Defect
SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE CONTROL VALVES AND BRAKE TUBES INTENDED FOR USE IN VEHICLES WITHOUT TRAILER TOW PACKAGES.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE BRAKE CONTROL VALVE AND CONNECTING BRAKE TUBE.
1979 Ford 500 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 Ford 500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1979 compare to other 500 years?
Does the 1979 Ford 500 have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
1979 Ford 500 — common questions
Is the 1979 Ford 500 reliable?
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Does the 1979 Ford 500 have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1979 Ford 500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Which Ford 500 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 500 years to avoid are 2005. The cleanest record among 500 years belongs to 1979.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.