Ford Fairmont problems
The Ford Fairmont is a model line of compact cars that was manufactured by Ford from the 1978 to 1983 model years. The successor of the Ford Maverick, the Fairmont marked the third generation of compact sedans sold by Ford in North America. Initially slotted between the Pinto and Granada within the Ford line, the Fairmont was later marketed between the Ford Escort and Ford LTD. In contrast to its predecessor (only offered as a two-door or four-door sedan), the model line was offered as a two-door notchback sedan, two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon. Though never sold as a Lincoln, Mercury sold a divisional counterpart of the Fairmont as the Mercury Zephyr.
The inaugural model lines of the rear-wheel drive Ford Fox platform (which served to replace models based on the Ford Falcon), the Fairmont and Zephyr shared underpinnings with twelve additional model lines for Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln. Though the Fairmont itself was produced for only six model years, the Fox platform would live on for another two decades, underpinning vehicles (in updated form) through the 2004 model year.
Through its production, Ford produced the Fairmont at numerous facilities across North America. On November 15, 1977, a Fairmont (a 1978 Fairmont Futura coupe) became the 100 millionth vehicle assembled by Ford Motor Company. For 1984, the model line was replaced with the front-wheel drive Ford Tempo.
Social links
Ford Fairmont model years
Common Ford Fairmont problems
Based on the complaints from owners of Ford Fairmont cars, several common problems have been identified:
- Stereo Security Codes: Another prevalent problem is related to stereo security codes. Many Ford Fairmont owners face challenges with stereo functionality after changing the car's battery, requiring the security code to be re-entered. Finding the security code can be cumbersome, involving searching through the car's documents or contacting Ford's customer service for assistance.
- Transmission Range Sensor Fault: Owners have reported issues with the transmission range sensor, leading to problems with starting the engine and gear selection. Replacing the range sensor is often the recommended solution to address this specific transmission issue.
- Brake Shudder: Some Ford Fairmont owners have experienced brake shudder problems. Fixing this issue may involve adjusting the booster and master cylinder, which can be done by suspension specialists. Machining or replacing the discs may not provide a lasting solution to brake shudder.
- Diff Bushes and Rust: Common problems in Falcons of that era, including the Fairmont, involve diff bushes that are prone to failure and rust issues. Replacing diff bushes and addressing rust concerns are essential maintenance tasks to ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and using genuine parts when addressing issues with Ford Fairmont cars. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the performance and reliability of the vehicle over time.
How much is a Ford Fairmont worth?
All Ford Fairmont pricing and specs
| Year | Price From* | Price To* |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | $4,730 | $8,250 |
| 2007 | $4,510 | $7,920 |
| 2006 | $4,510 | $7,920 |
| 2005 | $3,850 | $8,800 |
What car replaced the Ford Fairmont?
The Ford Tempo is an automobile that was produced by Ford from the 1984 to 1994 model years. The successor of the Ford Fairmont, the Tempo marked both the downsizing of the Ford compact car line and its adoption of front-wheel drive.
When did Ford stop making the Fairmont?
For 1983, the Fairmont received a new 3.8 L Essex V6 engine which was sold in addition to the existing V8. This was the last year of the Fairmont as it was replaced later by the Ford Topaz which was a hybrid assembly of the Mercury Topaz with a Ford Tempo front end.
What's the difference between a Fairmont and a Falcon?
The Ford Fairmont is a full-size car that was built by Ford Australia as an upmarket model of the Ford Falcon from 1965 to 2008. It featured a higher level of standard equipment than corresponding Falcon models of the same series.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford Fairmont years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford Fairmont cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Ford Fairmont model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford Fairmont model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford Fairmont years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford Fairmont car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford Fairmont , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford Fairmont vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Fairmont model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Fairmont model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Fairmont model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford Fairmont . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford Fairmont vehicles.
List of Ford Fairmont complaints
Ford Fairmont 1982
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-06-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE CAR WAS PARKED ON A HILL AND CONSUMER WAS GETING OUT OF VEHICLE WHEN GEAR SLIPPED OUT OF PARK, AND VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING DOWN HILL WITH CONSUMER HALF IN VEHICLE. VEHICLE RAN OVER CONSUMER'S LEGS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURHTER INFORMATION.*AK
Ford Fairmont 1983
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-03-17
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MODULATOR VALVE FAILED, CAUSING GEAR SHIFT TO STICK.
Ford Fairmont 1983
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-03-17
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: REPLACEMENT ALTERNATOR FAILED.
Ford Fairmont 1983
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-03-17
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RADIATOR FAN FAILED.
Ford Fairmont 1978
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-02-25
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER EXPERIENCING FAILURES DESCRIBED IN RECALL NOTICE.
Ford Fairmont 1978
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-02-11
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE, COMPONENT MAY BE INCLUDED IN RECALL.
Ford Fairmont 1983
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-10-28
- VIN: 1FABP36X3DK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY.
Ford Fairmont 1983
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-10-17
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALL WHEN CROSSING A INTERSECTION AFTER A STOP.
Ford Fairmont 1983
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-10-17
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS IN TRAFFIC WHEN CROSSING A INTERSECTION AFTER A STOP.
Ford Fairmont 1981
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-10-14
- VIN: 1FABP23A8BK
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRES REPLACED.
Ford Fairmont 1981
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-16
- Date Complaint: 1997-09-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP21B2BK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: AIR CONTROL MODULE-AIR PUMP DEVERTER VALVE CLOSED, CAUSING HOT GASSES AND AIR RETURNING FROM EXHAUST TO EXPLODE/MELT/IGNITE THE PLASTIC VALVE, DAMAGING VACUUM LINES/VALVE COVER SURFACE, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK
Ford Fairmont 1981
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-01
- Date Complaint: 1996-04-30
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING A PIECE IN THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE OFF AND CASUED LOSS OF STEERING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Ford Fairmont 1981
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-01
- Date Complaint: 1996-04-30
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING A PIECE IN THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE OFF AND CASUED LOSS OF STEERING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Ford Fairmont 1981
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1996-04-29
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO CATCH ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Ford Fairmont 1981
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1996-04-29
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO CATCH ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Latest 5 recalls Ford Fairmont
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 17 recalls for different components of the Ford Fairmont.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford Fairmont 1978
- Report Received Date: 2007-08-27
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Ford Fairmont 1982
- Report Received Date: 2007-08-27
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Ford Fairmont 1981
- Report Received Date: 2007-08-27
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Ford Fairmont 1983
- Report Received Date: 2007-08-27
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Ford Fairmont 1983
- Report Received Date: 1983-02-24
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
- Summary: THE SHIFT INDICATOR MAY NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE SHIFT SELECTOR POSITION. SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR TUBE RETAINING CLIPS THAT MAY NOT BE HARD ENOUGH. THE CLIP MAY LOOSEN OR FALL OFF, AND THE SELECTOR TUBE MAY BECOME DISPLACED.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR TUBE RETAINING CLIP AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Are you having problems with your Ford Fairmont?
