1983 Ford Thunderbird Base
All photo credits
- Photo: 1983 Ford Thunderbird, front right, 07-19-2025 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 83Thunderbird by Ryanandlenny, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1986 Ford Thunderbird in Black, rear view by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, Rear Left, 10-09-2021 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe interior 2 by TKOIII, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1983 Ford Thunderbird Base is a 110-hp 3.8-liter V6 with a 3-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $9,629 MSRP.
It makes 110 horsepower.
The Thunderbird measures 197.6 inches long on a 104.2-inch wheelbase.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $9,629 ($31,420 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.8L Essex V6 |
| Displacement | 3.8 L |
| Horsepower | 110 hp |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 14" |
| Wheels Rear | 14" |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 197.6 in |
| Width | 71.1 in |
| Height | 53.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.2 in |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 37 in |
| Headroom Rear | 36 in |
| Legroom Front | 41 in |
| Legroom Rear | 34 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 56 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 55 in |
| Hip Room Front | 55 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 55 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1983 Ford Thunderbird Base with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.
Recalls
4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1983 Ford THUNDERBIRD. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Aug 27, 2007 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
NHTSA campaign 07E064000
Apr 11, 1983 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL LEAKS COULD DEVELOP IN EITHER OF TWO CONNECTIONS IN A FUEL SUPPLY LINE. ONE CONNECTION UNDER THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED OR IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. THE OTHER SUSPECT PART IS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND CONTAINS A PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A REVISED DESIGN FUEL LINE VALVE ASSEMBLY WITH NEW HOSE CLAMPS AND REPLACE THE FUEL SUPPLY HOSE CLAMP, IF IT IS DAMAGED OR INCORRECT. NOTIFICATION WAS MADE TO DEALERS PRIOR TO ANY RECORDED VEHICLE SALES, AND VEHICLES SHOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED BEFORE FINAL DELIVERY.
NHTSA campaign 83V039000
Mar 7, 1983 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA campaign 83V028000
Feb 8, 1983 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH FUEL TANKS THAT HAVE INADEQUATELY WELDED FRONT SEAMS THAT CAN LEAK.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRECTED AT THE FACTORY; IF NOT, THE FUEL TANK WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER.
NHTSA campaign 83V012000
4 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1983 Ford THUNDERBIRD
Owner Complaints
4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1983 Ford THUNDERBIRD (1 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Fuel System | 1 |
| Other | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 1 |
| Seats | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 |
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 FORD THUNDERBIRD. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.