1981 Ford Granada problems
The North American version of the Ford Granada is a range of sedans that was manufactured and marketed by Ford over two generations (1975–1982). Developed as the original successor for the Ford Maverick, the Granada shares its name with Ford of Europe's flagship sedan. The model line was marketed as a luxury compact vehicle, expanding the segment in the United States.
The first generation of the Granada was a compact sedan, between the Maverick and the Torino (and the Fairmont and LTD II that replaced them) in the Ford sedan range. The second generation was a mid-size sedan, marketed alongside the Fairmont and LTD. For the 1983 model year, the Granada underwent a mid-cycle revision, taking on the Ford LTD nameplate; the model line was ultimately replaced by the Ford Taurus after the 1986 model year.
In total, over two million examples of the Ford Granada were produced for the U.S. market. The first generation was produced by Mahwah Assembly and Michigan Assembly with the second generation produced by Atlanta Assembly and Chicago Assembly.
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Common 1981 Ford Granada problems
The Ford Granada from 1981 had several common issues reported by owners:
- Transmission Problems: Complaints included slipping gears and a lack of power, causing difficulties in acceleration and high-speed driving. These issues could stem from low fluid levels or worn transmission components.
- Brake Problems: Worn-out brake pads and rotors were common, resulting in spongy or unresponsive brakes. This issue posed a safety concern, making it challenging to stop the car safely.
- Rust: Rust was a significant issue with early models of the Ford Granada, compromising the structural integrity of the vehicle. Owners reported rust around wheel wells, doors, and other areas of the car.
- Engine Issues: Overheating, oil leaks, and high oil consumption were prevalent problems. These issues could lead to engine failure or breakdowns on the road, affecting the car's performance and reliability.
- Suspension Problems: Wear and tear on ball joints and steering components caused poor handling, creating unsafe driving conditions. Issues with the steering system could also lead to unexpected veering off course.
These problems with the Ford Granada from 1981 were significant concerns for owners, impacting the car's performance, safety, and overall driving experience.
How much is a Ford Granada worth?
A: The average price of a Ford Granada (America) is $6,745.
Is the Ford Granada a Fox body?
The second-generation Ford Granada is based on the rear-wheel drive Ford Fox platform, sharing its 105.5-inch wheelbase with the Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr. In the shift from the Ford Falcon chassis (dating from 1960) to the Fox chassis, the suspension and steering systems were modernized.
What engine did the Ford Granada have?
The car originally received a 2.0-liter V6 engine with a two-barrel Solex carburetor and four-speed manual transmission, but after the 1980 oil crisis had slowed down sales, the more economical 2-litre four-cylinder was also made available.
Is the Ford Granada the same as the Falcon?
The North American Ford Granada (not to be confused with the completely different European Ford Granada) started out in the 1975 model year and was based on the tried-and-true chassis design of the 1960 Ford Falcon (which was built in Argentina through 1991).
What engine was in the Ford Granada?
The Granada was equipped with a 200 cubic-inch inline-six engine as standard, with a 250 cubic-inch inline-six as an optional engine. Shared with the Maverick, the 302 small block V8 was offered as an option; the 351 Windsor V8 was an option solely for the Granada.
How much is a Ford Granada worth?
A: The average price of a Ford Granada (America) is $6,745.
When did Ford stop making the Granada?
1994
The European Ford Granada is an executive car manufactured by Ford Europe from 1972 until 1994.
Is the Ford Granada the same as the Falcon?
The North American Ford Granada (not to be confused with the completely different European Ford Granada) started out in the 1975 model year and was based on the tried-and-true chassis design of the 1960 Ford Falcon (which was built in Argentina through 1991).
1981 Ford Granada car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Granada problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Ford Granada vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Ford Granada complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Ford Granada.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1SABP26B2BG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED WIRES TO BURN AND SMOKE TO COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1981 Ford Granada recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1981 Ford Granada.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Ford Granada problems:
Ford Granada: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Ford Granada Common Problems and Solutions · Poor handling at high speeds · Suspension problem · Misfiring or bad starting engine · ABS problems · Electrical faults ...
1981 Ford Granada GL 3.3L i6 help
Oct 14, 2015 ... Hello, I'm a new owner and need serious help with vacuum hose routing on my 1981 Ford Granada GL 3.3L i6. The car ran awesome when I bought ...
Automotive History/Vintage Review: 1975 Ford Granada Wins "The ...
I'll speculate that Ford had serious problems ... engine is bad engineering, but it's not a safety issue. ... Granada seems to have nothing in common with Falcon or ...
Ford Fairmont — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Feb 4, 2002 ... Ford was known ... The Fairmont also became overshadowed when the Granada moved to its platform for 1981. ... I barely remember it, since it was in ...
Tranny fluid puked all over - Chevy Message Forum - Restoration ...
1981 Ford Granada 3.1 L (200 inline 6) (SOLD!) ... This was a common problem on the old power glide transmissions. ... Engine/Transmission Topics ...
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