- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1979 Ford Thunderbird Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1979 Ford Thunderbird have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in March 2008 for the fuel pump.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Thunderbird year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1979 Ford Thunderbird recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The fix
- Dealer will replace the suspect brake retaining pin.
- The problem
- The involved vehicles may have been built with incorrect weld nuts that attach the rear portion of the front outboard seat track to the floor pan. The incorrect nuts have an oversize diameter and thread, and upon front seat track anchor bolt installation, the threads may have been stripped.
- The fix
- The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, repair any stripped weld nuts and install larger size bolts to anchor the seat track to the floor at no cost to owner.
- The problem
- 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.
- 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 owners say
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No complaints about the 1979 Ford Thunderbird yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Ford Thunderbird: every year compared
All Thunderbird years1979 Ford Thunderbird vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 Ford Thunderbird | 0 | 4 | D | |
| 1979 Ford Bronco | 2 | 6 | A | Compare |
| 1979 Ford All Full Size | 1 | 1 | - | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1979 Ford Thunderbird
Does the 1979 Ford Thunderbird have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1979 Ford Thunderbird: fuel pump (March 2008); pedals and linkages (May 1979); mid / rear assembly (January 1979); shaft sector (December 1978). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1979 Ford Thunderbird had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1979 Ford Thunderbird a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 26 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Ford Thunderbird year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ford Thunderbird years have the most complaints?
1960 (1), 1965 (1). See every Ford Thunderbird year compared.
What should I do if my 1979 Ford Thunderbird has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data