1979 Ford Ford Truck And Van 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. 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. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER"S NOTICE TO ADVISE OWNERS OF PROPER VEHICLE OPERATION. THE PARKING GEAR MAY NOT BE SECURELY ENGAGED AFTER THE OPERATOR HAS ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT TO PARK. THE VEHICLE MAY APPEAR TO BE IN PARK THOUGH ACTUALLY IN REVERSE. THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY.
What could happen:
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SELF-STICKING LABEL CONTAINING IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AS A DAILY REMINDER OF THE SERIOUS HAZARDS OF UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOTION. IT SHOULD BE PLACED INSIDE THE VEHICLE IN AN EASILY SEEN LOCATION.
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 FORD TRUCK AND VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 81V008000.
- 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:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Summary: THIS IS A MANUFACTURER"S NOTICE TO ADVISE OWNERS OF PROPER VEHICLE OPERATION. THE PARKING GEAR MAY NOT BE SECURELY ENGAGED AFTER THE OPERATOR HAS ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT TO PARK. THE VEHICLE MAY APPEAR TO BE IN PARK THOUGH ACTUALLY IN REVERSE. THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY.
Consequence:
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SELF-STICKING LABEL CONTAINING IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AS A DAILY REMINDER OF THE SERIOUS HAZARDS OF UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOTION. IT SHOULD BE PLACED INSIDE THE VEHICLE IN AN EASILY SEEN LOCATION.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FMX,C-3, C-4, C-6, OR JATCO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENT,INJURY OR DEATH, ESPECIALLY TO PERSONS IN THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE.NOTE: DRIVERS SHOULD OBSERVE THESE STEPS: 1) MAKE CERTAIN GEAR LEVER IS ENGAGEDIN PARK, 2) SET PARKING BRAKE FULLY, AND 3) SHUT OFF IGNITION.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 1979 Ford Ford Truck And Van owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (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)
07/06/2002 · Steering · crash
SEPT 2000 I HAD OUR TRUCK'S STEERING REPAIRED. A CENTER DRAG LINK WAS INSTALLED AT THAT TIME. A FEW WEEKS LATER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIFHWAY, THE CENTER LINK DRAG SOME HOW BECAME DETACHED FROM THE PITMAN ARM. THIS LEFT MY HUSBAND WITH NO WAY TO CONTROL THIS TRUCK. IT LEFT THE ROAD AND HIT A POLE. HE WAS KILLED AND THE TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS. IN THE CHP V…