Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1976 American Motors Matador — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 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.
Defect
ENGINE COOLING FANS INSTALLED ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY BE SUBJECT TO BLADE SEPARATION DUE TO VIBRATIONS GENERATED DURING NORMAL OPERATION.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FAN WITH ONE OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1976 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.