The 1976 Ford Pinto has 3 recalls, the most serious involving fuel leakage risks on vehicles with the 2.3-litre engine: a loose connection near the fuel pump can leak fuel in a frontal crash, and a rubber hose between the fuel line and carburetor filter can leak fuel under normal driving conditions, creating a risk of underhood fire.
The fuel hose leak may be accompanied by a fuel smell in the engine bay, which can be an early sign of the problem before any fire develops. Both fuel system issues affect only 2.3-litre-equipped models. On the interior side, the rear seat cushion can separate from its mounting brackets due to inadequate spot welds, leaving the seat loose from the floor and reducing the support it provides to rear passengers in a crash or hard stop.
At a glance
What can fail
Some 2.3-liter engines may have a faulty connection between the fuel line and fuel pump. In a front-end collision at 30 mph, this connection could leak fuel beyond safe limits.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The rubber hose connecting the fuel tube to the carburetor fuel filter in 2.3 litre engines may leak fuel, causing fuel odours and risk of underhood fire.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brackets that attach the rear seat cushion to the frame may separate because of weak spot welds. The seat doesn't meet safety standards.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
