1979 Ford Econoline recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
8 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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.
What could happen: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
The fix: 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.
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 1979 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07E064000.
- 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: 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.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARTER, NAPA, ACCUFLOW, TRU FLOW, PARTS MASTER, AND PARTS DEPOT BRAND FUEL PUMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED MOTOR VEHICLES. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY NOT CONTAIN THE SPECIFIED BODY MOUNTED HEAT SHIELDS. THIS COULD CAUSE HIGH FLOOR PAN TEMPERATURES WHEN THE ENGINE IS IDLED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. FOULED SPARK PLUGS OR OTHER ENGINE CONDITIONS COULD FURTHER INCREASE EXHAUST TEMPERATURES.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL THE NECESSARY FRAME MOUNTED HEAT SHIELD, IF MISSING.
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 1979 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 79V153000.
- 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: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
Summary: CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY NOT CONTAIN THE SPECIFIED BODY MOUNTED HEAT SHIELDS. THIS COULD CAUSE HIGH FLOOR PAN TEMPERATURES WHEN THE ENGINE IS IDLED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. FOULED SPARK PLUGS OR OTHER ENGINE CONDITIONS COULD FURTHER INCREASE EXHAUST TEMPERATURES.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL THE NECESSARY FRAME MOUNTED HEAT SHIELD, IF MISSING.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 300 AND 460 CID ENGINES.SYSTEM: EXHAUST; BODY MOUNTED HEAT SHIELDS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THESE HIGH TEMPERATURES COULD CAUSE THE REAR FLOORCOVERINGS TO SMOULDER, RESULTING IN SMOKE DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY.
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSES MAY ALLOW FOR CONTACT BETWEEN THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES AND THE FRONT TIRES WHEN THE FRONT WHEELS ARE IN FULL RIGHT OR LEFT TURN POSITIONS. IF CONTACT IS MADE, THE HOSE COULD WEAR AND ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT FRONT BRAKE HOSES AND REPLACE THOSE LACKING THE PROPER CLEARANCE WITH CURRENT PRODUCTION HOSES, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
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 1979 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 79V152000.
- 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, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: THE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSES MAY ALLOW FOR CONTACT BETWEEN THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES AND THE FRONT TIRES WHEN THE FRONT WHEELS ARE IN FULL RIGHT OR LEFT TURN POSITIONS. IF CONTACT IS MADE, THE HOSE COULD WEAR AND ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT FRONT BRAKE HOSES AND REPLACE THOSE LACKING THE PROPER CLEARANCE WITH CURRENT PRODUCTION HOSES, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; FRONT BRAKE HOSES.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: FRONT WHEEL BRAKING CAPABILITY COULD BE LOST, CAUSINGAN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCES AND, POSSIBLY, AN ACCIDENT.NOTE: OPERATOR MAY BE ALERTED TO LOSS OF FRONT BRAKES BY THE ACTIVATION OF AWARNING LIGHT. SHOULD THIS LIGHT APPEAR, PROCEED WITH CAUTION AND HAVE THEVEHICLE SERVICED IMMEDIATELY.
4. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE STEERING GEARS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED SECTOR SHAFTS FROM WHICH THE THREADED PORTIONS OF THE SHAFTS MAY FRACTURE AND SEPARATE. SHOULD THE SECTOR SHAFT FRACTURE, THE PITMAN ARM MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SPLINED PORTION OF THE SECTOR SHAFT.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY OR INSTALL A NEW SECTOR SHAFT IN THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.
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 1979 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V269000.
- 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: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
Summary: THE STEERING GEARS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED SECTOR SHAFTS FROM WHICH THE THREADED PORTIONS OF THE SHAFTS MAY FRACTURE AND SEPARATE. SHOULD THE SECTOR SHAFT FRACTURE, THE PITMAN ARM MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SPLINED PORTION OF THE SECTOR SHAFT.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY OR INSTALL A NEW SECTOR SHAFT IN THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: STEERING ASSEMBLY; GEARS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: DISENGAGEMENT WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION COULD RESULTIN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND AN ACCIDENT.
5. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS IN WHICH THE PARKING PAWL WAS NOT HEAT-TREATED. DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION, A PARKING PAWL THAT HAS NOT BEEN HEAT-TREATED COULD BECOME DEFORMED OR WORN TO THE POINT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT LOCK IN "PARK". AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SET THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN PARKING OR LEAVING VEHICLE UNATTENDED.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL WITH ONE THAT HAS BEEN HEAT-TREATED.
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 1979 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V256000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS IN WHICH THE PARKING PAWL WAS NOT HEAT-TREATED. DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION, A PARKING PAWL THAT HAS NOT BEEN HEAT-TREATED COULD BECOME DEFORMED OR WORN TO THE POINT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT LOCK IN "PARK". AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SET THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN PARKING OR LEAVING VEHICLE UNATTENDED.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL WITH ONE THAT HAS BEEN HEAT-TREATED.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; TRANSMISSION, AUTOMATIC.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DAMAGE, PROPERTYDAMAGE, AND PERSONAL INJURY.NOTE: OWNER IS ADVISED TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN LEAVING THE VEHICLEPARKED OR UNATTENDED.
6. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. THESE TRANSMISSIONS MAY CONTAIN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED PARKING PAWL ACTUATING RODS. CONSEQUENTLY, THE UNHARDENED CAM SURFACE OF THESE RODS CAN ALLOW THE ROD TO DEFORM DURING USE WITH RESULTANT INCREASE IN SHIFT EFFORTS AND DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING THE PARKING PAWL AND ENGAGING THE PARKING GEAR.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
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 1979 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V201000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: THESE TRANSMISSIONS MAY CONTAIN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED PARKING PAWL ACTUATING RODS. CONSEQUENTLY, THE UNHARDENED CAM SURFACE OF THESE RODS CAN ALLOW THE ROD TO DEFORM DURING USE WITH RESULTANT INCREASE IN SHIFT EFFORTS AND DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING THE PARKING PAWL AND ENGAGING THE PARKING GEAR.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH C-6AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; TRANSMISSION.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE PARKING GEAR CANNOT BE ENGAGED AND PARKING BRAKEIS NOT SET, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE, ESPECIALLY IF PARKED ON AN INCLINE,ENDANGERING NEARBY PERSONS AND PROPERTY.NOTE: THE PARKING BRAKE SHOULD BE USED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS TO BE LEFTUNATTENDED, UNTIL THE DEFECT IS CORRECTED.
7. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY MAY CONTAIN SUBSTANDARD WELDS IN THE AREA WHERE THE DISC IS ATTACHED TO THE RIM. AS A RESULT, CRACKS CAN FORM IN THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY, CAUSING AIR LOSS AND AN UNDERINFLATED TIRE.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE WHEELS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
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 1979 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 79V185000.
- 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: WHEELS
Summary: THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY MAY CONTAIN SUBSTANDARD WELDS IN THE AREA WHERE THE DISC IS ATTACHED TO THE RIM. AS A RESULT, CRACKS CAN FORM IN THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY, CAUSING AIR LOSS AND AN UNDERINFLATED TIRE.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE WHEELS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 15 X 5.5K WHEEL ASSEMBLIES.SYSTEM: WHEELS; WHEEL ASSEMBLY.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOW TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES COULD CAUSE LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, IF THE SPOT WELDS FAIL, THE RIM AND TIRECOULD SEPARATE FROM THE WHEEL DISC, WITH CONSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL ANDACCIDENT.
8. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PUSH-ROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS WHICH WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED AS SPECIFIED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE PUSH-ROD.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT BRAKE RETAINING PIN.
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 1979 ECONOLINE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 79V117000.
- 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, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PUSH-ROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS WHICH WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED AS SPECIFIED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE PUSH-ROD.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT BRAKE RETAINING PIN.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; HYDRAULIC LINKAGE, PEDAL.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: DISENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD RESULT IN TOTALLOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES, WHICH COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND ANACCIDENT.NOTE: THE PARKING BRAKE WILL REMAIN OPERATIONAL EVEN IF SERVICE BRAKES ARELOST.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1979 Ford Econoline owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (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)
07/22/2005 · Electrical system · fire
DT: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE ENGINE. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE, A FIRE BEGAN TO COME THROUGH THE DASH. WHEN THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE IT BLEW UP. EVERYTHING IN VEHICLE BURNED AND MELTED. CONSUMER SAID THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNED BEYOND RECOGNI…