1981 Ford Fairmont recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
What could happen: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
The fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
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 1981 FAIRMONT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07E064000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARTER, NAPA, ACCUFLOW, TRU FLOW, PARTS MASTER, AND PARTS DEPOT BRAND FUEL PUMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED MOTOR VEHICLES. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. ON SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE BRAKE PUSHROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS MAY BE MISSING OR LOOSE. INSECURELY INSTALLED OR MISSING RETAINERS COULD RESULT IN DISENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKE PUSHROD AND TOTAL LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKING.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PIN.
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 1981 FAIRMONT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 80V152000.
- 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: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Summary: ON SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE BRAKE PUSHROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS MAY BE MISSING OR LOOSE. INSECURELY INSTALLED OR MISSING RETAINERS COULD RESULT IN DISENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKE PUSHROD AND TOTAL LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKING.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PIN.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; BRAKE PUSHROD RETAINER PINS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND RESULT IN AVEHICLE ACCIDENT.NOTE: THE DRIVER IS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE NECESSARYCORRECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1981 Ford Fairmont owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (2), Electrical system (2), Wheels / tires (1), Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (6)
10/14/1997 · Wheels / tires
TIRES REPLACED.
09/18/1997 · Engine · fire
AIR CONTROL MODULE-AIR PUMP DEVERTER VALVE CLOSED, CAUSING HOT GASSES AND AIR RETURNING FROM EXHAUST TO EXPLODE/MELT/IGNITE THE PLASTIC VALVE, DAMAGING VACUUM LINES/VALVE COVER SURFACE, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK
04/30/1996 · Steering
WHILE DRIVING A PIECE IN THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE OFF AND CASUED LOSS OF STEERING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
04/30/1996 · Steering
WHILE DRIVING A PIECE IN THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE OFF AND CASUED LOSS OF STEERING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
04/29/1996 · Electrical system · fire
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO CATCH ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
04/29/1996 · Electrical system · fire
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO CATCH ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK