RecallPlainVehicle recalls, explained in plain English

1973 Ford Ranchero recalls & complaints

4 recalls on file (0 high risk). Normal for this age of vehicle — just make sure they're done.
4recalls
0high risk
0stop-driving
1complaints

Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.

4 safety recalls, most serious first

Moderate Campaign 73V159000 · announced 30/07/1973 (51 years ago)

1. Steering

What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car.

What could happen:

The fix:

What to do

  1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1973 RANCHERO.
  2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 73V159000.
  3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
  4. 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:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: FORD CAMPAIGN NO H-9G. W/302-2V ENGINES AND POWER STEERING. POSSIBILITY THATTHE POWER STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT TORQUE ON THE PINCH BOLTWHICH CLAMPS THE COUPLING FLANGE TO THE GEAR INPUT SHAFT. IF THIS CONDITIONEXISTS IT COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE FREE PLAY AT THE STEERING WHEEL ANDULTIMATELY, TO LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. (CORRECT BY INSPECTING AND PROPERLYRETORQUING BOLTS WHERE NECESSARY).

Moderate Campaign 73V057000 · announced 12/03/1973 (52 years ago)

2. Steering

What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car.

What could happen:

The fix:

What to do

  1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1973 RANCHERO.
  2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 73V057000.
  3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
  4. 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:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: FORD CAMPAIGN NO H-8D. POSSIBILITY THAT IN THE PROCESS OF CONNECTING THECENTER LINK TO IDLER ARM A COTTER PIN WAS OMITTED, WHICH HOLDS THE ATTACHINGNUT IN POSITION SHOULD NUT BE INSTALLED LOOSE. IF THIS PIN IS MISSING IT COULDALLOW NUT TO DROP OFF AND LINKAGE TO DISENGAGE FROM IDLER ARM, AND AFFECTSTEERING CONTROL. (CORRECT BY INSPECTING AND INSTALL COTTER PIN WHERENECESSARY. )

Moderate Campaign 72V240000 · announced 29/09/1972 (52 years ago)

3. Steering

What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car.

What could happen:

The fix:

What to do

  1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1973 RANCHERO.
  2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 72V240000.
  3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
  4. 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 (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: FORD CAMPAIGN NO H-5B. W/POWER STEERING. POSSIBILITY THAT POWER STEERING GEARASSEMBLIES WERE BUILT WITH WORM AND VALVE ASSEMBLY TORSION ROD LOCK PININADVERTENTLY OMITTED. IF CONDITION EXISTS, COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL. (CORRECT BY INSPECTING AND INSTALLING PIN WHERE NECESSARY. )

Moderate Campaign 72V272000 · announced 08/11/1972 (54 years ago)

4. Fuel system

What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk.

What could happen:

The fix:

What to do

  1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1973 RANCHERO.
  2. Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 72V272000.
  3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
  4. 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:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: FORD CAMPAIGN NO H-5C. EQUIPPED W/429-4V ENGINES. POSSIBILITY THAT CARBURETORMAY LEAK FUEL FROM AROUND POWER VALVE RESTRICTOR PLUG. IF CONDITION EXISTS,COULD DRAIN FUEL BOWL DURING ENGINE SHUTDOWN AND RESULT IN DELAYED STARTING.THERE IS ALSO POSSIBILITY OF FUMES FROM LEAKING FUEL WHICH COULD BE IGNITEDSHOULD SPARK OCCUR. (CORRECT BY INSPECTING AND REPLACING WHERE NECESSARY. )

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Owner complaints filed with NHTSA

1complaints
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

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)

12/02/2003 · Wheels / tires
THE LEFT REAR TIRES SHOWED SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE CRACKING. KELLY SPRINGFIELD. SIZE# 215/70R14, DOT# UNKNOWN. *AK

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