Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1975 American Motors Matador — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM SENSOR CIRCUIT CONTAINS A TWO-WIRE CONNECTOR WHICH COULD CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN THE ENGINE IGNITION. THIS DIFFICULTY MAY BE CAUSED BY MECHANICAL OR CHEMICAL ACTIONS AT THE CONNECTOR.
Remedy
THE TWO-WIRE CONNECTOR WILL BE MODIFIED BY THE DEALER BY CUTTING AND SOLDER-SPLICING THE WIRES.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1975 American Motors Matador. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.