 in
Cargo Volume20.9 ft³
Curb Weight3,549 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.09 in
Headroom Rear38.31 in
Legroom Front42.2 in
Legroom Rear39.09 in
Shoulder Room Front60.91 in
Shoulder Room Rear60.91 in
Hip Room Front55 in
Hip Room Rear55.31 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1983 Chevrolet CAPRICE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Oct 24, 2007 · EQUIPMENT

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

NHTSA campaign 07E088000

8 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1983 Chevrolet CAPRICE

Owner Complaints

8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1983 Chevrolet CAPRICE (4 a fire). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine And Engine Cooling3
Electrical System2
Equipment1
Structure1
Visibility1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Feb 20, 2001 · Engine And Engine Cooling Fire
“VALVE COVER GASKETS LEAKED OIL ON EXHAUST CAUSING FIRE. REQUIRED 10 # DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER TO PUT OUT FIRE. VERY DIFFICULT TO EXTINGUISH.*AK”
Jun 16, 2000 · Structure Fire
“THE PLASTIC HVAC UNIT MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL IS POORLY DESIGN WHICH ALLOWED A FIRE TO SPREAD INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT ONLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, DIRECTLY THROUGH THE PLASTIC HVAC UNIT. NLM”
Oct 14, 1999 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“HAD CHANGED FROM GAS ENGINE TO DIESEL. THIS CAUSED THE CRANKSHAFT TO CRACK AND BREAK. TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK”
Mar 29, 1996 · Engine And Engine Cooling Fire
“VEHICLE FIRE. *DSH”
Mar 19, 1996 · Electrical System
“ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE CAUSED BY THE ELECTRICAL WIRING CATCHING FIRE. *AK”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1983 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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