1982 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.
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Common 1982 Ford Fairmont problems
The 1982 Ford Fairmont is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues primarily affect the fuel system, transmission, brakes, visibility, electrical system, engine, air conditioning, and suspension.
Fuel System:
The 1982 Ford Fairmont has experienced a significant number of recalls related to the fuel system, with a total of 8 recalls. These issues can lead to problems such as fuel leaks, which can increase the risk of fire. It is essential to address these recalls promptly to ensure the vehicle's safety and reliability.
Transmission:
Transmission problems are also prevalent in the 1982 Ford Fairmont, with 5 recalls related to this system. These issues can lead to difficulties in shifting gears or even complete transmission failure. Regular maintenance and addressing recalls can help prevent these problems.
Brakes:
The 1982 Ford Fairmont has experienced 4 recalls related to the braking system. These issues can lead to reduced braking performance or even complete brake failure, posing a severe safety risk. Ensuring that recalls are addressed promptly is crucial for maintaining the vehicle's safety and reliability.
Visibility:
The 1982 Ford Fairmont has experienced 2 recalls related to visibility issues, primarily involving the windshield wipers. These issues can lead to reduced visibility during adverse weather conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. Addressing these recalls promptly is essential for maintaining the vehicle's safety and reliability.
Electrical System:
The 1982 Ford Fairmont has experienced 1 recall related to the electrical system, which can lead to problems such as electrical shorts or even complete electrical failure. Regular maintenance and addressing recalls can help prevent these problems.
Engine:
The 1982 Ford Fairmont has experienced 1 recall related to the engine, which can lead to problems such as engine failure or reduced performance. Regular maintenance and addressing recalls can help prevent these problems.
Air Conditioning:
The 1982 Ford Fairmont has experienced 1 recall related to the air conditioning system, which can lead to problems such as reduced cooling performance or even complete air conditioning failure. Regular maintenance and addressing recalls can help prevent these problems.
Suspension:
The 1982 Ford Fairmont has experienced 1 recall related to the suspension system, which can lead to problems such as reduced handling performance or even complete suspension failure. Regular maintenance and addressing recalls can help prevent these problems.
In addition to the recalls, other common problems with the 1982 Ford Fairmont include ignition and fueling faults that can cause a misfire under load, particularly in the engine's ignition coils. These faults can be caused by dirty fuel filters or ignition coil failures, which are common in this engine. The ignition coils are particularly susceptible to failure, and mechanics often suspect faulty coils before anything else when diagnosing a misfiring engine.
The 1982 Ford Fairmont also has issues with stereo systems that were fitted with security codes to deter thieves. These codes can become a nightmare for subsequent owners, as they need to be re-entered every time the car's battery is changed. If the code is lost, contacting Ford's customer service division or a dealership may be necessary to obtain the code, which may require providing the car's VIN or even removing the radio from the dashboard.
In summary, the 1982 Ford Fairmont has several common problems that affect various systems, including the fuel system, transmission, brakes, visibility, electrical system, engine, air conditioning, and suspension. Regular maintenance and addressing recalls can help prevent these problems and ensure the vehicle's safety and reliability.
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 much is a 1981 Ford Fairmont worth?
All 1981 Ford Fairmont pricing and specs
The trade puts the value of an XD Fairmont ESP at between $1700 and $3800, depending on its condition. A car such as yours, however, may be worth more on the collectable car market -- if you are prepared to wait for the right person to come along.
How much did a Ford Fairmont cost in 1980?
Sedan
| 1980 Ford Fairmont | Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| (base) | Specs: 3.3L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED AUTOMATIC | Price: $1,380 - $3,080 |
| (base) | Specs: 3.3L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $2,200 - $4,070 |
| Ghia | Specs: 3.3L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED AUTOMATIC | Price: $1,380 - $3,080 |
| Ghia | Specs: 3.3L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $1,320 - $3,080 |
Is a Ford Fairmont a Fox body?
In total, fifteen distinct vehicles were produced on the Ford Fox platform, with the Ford Fairmont, Mercury Zephyr, Ford Durango, Ford Mustang SVO, and Continental/Lincoln Mark VII produced exclusively on the architecture.
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 much is a 1981 Ford Fairmont worth?
All 1981 Ford Fairmont pricing and specs
The trade puts the value of an XD Fairmont ESP at between $1700 and $3800, depending on its condition. A car such as yours, however, may be worth more on the collectable car market -- if you are prepared to wait for the right person to come along.
How much did a Ford Fairmont cost in 1980?
Sedan
| 1980 Ford Fairmont | Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| (base) | Specs: 3.3L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED AUTOMATIC | Price: $1,380 - $3,080 |
| (base) | Specs: 3.3L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $2,200 - $4,070 |
| Ghia | Specs: 3.3L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED AUTOMATIC | Price: $1,380 - $3,080 |
| Ghia | Specs: 3.3L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $1,320 - $3,080 |
Is a Ford Fairmont a Fox body?
In total, fifteen distinct vehicles were produced on the Ford Fox platform, with the Ford Fairmont, Mercury Zephyr, Ford Durango, Ford Mustang SVO, and Continental/Lincoln Mark VII produced exclusively on the architecture.
1982 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 1982 Ford Fairmont vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1982 Ford Fairmont complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1982 Ford Fairmont.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
1982 Ford Fairmont recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1982 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: THE PARK LEVER ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES CONTAINS A DEFECTIVE SPRING WHICH COULD PREVENT AUTOMATIC ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARKING GEAR.
- Remedy: THE PARK ACTUATING LEVER ROD SPRING WILL BE REPLACED WITH AN UPGRADED SPRING WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1982 Ford Fairmont problems:
Ford Fairmont — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
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