1976 Ford Pinto recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
7 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 1976 PINTO.
- 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. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail.
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 1976 PINTO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 76V067000.
- 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: FORD CAMPAIGN NO 192. POSSIBILITY THAT THE NYLON BUSHING IN THE ACCELERATORNCABLE MAY BECOME LOOSE DUE TO AN OVERSIZE RETAINING CLIP. A LOOSE BUSHING MAYLRESTRICT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE OR TO A LOWER SPEEDOR TO A SLOWER SPEED CONDITION, HOLDING CARBURETOR AT CONSTANT SPEED. SHOULDTHIS OCCUR, THE DRIVER CAN STOP THE VEHICLE BY APPLYING THE BRAKES, SHIFTINGTO NEUTRAL AND TURNING OFF THE IGNITION. (CORRECT BY INSPECTING THE BUSHINGBUSHING RETAINING CLIP WHERE NECESSARY.)
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. IN THE EVENT THE VEHICLE IS STRUCK FROM THE REAR, THE FUEL FILLER PIPE COULD DISCONNECT FROM THE TANK OR THE TANK COULD BE PUNCTURED IN THE FORWARD FACE. THIS WOULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A LONGER FUEL FILLER PIPE HAVING AN IMPROVED SEAL. ALSO, A POLYETHYLENE SHIELD WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE FRONT OF THE FUEL TANK.
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 1976 PINTO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V143000.
- 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:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: IN THE EVENT THE VEHICLE IS STRUCK FROM THE REAR, THE FUEL FILLER PIPE COULD DISCONNECT FROM THE TANK OR THE TANK COULD BE PUNCTURED IN THE FORWARD FACE. THIS WOULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A LONGER FUEL FILLER PIPE HAVING AN IMPROVED SEAL. ALSO, A POLYETHYLENE SHIELD WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE FRONT OF THE FUEL TANK.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTON: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: FUEL; FUEL TANK.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF A SOURCE OF IGNITION,COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND SERIOUS INJURY TO PASSENGERS.
4. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk.
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 1976 PINTO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 76V170000.
- 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:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: FORD MOTOR CAMPAIGN NO 209. POSSIBILITY THAT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2. 3LITRE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE FUEL LEAKAGE AT THE RUBBER HOSE CONNECTING THEFUEL TUBE TO THE CARBURETOR FUEL FILTER. FUEL LEAKAGE MAY BE CAUSED BY ACOMBINATION OF FACTORS, INCLUDING FUEL TUBE MISALIGNMENT, IMPROPER HOSECLAMPING AND A CHANGE TO A LESS FLEXIBLE, DOUBLE BRAIDED HOSE. FUEL ODORS MAYPROVIDE WARNING TO DRIVERS. SHOULD LEAKAGE OCCUR, A POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR THEOCCURANCE OF AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. (CORRECT BY INSPECTING AND REPLACING FUELHOSE, CLAMP AND ALIGNMENT OF FUEL TUBE WHEN NECESSARY). PASSENGER VEHICLE.
5. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors.
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 1976 PINTO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 76V134000.
- 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: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: FORD CAMPAIGN NO 202. POSSIBILITY THAT THE REAR SEAT CUSHIONS FAIL TO MEETREQUIREMENT OF FMVSS NO. 207. THE CUSHION FRAME WAS FOUND TO CONTAINCUSHION-TO-UNDERBODY ATTACHING BRACKETS THAT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE SEAT FRAMEAS A RESULT OF INADEQUATE SPOT WELDS. (CORRECT BY INSPECTING AND REWORKINGSEAT CUSHION FRAME TO MEET REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 207). PASSENGER VEHICLE.
6. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL IMPACT, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR AT THE FUEL LINE TO FUEL PUMP CONNECTION IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSTALL A PAIR OF FRONT BUMPER BRACKET EXTENSION PLATES TO SUPPLY ADDED PROTECTION FOR THIS FUEL LINE CONNECTION.
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 1976 PINTO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V069000.
- 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: STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Summary: IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL IMPACT, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR AT THE FUEL LINE TO FUEL PUMP CONNECTION IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A PAIR OF FRONT BUMPER BRACKET EXTENSION PLATES TO SUPPLY ADDED PROTECTION FOR THIS FUEL LINE CONNECTION.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: FUEL; FUEL LINE TO FUEL PUMP CONNECTION.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: FUEL LEAKAGE RESULTING FROM A VEHICLE COLLISION COULDLEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO PASSENGERS.
7. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors.
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 1976 PINTO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 76V112000.
- 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: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: FORD MOTOR CAMPAIGN NO 199. POSSIBILITY THAT THE FRONT SEAT BACK RESTRAININGDEVICES THAT MAY FAIL TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETYSTANDARD NO. 207. THIS CONDITION RESULTED BECAUSE SCREWS SECURING THE LATCHSTRIKER TO THE SEAT CUSHION FRAME WERE NOT PROPERLY PROCESSED BY THEIRMANUFATURER. (CORRECT BY INSPECTING AND REPLACING SCREW AS NECESSARY).PASSENGER VEHICLE.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1976 Ford Pinto owner's manual
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)
03/20/2003 · Fuel system
THE VEHICLE DID NOT COME EQUIPPED WITH A SHIELD TO PROTECT THE GAS TANK. *AK *JB