- The problem
- The steering gear mounting bracket welds may crack under certain steering load conditions.
- The risk
- Steering control would be adversely affected withpotential for loss of truck control and an accident.
- The fix
- Replace steering gear mounting bracket with a redesigned bracket.
Vehicle safety record
1983 Freightliner Coe Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1983 Freightliner Coe have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in July 1989 for the gear box (other than rack and pinion).
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Coe year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1983 Freightliner Coe recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Corrosion of the grabhandle at its mounting surface may lead to cracking or loss of strength.
- The risk
- Failure of grabhandle during use could result inpersonal injury.
- The fix
- Replace grabhandle and its fastener with improved grabhandle; also, install gasket between the handle and air starter reservoir.
- The problem
- The heater/air conditioner blower motor speed control resistors can under certain conditions overheat and stall.
- The risk
- This could result in low air flow across the resistornetwork and high amperage, allowing the air duct to reach elevated temperatureswith the possibility of a fire.
- The fix
- Install a thermo cutoff device in the heater/air conditioner system and/or replace the blower motor switch.
- The problem
- The handhold mounting system, which consists of a tubular handle held in three places by cast aluminum brackets and attached to the engine exhaust muffler heat shield. Vibration from this system causes the handhold parts to wear. Consequence of defect: if the parts wear thin the possibility exists that the handhold might give way under the weight of a driver. This could result in personal injury.
- The fix
- Replace the end brackets with a modified design utilizing a rubber isolater. Also, add a plastic sleeve to the center bracket for isolation.
- The problem
- Cracks can develop in the oil filter mounting brackets near the bolts that attach the brackets to the frame side member. Consequence of defect: if cracks progress to the point of failure, the filter assembly could fall out and possibly be struck by other vehicles creating a potential for an accident.
- The fix
- Brackets will be replaced with improved design brackets.
- The problem
- The tubes provided as handholds may crack or fracture where the steps and attaching brackets are joined.
- The fix
- Complete step and handhold systems will be replaced without charge.
What owners say
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
No complaints about the 1983 Freightliner Coe yet
Freightliner Coe: every year compared
All Coe yearsQuestions about the 1983 Freightliner Coe
Does the 1983 Freightliner Coe have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 1983 Freightliner Coe: gear box (other than rack and pinion) (July 1989); body (June 1989); air conditioner (August 1988); body (August 1986) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1983 Freightliner Coe had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1983 Freightliner Coe a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 35 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Freightliner Coe year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
What should I do if my 1983 Freightliner Coe has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data