1973 Ford Fairlane 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. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away.
What could happen:
The fix:
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 1973 FAIRLANE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 73V181000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: FORD CAMPAIGN NO H-OB. POSSIBILITY THAT THE 2V CARBURETOR USED ON 302, 351 AND400CID ENGINES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE MISALIGNMENT BETWEEN THETRANSMISSION LINKAGE LEVER AND ADJUSTING SCREW ASSEMBLY AND THE THROTTLE LEVERTAB. IF CONDITION EXISTS, IT MAY CAUSE CONTACT BETWEEN THE SCREW THREADS ANDTHE EDGE OF THE THROTTLE LEVER TAB AND CAUSE THROTTLE TO STICK IN AN OPENPOSITION. (CORRECT BY INSPECTING AND REALIGNING LINKAGE WHERE NECESSARY).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (1), Gasoline (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)
09/29/2008 · Fuel system
RECALL #78V143000 RE FUEL TANK ON ALL FORD PINTOS & MERCURY BOBCATS BUILT FROM 1971 TO 1976 FORD MOTOR CO, REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE ME AND/OR THE RECALL BECAUSE, THERE SYSTEM (I'M TOLD) IS SET-UP FOR AN 18 DIGIT I.D. NUMBER, MY AUTO HAS ONLY 11 DIGITS (BECAUSE OF THE YEAR) WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS WHO TO CONTACT, WHERE TOP GO. I WOULD SUGGEST THIS IS N…