1979 Ford All Full Size recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. THE FULL SIZE SEDANS WERE EQUIPPED WITH INCORRECT TAIL LAMP SOCKETS AND THE FULL SIZE STATION WAGONS WERE INSTALLED WITH INCORRECT TAIL LAMP AND BACK UP LAMP SOCKETS. THEREFORE THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT".
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE TAIL LAMP AND BACK UP LAMP SOCKETS 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 ALL FULL SIZE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V204000.
- 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: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Summary: THE FULL SIZE SEDANS WERE EQUIPPED WITH INCORRECT TAIL LAMP SOCKETS AND THE FULL SIZE STATION WAGONS WERE INSTALLED WITH INCORRECT TAIL LAMP AND BACK UP LAMP SOCKETS. THEREFORE THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT".
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE TAIL LAMP AND BACK UP LAMP SOCKETS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: LIGHTING; TAIL LAMPS; BACK UP LAMPS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: INCORRECT TAIL LAMPS AND BACK UP LAMPS COULD CONFUSEOTHER DRIVERS AND CONTRIBUTE TO A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Lights (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)
01/09/2012 · Lights
I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NEW HIGH INTENSE ZIEON HEADLIGHTS. ARE THEY LEGAL? BECAUSE THE LIGHTS ARE SO BRIGHT, THAT IN THE RAIN AT NIGHT THEY ARE BLINDING TO THE ONCOMING CARS. I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS JUST ME BUT I HAVE BEEN SIDE BY SIDE WITH CARS AND TURNED ON MY BRIGHT LIGHTS AND THE OTHER CARS LIGHTS SEEMED TO STILL BE BRIGHTER THAN MY 96 FORD PICKUP HI…