1977 Ford Cl Series recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. CERTAIN AIR BRAKE ANTI-LOCK MODULATORS COULD MALFUNCTION DURING OPERATION OF THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM. A NYLON PISTON WITHIN THE MODULATOR AIR VALVE SYSTEM CAN SWELL FROM EXPOSURE TO SYSTEM CONTAMINANTS. CONTINUED EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE THE PISTON TO SWELL TO THE EXTENT THAT INTERFERENCE WITH THE CYLINDER WALL WILL RESULT, CAUSING MOMENTARY STICKING OR A PERMANENT JAM. THIS CAN RESULT IN TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT LOSS OF BRAKI…
What could happen:
The fix: THE PISTONS IN THE VALVE PORTION OF THE MODULATORS WILL BE REPLACED WITH PISTONS THAT DO NOT SWELL WHEN EXPOSED TO AIR BRAKE SYSTEM CONTAMINANTS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1977 CL SERIES.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 79V077000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: CERTAIN AIR BRAKE ANTI-LOCK MODULATORS COULD MALFUNCTION DURING OPERATION OF THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM. A NYLON PISTON WITHIN THE MODULATOR AIR VALVE SYSTEM CAN SWELL FROM EXPOSURE TO SYSTEM CONTAMINANTS. CONTINUED EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE THE PISTON TO SWELL TO THE EXTENT THAT INTERFERENCE WITH THE CYLINDER WALL WILL RESULT, CAUSING MOMENTARY STICKING OR A PERMANENT JAM. THIS CAN RESULT IN TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT LOSS OF BRAKING FOR THE AFFECTED AXLE.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE PISTONS IN THE VALVE PORTION OF THE MODULATORS WILL BE REPLACED WITH PISTONS THAT DO NOT SWELL WHEN EXPOSED TO AIR BRAKE SYSTEM CONTAMINANTS.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK AIR BRAKECONTROLLERS.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; CONTROL ASSEMBLY.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
09/30/2000 · Wheels / tires
I HAVE HAD TWO TIRE SEPARATIONS WITH THESE TIRES. THE LAST ONE HAPPENED ABOUT TWO WEEKS BEFORE ALL THE NEWS HIT. IN BOTH CASES THE TIRE SEPARATED ON THE RIGHT REAR. SEPARATIONS HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED, NO ACCIDENTS AND NO INJURIES. THERE IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM WITH THESE TIRES. *AK (TIRESIZE: 8.75R16.5)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 8.75R16.5 )