VehicleVerdict

1979 Ford Ranchero problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1979 Ford Ranchero — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1979 compare to other Ranchero years?

Ranchero NHTSA complaints by model year, 1979 highlighted2 complaints1968: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 1 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1979: 2 complaints
Ranchero NHTSA complaints by model year, 1979 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ranchero years to avoid →

What are the most common 1979 Ford Ranchero problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting150%
Visibility & Wipers150%

Does the 1979 Ford Ranchero have recalls?

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

08E019000Fuel SystemMarch 6, 2008 · 1,937 units

Defect

INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS IS RECALLING 1,937 FUEL FILTERS, P/NOS ALG 44/1 AND PUROLATOR F10024, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER'S OUTLET CAP MAY NOT BE SECURELY CRIMPED TO THE HOUSING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF FILTER'S OUTLET CAP FROM THE HOUSING.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, A NO START CONDITION MAY RESULT AND FUEL MAY BE PUMPED ONTO THE GROUND. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

INTERCONTINENTAL WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERCONTINENTAL AT 800-451-2593.

79V013000SeatsJanuary 9, 1979 · 4,000 units

Defect

THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INCORRECT WELD NUTS THAT ATTACH THE REAR PORTION OF THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT TRACK TO THE FLOOR PAN. THE INCORRECT NUTS HAVE AN OVERSIZE DIAMETER AND THREAD, AND UPON FRONT SEAT TRACK ANCHOR BOLT INSTALLATION, THE THREADS MAY HAVE BEEN STRIPPED.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR ANY STRIPPED WELD NUTS AND INSTALL LARGER SIZE BOLTS TO ANCHOR THE SEAT TRACK TO THE FLOOR AT NO COST TO OWNER.

78V269000SteeringDecember 21, 1978 · 20,000 units

Defect

THE STEERING GEARS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED SECTOR SHAFTS FROM WHICH THE THREADED PORTIONS OF THE SHAFTS MAY FRACTURE AND SEPARATE. SHOULD THE SECTOR SHAFT FRACTURE, THE PITMAN ARM MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SPLINED PORTION OF THE SECTOR SHAFT.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY OR INSTALL A NEW SECTOR SHAFT IN THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.

78V237000Tires & WheelsOctober 23, 1978 · 800 units

Defect

DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY COMPUTER BROADCAST PROGRAM, THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH 14X5.5 INCH WHEEL RIMS WHICH WERE INTENDED FOR USE ON PASSENGER CARS. THE TIRES WERE NOT MARKED WITH THE INFORMATION SPECIFIED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS". AS A RESULT, A NON-COMPLIANCE EXISTS TO THIS STANDARD.

Remedy

THE EXISTING 14X5.5 INCH WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITH 14X6.0 INCH WHEELS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN PUSHING THE SWITCH TO ACTIVATE THE WINDSHIELD WIPWR/WASHER, THE BACK OF THE SWITCH FELL OFF, SHORTING OUT THE SYSTEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 22, 1998

1979 Ford Ranchero — common questions

Is the 1979 Ford Ranchero reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1979 Ford Ranchero have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Ford Ranchero. 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.