You know it’s bad when you Google “Ford Pinto History,” and the first page is filled with topics like “Did Pintos Really Explode in the 1970s?” But it didn’t stop there; the Pinto had lots of recalls.
How many recalls did the Ford Pinto have?
11 in total, some of which include:
- Gas tanks that explode during a collision
- Faulty seat belt attachment bolts
- Contamination of brake fluid
- Interference with the throttle linkage
In this article, we’ll cover 6 of the main recalls issued for the Ford Pinto in more detail. We’ll then walk you step-by-step on how to check yours, and if there is an open recall, get it fixed free of charge.
Interference Conditions in the Accelerator Linkage
NHTSA Recall ID: 70V134000
The accelerator linkage controls how much throttle the vehicle is given when the accelerator pedal is pressed. Good control over this is necessary for the proper and safe operation of the vehicle, and so the driver can react quickly to road hazards and changing conditions.
In some Ford Pinto vehicles, the accelerator linkage experiences interference conditions. The linkage doesn’t operate as smoothly as it should, and that can lead to the driver losing the ability to control the speed and acceleration of the vehicle properly. This can increase the chances of a crash.
Dealers will correct the movement of the linkage and free it from any conditions that might cause interference.
Explosion Caused by Faulty Fuel Tank Assembly
NHTSA Recall ID: 78V143000
Fuel tanks are essential for vehicles, but they’re also a source of risk. A fuel tank must be solid and secure, so it doesn’t become damaged in the case of an impact on the vehicle, such as would take place in a collision.
Some Ford Pintos had fuel tanks that exploded and caused vehicle fires due to how the tank was placed and how it was impacted in a rear-end collision. This resulted in several deaths and lawsuits and led to one of the most famous and talked-about recalls in automotive history.
Dealerships will replace the filler tube of the fuel tank with a longer one to correct the problem.
Gasoline Contamination in the Brake Fluid
NHTSA Recall ID: 71V111000
Brake fluid is a vital part of a vehicle’s systems. It needs to be of good quality, and it has to be clean and pure to work correctly. If there are problems with the brake fluid, the chances of a crash can be increased.
Some Pintos had a small amount of gasoline contamination in their brake fluid. That caused breakdown of the seals and other components that fluid came into contact with, putting the vehicle at risk of losing braking power. That increased the risk of a crash.
Dealers will flush the system to resolve this Ford Pinto recall, replace the brake fluid, and ensure no damage to the components.
Faulty Seat Belt Anchor Bolts
NHTSA Recall ID: 73V118000
To help keep vehicle occupants safe, seat belts are a necessity. They are required in all standard passenger vehicles, and they need to be relied upon in the event they’re needed. In some Ford Pintos, the seat belt anchor bolts were improperly heat treated.
That resulted in them being more brittle than they should be, and could cause them to break in a collision. This increases the risk of serious bodily harm to the occupants.
Dealers will replace the bolts with new ones that have been properly heat-treated for the strength level.
Steering Coupling Loosening During Operation
NHTSA Recall ID: 78V022000
The steering ability of a vehicle’s driver is a requirement for the safe operation of that vehicle. If a driver isn’t able to steer the vehicle that could result in a collision or other adverse event.
Some Ford Pinto vehicles have an incorrect steering flange. This can result in the steering coupling becoming loose during normal vehicle operation, which could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash.
Dealerships will replace the flange and make sure the coupling is tight to prevent this problem.
Leaking in the Mechanical Fuel Pump
NHTSA Recall ID: 07E064000
Fuel pumps ensure that the fuel from the tank reaches the engine at the right time and in the correct quantity. These pumps are a necessity for proper vehicle operation.
In some Ford Pintos, the mechanical fuel pump can start to leak. Not only could that result in fuel not getting to the engine correctly, but it can also mean the fuel is reaching other components. That creates the potential for fire and can put the vehicle’s occupants at risk.
Dealers will replace the mechanical fuel pump and ensure that it’s not leaking to reduce the risk of harm.
How to Get Assistance for a Ford Pinto Recall
If you want to find out whether there’s a recall on your specific Ford, you can visit the NHTSA website and put in the VIN of your vehicle. You may also want to use the year, make, and model to search for recalls, as well.
When you have a recall listed for your vehicle, you can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and learn about the next steps in the recall process. That will help you find out where you should take your vehicle, along with what you can expect throughout the recall process.
