1971 Ford F Series 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. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADES MAY CRACK AND CHIP DUE TO HIGH STRESSES CAUSED BY VIBRATIONS. THE CHIPPED PIECES OF THE BLADE COULD FLY INTO THE UNDERHOOD COMPONENTS. ALSO, THESE PIECES COULD FLY OUT FROM THE VEHICLE IF THE HOOD IS OPEN AND THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY WITH ONE OF ANOTHER DESIGN AT NO COST 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 1971 F SERIES.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V153000.
- 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: THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADES MAY CRACK AND CHIP DUE TO HIGH STRESSES CAUSED BY VIBRATIONS. THE CHIPPED PIECES OF THE BLADE COULD FLY INTO THE UNDERHOOD COMPONENTS. ALSO, THESE PIECES COULD FLY OUT FROM THE VEHICLE IF THE HOOD IS OPEN AND THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING FAN BLADE ASSEMBLY WITH ONE OF ANOTHER DESIGN AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY TRUCKS.SYSTEM: ENGINE COOLING; FANS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE BLADE FRAGMENTS COULD CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE AND, IFHOOD IS OPEN, SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY TO NEARBY PERSONS.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
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)
07/23/2008 · Wheels / tires
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1971 FORD F-350. THE VEHICLE HAS TWO REAR FUJIAMI ENDURO TIRES, SIZE LT 235/85R16 EPLY (NA). WHILE DRIVING 35-60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WANDER OVER THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE SLOWED DOWN TO LESS THAN 60 MPH FOR THE CONTACT TO REMAIN IN CONTROL. HE STATED THAT HE FEELS LIKE HE IS DRIVING ON ICE. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS TO…