1979 Mercury Zephyr 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 1979 Mercury Zephyr problems
The Mercury Zephyr, produced in 1979, is often criticized for several common problems that owners have reported. One of the most significant issues is related to the engine, particularly the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which was the standard option for the Zephyr.
Another issue frequently mentioned by Mercury Zephyr owners is the poor build quality of the car. The build quality was reportedly wretched from top to bottom and end to end, with some owners suggesting that a better car could be built in Botswana today. This poor build quality extended to various parts of the car, including the engine, which was often the least of the car's problems.
The interior of the Mercury Zephyr was also a common source of complaints. For example, the horn button was located on the steering wheel stalk, which many owners found inconvenient and difficult to get used to.
Other issues reported by Mercury Zephyr owners include leaks at the cowl/firewall and a coffee can-sized hole in the front passenger's footwell. These issues, combined with the poor build quality and engine problems, made the Mercury Zephyr a challenging car to own and maintain.
In summary, the Mercury Zephyr, produced in 1979, was plagued by several common problems that owners have reported. These issues include poor engine performance, poor build quality, inconvenient interior design, and leaks in the car's body. While some owners have reported positive experiences with the car, many have found it to be a frustrating and challenging car to own and maintain.
How many miles per gallon does a Mercury Zephyr get?
Mercury Zephyr is energy engineered for mileage and space to provide excellent mileage and good interior roominess. EPA ratings show Zephyr at 33 miles per gallon highway and 23 city (see chart), and with more. inside space than a Rolls Royce.
How much horsepower does a 1978 Mercury Zephyr have?
Zephyr buyers could choose between a 2.3-liter straight-four, a 3.3-liter straight-six, and a 5.0-liter V8, rated at 88, 85, and 134 horsepower, respectively (the six offered 154 lb-ft of torque versus the Pinto four's 118, so it wasn't quite as miserable a choice as the lackluster horsepower number suggests).
What years was the Mercury Zephyr made?
| Ford Fairmont | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Also called | Mercury Zephyr Ford Elite II (Mexico) Ford Zephyr (Venezuela) Ford Futura (Venezuela) |
| Production | 1977–1983 |
| Model years | 1978–1983 |
How many hours do Mercury engines last?
3,000 hours
With the right amount of care and maintenance, you can expect a new Mercury outboard motor to last up to 3,000 hours.
How much horsepower does a 1978 Mercury Zephyr have?
Zephyr buyers could choose between a 2.3-liter straight-four, a 3.3-liter straight-six, and a 5.0-liter V8, rated at 88, 85, and 134 horsepower, respectively (the six offered 154 lb-ft of torque versus the Pinto four's 118, so it wasn't quite as miserable a choice as the lackluster horsepower number suggests).
What is the gas mileage on a Mercury Zephyr?
Mercury Zephyr is energy engineered for mileage and space to provide excellent mileage and good interior roominess. EPA ratings show Zephyr at 33 miles per gallon highway and 23 city (see chart), and with more.
What years was the Mercury Zephyr made?
| Ford Fairmont | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Also called | Mercury Zephyr Ford Elite II (Mexico) Ford Zephyr (Venezuela) Ford Futura (Venezuela) |
| Production | 1977–1983 |
| Model years | 1978–1983 |
How much horsepower does a Zephyr V12 have?
110 horsepower
The engine produced an impressive 110 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and a torque of 185 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm. The engine was mated to a 3-speed manual transmission that provided seamless gear transitions.
1979 Mercury Zephyr car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Zephyr problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Mercury Zephyr vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1979 Mercury Zephyr complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Mercury Zephyr.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 9X32T630218
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: OWNER HAS TRIED SEVERAL MODELS OF GAS FILTERS THAT WOULD LEAK SEVERELY ONTO ENGINE.TT CONSUMER STATED THAT FUEL FILTER HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, EACH FILTER LEAKED AT THE FACTORY ASSEMBLY JOINT.*JB
1979 Mercury Zephyr recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1979 Mercury Zephyr.
- 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: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
- Summary: WINDSHIELDS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THESE VEHICLES WITHOUT THE APPLICATION OF A BUTYL PRIMER ON THE MOUNTING SURFACE OF THE GLAZING. THE PRIMER IS REQUIRED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE WINDSHIELD TO ITS OPENING FLANGE. THIS CONSTITUTES A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING".
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REINSTALL THE WINDSHIELD CORRECTLY WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PUSH-ROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS WHICH WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED AS SPECIFIED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE PUSH-ROD.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT BRAKE RETAINING PIN.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH SAFETY COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION LABELS THAT CONTAINED INCORRECT GVWR AND GAWR WEIGHT INFORMATION. THE GVWR"S COULD BE OVERSTATED BY UP TO 197 LBS., DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE REPORTING OF INCREMENTAL OPTION WEIGHTS USED TO DERIVE THE GVWR"S AND GAWR"S.
- Remedy: THE OWNER HAS THE OPTION OF AFFIXING THE SUPPLIED LABELS HIMSELF OR BRINGING THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM AFFIXED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1979 Mercury Zephyr problems:
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