1978 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
Common 1978 Ford Fairmont problems
The Ford Fairmont, introduced in 1978, was a compact car that aimed to provide an honest and reliable driving experience. However, despite its intentions, the Fairmont had its share of issues that affected its performance and durability. Here are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the 1978 Ford Fairmont.
- Build quality: The Fairmont's build quality was criticized for being wretched from top to bottom and end to end. Despite its reputation for being an honest car, the build quality did not meet the standards of the era, leading to issues with various components and systems.
- Vacuum lines: One specific issue that affected the Fairmont's performance was the rats' nest of vacuum lines, which would eventually leak and cause problems with the car's systems. This was a common issue in cars of this era, as vacuum lines were used extensively for various functions.
- Transmission and rear end failures: Transmission failures were reported, with at least one instance of a transmission failing multiple times. Additionally, the rear end was known to break and require rebuilding, indicating potential weaknesses in the drivetrain components.
- Electronic ignition module failures: The electronic ignition module, a crucial component for the engine's ignition system, was prone to failure. This would cause the car to stall at speed, requiring the driver to turn the ignition off and on again to restart the engine.
- Stereo security codes: A peculiar issue that affected many cars of this era, including the Fairmont, was the stereo security code system. This system was designed to deter thieves, but it became a headache for subsequent owners. Every time the car's battery was changed, the security code had to be re-entered for the radio to work again.
- Coil-pack failures: The Ford Fairmont's engine was known for failing coil-packs, which provide the spark for the engine. If these weren't operating correctly, a miss could be one symptom, indicating ignition-related issues.
In conclusion, while the 1978 Ford Fairmont aimed to provide a reliable and honest driving experience, it was plagued by various issues that affected its performance and durability. From engine and driveability problems to build quality and specific component failures, the Fairmont had its share of challenges that owners had to deal with.
Was the Ford Fairmont a good car?
Contemporary reviews were generally favorable, with many commenting on the "European" feel of the car and comparing it to the Volvo 200 series. The 1978 Fairmont has been called the "most efficient Ford family (sedan) ever built from a space-per-weight perspective."
How many miles per gallon does a 1978 Ford Fairmont get?
Based on data from 2 vehicles, 11 fuel-ups and 1,495 miles of driving, the 1978 Ford Fairmont gets a combined Avg MPG of 13.94 with a 1.03 MPG margin of error.
Is the Ford Fairmont a muscle car?
YouTuber and journalist Steve Magnante takes a look at a 1978 Ford Fairmont, a car that is every bit the classic muscle wagon. If you want to know anything interesting about cars in junkyards, then look no further than Steve Magnante.
What is the fuel consumption of the Ford Fairmont?
9.5 to 11.5L/100km
The Ford Fairmont currently offers fuel consumption from 9.5 to 11.5L/100km. The Ford Fairmont is available with the following fuel type: ULP.
Was the Ford Fairmont a good car?
Contemporary reviews were generally favorable, with many commenting on the "European" feel of the car and comparing it to the Volvo 200 series. The 1978 Fairmont has been called the "most efficient Ford family (sedan) ever built from a space-per-weight perspective."
What is the gas mileage on a 1978 Ford Fairmont?
Based on data from 2 vehicles, 11 fuel-ups and 1,495 miles of driving, the 1978 Ford Fairmont gets a combined Avg MPG of 13.94 with a 1.03 MPG margin of error.
What is the fuel consumption of the Ford Fairmont?
9.5 to 11.5L/100km
The Ford Fairmont currently offers fuel consumption from 9.5 to 11.5L/100km. The Ford Fairmont is available with the following fuel type: ULP.
How long is a 1978 Ford LTD?
At almost 19 feet long and over 4,200 lbs., the 1978 LTD was Ford's top-of-the-line luxury model and it marked the company's 75th anniversary.
1978 Ford Fairmont car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Fairmont problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Ford Fairmont vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1978 Ford Fairmont complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Ford Fairmont.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER EXPERIENCING FAILURES DESCRIBED IN RECALL NOTICE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE, COMPONENT MAY BE INCLUDED IN RECALL.
1978 Ford Fairmont recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the 1978 Ford Fairmont.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES CONTAIN EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS THAT UTILIZE A PULSE AIR REED VALVE TO PERMIT AIR FLOW FROM THE AIR CLEANER TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD ON NEGATIVE PRESSURE PULSATIONS. THESE REED VALVES MAY FAIL UNDER COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, CAUSING A BACKFLOW OF EXHAUST GAS INTO THE AIR CLEANER AND FUEL INDUCTION SYSTEM ON POSITIVE EXHAUST PULSES. THIS CAUSES AN OVERLY RICH AIR/FUEL MIXTURE, REDUCED FUEL ECONOMY AND REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE. CONTINUED VEHICLE OPERATION MAY RESULT IN ENGINE STALLING OR OVERHEATING OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULSE AIR SYSTEM REED VALVE AND SILENCER WITHOUT CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
- Summary: THE WINDSHIELD WIPER DRIVE LINKAGE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY FRACTURE DUE TO METAL FATIGUE AS A RESULT OF REPEATED FLEXING OF THE DRIVE ARM ACROSS A STRESS SENSITIVE AREA. THIS CONDITION WILL RENDER THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM INOPERATIVE.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE WITHOUT COST TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: AN IMPROPER TRANSMISSION SHIFT BRACKET WAS INSTALLED WHICH, BECAUSE OF ITS DESIGN, COULD CONTACT AND ABRADE THE FUEL HOSE. FUEL LEAKAGE AND POSSIBLE ACCUMULATION OF FUEL ON A SURFACE BENEATH A PARKED VEHICLE COULD RESULT.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT BRACKET AND ITS RELATED PARTS, INCLUDING THE FUEL HOSE IF FOUND NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
- Summary: TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL RODS WERE INSTALLED THAT WERE INTENDED FOR USE WITH THE STEERING COLUMNS OF A PRIOR DESIGN LEVEL. ATTACHMENT OF THE SHIFT CONTROL ROD WITH THE STEERING COLUMN SHIFT LEVER GROMMET WILL ALLOW RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THESE PARTS. CONTINUED USAGE COULD RESULT IN GROMMET WEAR AND DETERIORATION OF THE SHIFT CONTROL FUNCTION, WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR STARTING IN GEAR OR AN INABILITY TO ENGAGE THE PARKING GEAR.
- Remedy: DRIVER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL NEW TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE PARTS, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
- Summary: BECAUSE OF ITS POSITION, THE WIRING ASSEMBLY MAY CHAFE AGAINST THE COWL-TO-BRAKE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACE WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SHIELDS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACE AND PERFORM REPAIRS, IF NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AIR CONDITIONING UNITS WHICH CONTAIN BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR WIRES WHICH ARE IMPROPERLY POSITIONED. AS A RESULT, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE POLYPROPYLENE CASE MATERIAL COULD BECOME OVERHEATED AND EVENTUALLY IGNITE, ESPECIALLY IF THE BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH IS IN THE LOW OR MEDIUM POSITION.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL MODIFY THE INVOLVED UNITS AS FOUND NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
- Summary: ON SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL MAY NOT ENGAGE THE PARKING GEAR WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. THIS CONDITION IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO EXCESSIVE FREE PLAY IN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND PROPERLY ADJUST THE SHIFT LINKAGE, AT NO CHARGE.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY BE IN NON-COMPLIANCE TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS", DUE TO INSTALLATION OF INCORRECT REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES. CONSEQUENTLY, EARLY REAR WHEEL LOCK-UP UNDER LIGHT LOADING CONDITIONS COULD RESULT CAUSING VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL INSTABILITY. REAR BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS WOULD ALSO BE REDUCED.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE CORRECT REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
- Summary: THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS INSTALLED ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED SO THAT THEY CONTAIN CRACKS. THESE CRACKED ROTORS COULD FRACTURE DURING VEHICLE BRAKING AND CAUSE BRAKE PULL AND AFFECT VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS ON INVOLVED VEHICLES, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNERS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1978 Ford Fairmont problems:
Ford Fairmont — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Feb 4, 2002 ... Ford was known ... My family owned a 1978 Fairmont station wagon, purchased new. ... I barely remember it, since it was in the shop more often than ...
How good were the 1978-83 Ford Fairmont/Mercury Zephyr's? (MPG ...
This car had no issues or lack of power, or rattles,etc.. just a solid car. These cars are becoming more and more popular everyday, even old ...
XC Electrical Problems HELP | Ford Forums
Sep 18, 2005 ... Even better is the gear reduction type starter. 1978 XC Fairmont GXL, Emerald green, Jade Int. ... A common problem with these cars is that of ...
Curbside Classic: 1978 Ford Fairmont – The Ur-Fox - Curbside Classic
... 1978 the Fairmont was more common. I liked the ... He never had any problems with the engine or ... After the Fairmont, “opulent” a common adjective in describing ...
Rebuilding the 1978 to 1979 Holley 1946 carb before idle control ...
Jun 2, 2016 ... Ford Australia first had this problem during ... Anyway, the other issues that will be causing the actual problem. ... Fairmont & Zephyr, 83-86 ...
Other years of Ford Fairmont
Are you having problems with your 1978 Ford Fairmont?
Leave your review of 1978 Ford Fairmont