1979 Ford E-100 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 Ford E-100 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1979 compare to other E-100 years?

E-100 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1979 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E-100 years to avoid →

Does the 1979 Ford E-100 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E064000Fuel SystemAugust 27, 2007 · 34,000 units

Defect

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.

79V185000Tires & WheelsAugust 7, 1979 · 22,500 units

Defect

THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY MAY CONTAIN SUBSTANDARD WELDS IN THE AREA WHERE THE DISC IS ATTACHED TO THE RIM. AS A RESULT, CRACKS CAN FORM IN THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY, CAUSING AIR LOSS AND AN UNDERINFLATED TIRE.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY DEFECTIVE WHEELS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

79V153000Body & StructureJune 19, 1979 · 12,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY NOT CONTAIN THE SPECIFIED BODY MOUNTED HEAT SHIELDS. THIS COULD CAUSE HIGH FLOOR PAN TEMPERATURES WHEN THE ENGINE IS IDLED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. FOULED SPARK PLUGS OR OTHER ENGINE CONDITIONS COULD FURTHER INCREASE EXHAUST TEMPERATURES.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL INSTALL THE NECESSARY FRAME MOUNTED HEAT SHIELD, IF MISSING.

79V117000BrakesMay 15, 1979 · 82,000 units

Defect

THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PUSH-ROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS WHICH WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED AS SPECIFIED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE PUSH-ROD.

Remedy

DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT BRAKE RETAINING PIN.

78V214000Seat BeltsOctober 5, 1978 · 874 units

Defect

ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR THE OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS TO BECOME TRAPPED IN THE SEAT-BED PIVOTING MECHANISM. SHOULD THE BELT BECOME TRAPPED IN THE MECHANISM WHEN THE SEAT IS CONVERTED TO A BED, THE BELT MAY BECOME CUT OR FRAYED.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL INSTALL SEAT BELT SHIELDS ON THE FOLDING SEAT/BED PIVOTING MECHANISM AND REPLACE THE OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES IF DAMAGED, FREE OF CHARGE.

1979 Ford E-100 — common questions

Is the 1979 Ford E-100 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1979 Ford E-100 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Ford E-100. 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.

How does 1979 compare to other E-100 years?

Does the 1979 Ford E-100 have recalls?

1979 Ford E-100 — common questions

Is the 1979 Ford E-100 reliable?

Does the 1979 Ford E-100 have recalls?

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