VehicleVerdict

1973 Ford Fairlane problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1973 Ford Fairlane — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1973 compare to other Fairlane years?

Fairlane NHTSA complaints by model year, 1973 highlighted1 complaint1966: 1 complaints1968: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1973: 1 complaints1974: 0 complaints
Fairlane NHTSA complaints by model year, 1973 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fairlane years to avoid →

What are the most common 1973 Ford Fairlane problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1100%

Does the 1973 Ford Fairlane have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

73V181000TransmissionSeptember 5, 1973 · 74,884 units

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

RECALL #78V143000 RE FUEL TANK ON ALL FORD PINTOS & MERCURY BOBCATS BUILT FROM 1971 TO 1976 FORD MOTOR CO, REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE ME AND/OR THE RECALL BECAUSE, THERE SYSTEM (I'M TOLD) IS SET-UP FOR AN 18 DIGIT I.D. NUMBER, MY AUTO HAS ONLY 11 DIGITS (BECAUSE OF THE YEAR) WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS WHO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 29, 2008

1973 Ford Fairlane — common questions

Is the 1973 Ford Fairlane reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1973 Ford Fairlane have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1973 Ford Fairlane. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.