1979 Ford Ltd recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
9 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. THE FILTER'S OUTLET CAP MAY NOT BE SECURELY CRIMPED TO THE HOUSING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF FILTER'S OUTLET CAP FROM THE HOUSING.
What could happen: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, A NO START CONDITION MAY RESULT AND FUEL MAY BE PUMPED ONTO THE GROUND. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN…
The fix: INTERCONTINENTAL WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERCONTINENTAL AT 800-451-2593.
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 LTD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08E019000.
- 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: INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS IS RECALLING 1,937 FUEL FILTERS, P/NOS ALG 44/1 AND PUROLATOR F10024, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER'S OUTLET CAP MAY NOT BE SECURELY CRIMPED TO THE HOUSING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF FILTER'S OUTLET CAP FROM THE HOUSING.
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, A NO START CONDITION MAY RESULT AND FUEL MAY BE PUMPED ONTO THE GROUND. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: INTERCONTINENTAL WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERCONTINENTAL AT 800-451-2593.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO INTERCONTINENTAL AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. 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. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE COOLING FAN BLADES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY RIVETED TO THE FAN SPIDER. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BLADES TO SEPARATE FROM THE FAN DURING ENGINE OPERATION.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE COOLING FAN, WITHOUT CHARGE.
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 LTD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V213000.
- 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: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Summary: ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE COOLING FAN BLADES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY RIVETED TO THE FAN SPIDER. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BLADES TO SEPARATE FROM THE FAN DURING ENGINE OPERATION.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ENGINE COOLING FAN, WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 302 AND 351 CID ENGINESAND AIR CONDITIONING.SYSTEM: ENGINE; ENGINE COOLING FAN.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: SEPARATED BLADES COULD BE PROPELLED OUTWARDS, DAMAGINGOTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS. IF THE HOOD IS OPEN AND THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, BLADEFRAGMENTS COULD FLY FROM THE ENGINE AND INJURE NEARBY PERSONS.NOTE: ENGINE SHOULD NOT BE OPERATED WITH THE HOOD OPEN UNTIL THE COOLING FANHAS BEEN INSPECTED.
3. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLIES CONTAIN COUPLING RIVET PINS WHICH WERE NOT RIVETED SECURELY ENOUGH DURING MANUFACTURE. CONSEQUENTLY ONE OR BOTH OF THE PINS COULD LOOSEN FROM THE FLANGE OF THE FLEXIBLE COUPLING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IF ONE PIN IS LOOSE, FREE PLAY WOULD RESULT. IF BOTH PINS WORK LOOSE, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WOULD OCCUR. ALSO, THE SHAFT ASSEMBLY MAY NOT CONTAIN A METAL REINFORCEMENT BETWEEN…
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY, 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 LTD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V212000.
- 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: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Summary: THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLIES CONTAIN COUPLING RIVET PINS WHICH WERE NOT RIVETED SECURELY ENOUGH DURING MANUFACTURE. CONSEQUENTLY ONE OR BOTH OF THE PINS COULD LOOSEN FROM THE FLANGE OF THE FLEXIBLE COUPLING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IF ONE PIN IS LOOSE, FREE PLAY WOULD RESULT. IF BOTH PINS WORK LOOSE, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WOULD OCCUR. ALSO, THE SHAFT ASSEMBLY MAY NOT CONTAIN A METAL REINFORCEMENT BETWEEN ONE OR BOTH OF THE RIVET PINS AND THE RUBBER FLEXIBLE COUPLING. AS A RESULT, THE RUBBER FLEXIBLE COUPLING COULD TEAR AND PRODUCE A NOISE OR LOOSE FEELING IN THE STEERING SYSTEM.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: STEERING; STEERING COLUMN COUPLING.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
4. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL PROTECTIVE SHIELDS ON THE REBOUND BUMPER BRACKETS 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 LTD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V199000.
- 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:
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL PROTECTIVE SHIELDS ON THE REBOUND BUMPER BRACKETS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; FRONT BRAKE HOSES.SYSTEM: DUE TO IMPROPER DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATIONS, THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES MAYCONTACT AND CHAFE AGAINST THE EDGES OF THE FRAME-MOUNTED REBOUND BUMPERBRACKETS. CHAFING OF THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE MAY CAUSE A BRAKE FLUID LEAK ANDSUBSEQUENT LOSS OF FRONT WHEEL BRAKING CAPABILITY.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF FRONT WHEEL BRAKING WOULD CAUSE AN INCREASE INDISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
5. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM CONTAINS AN INCORRECT 6 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKER INSTEAD OF THE 8.25 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKER. IF THE SYSTEM IS HEAVILY LOADED, AS IN THE CASE OF A PARTIALLY DRY WINDSHIELD, THE MOTOR CURRENT MAY EXCEED THE 6 AMP BREAKER"S CAPACITY. THIS WOULD CAUSE THE BREAKER TO OPEN, WHICH WOULD RESULT IN WIPER/WASHER FAILURE.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT CIRCUIT BREAKER 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 LTD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V198000.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Summary: THE WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEM CONTAINS AN INCORRECT 6 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKER INSTEAD OF THE 8.25 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKER. IF THE SYSTEM IS HEAVILY LOADED, AS IN THE CASE OF A PARTIALLY DRY WINDSHIELD, THE MOTOR CURRENT MAY EXCEED THE 6 AMP BREAKER"S CAPACITY. THIS WOULD CAUSE THE BREAKER TO OPEN, WHICH WOULD RESULT IN WIPER/WASHER FAILURE.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; WIPER/WASHER CIRCUIT BREAKER.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: WIPER/WASHER FAILURE IN BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS COULDCONTRIBUTE TO A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
6. 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 LTD.
- 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.
7. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE CONTROL VALVES AND BRAKE TUBES INTENDED FOR USE IN VEHICLES WITHOUT TRAILER TOW PACKAGES.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL REPLACE BRAKE CONTROL VALVE AND CONNECTING BRAKE TUBE.
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 LTD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 79V107000.
- 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: SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE CONTROL VALVES AND BRAKE TUBES INTENDED FOR USE IN VEHICLES WITHOUT TRAILER TOW PACKAGES.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE BRAKE CONTROL VALVE AND CONNECTING BRAKE TUBE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; HOSE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: USE OF INCORRECT BRAKE VALVES WILL INCREASE REAR BRAKEPRESSURE. THE VEHICLE MAY EXHIBIT PREMATURE REAR WHEEL LOCKUP WHICH COULD CAUSELOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
8. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH MISINDEXED FRONT BRAKE HOSES WHICH COULD CONTACT A TIRE OR WHEEL IN A FULL-TURN CONDITION. CHAFING AND WEAR TO THE BRAKE HOSE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND FRONT WHEEL BRAKING CAPABILITY.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, RE-INDEX THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE. THOSE HOSES SHOWING SIGNS OF ABRASION WILL BE REPLACED, 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 LTD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 79V106000.
- 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: SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH MISINDEXED FRONT BRAKE HOSES WHICH COULD CONTACT A TIRE OR WHEEL IN A FULL-TURN CONDITION. CHAFING AND WEAR TO THE BRAKE HOSE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND FRONT WHEEL BRAKING CAPABILITY.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, RE-INDEX THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE. THOSE HOSES SHOWING SIGNS OF ABRASION WILL BE REPLACED, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES, BRAKE HOSES, FRONT.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: REAR WHEEL BRAKES WILL NOT BE AFFECTED, BUT LOSS OFFRONT BRAKES WOULD INCREASE THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD CAUSE AVEHICLE ACCIDENT IN A SITUATION WHICH REQUIRES A SUDDEN STOP.
9. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. THE WORD "LIGHTS" WAS OMITTED FROM THE PANEL APPLIQUE IDENTIFYING THE HEADLAMP SWITCH. WITHOUT THIS IDENTIFICATION THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS".
What could happen:
The fix: OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE MAILED ADHESIVE BACKED LABELS CONTAINING THE WORD "LIGHTS", ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AT NO CHARGE.
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 LTD.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 79V022000.
- 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: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: THE WORD "LIGHTS" WAS OMITTED FROM THE PANEL APPLIQUE IDENTIFYING THE HEADLAMP SWITCH. WITHOUT THIS IDENTIFICATION THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS".
Consequence:
Remedy: OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE MAILED ADHESIVE BACKED LABELS CONTAINING THE WORD "LIGHTS", ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AT NO CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: EQUIPMENT; CERTIFICATION LABELS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: EQUIPMENT NOT LABELED POSES A SAFETY HAZARD TOINDIVIDUALS NOT FAMILIAR WITH VEHICLE AND CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1979 Ford Ltd owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (2), 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 (3)
09/07/2000 · Wheels / tires
WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN LAS VEGAS AT LOW SPEED I HEARD A NOISE WHICH WAS AMPLIFIED WHEN CAR WAS DRIVING FASTER. WHEN I STOPED AND I CHECK A WHOLE SKIN OF THE TIRE WAS GONE. I WENT TO REPLACE IT AND WHEN THEY LIFT UP THE CAR ANOTHER TIRE HAD A BIG BUBBLE(12" LONG). I DONT REMEMBER IF A THIRD OR FORTH HAD SAME PROBLEM BUT I END UP REPLACING ALL 4 (DEFINETLY NO…
09/07/2000 · Wheels / tires
WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN LAS VEGAS AT LOW SPEED I HEARD A NOISE WHICH WAS AMPLIFIED WHEN CAR WAS DRIVING FASTER. WHEN I STOPED AND I CHECK A WHOLE SKIN OF THE TIRE WAS GONE. I WENT TO REPLACE IT AND WHEN THEY LIFT UP THE CAR ANOTHER TIRE HAD A BIG BUBBLE(12" LONG). I DONT REMEMBER IF A THIRD OR FORTH HAD SAME PROBLEM BUT I END UP REPLACING ALL 4 (DEFINETLY NO…
02/05/1997 · Electrical system · fire
AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED THE STEERING COLUMN TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK