Vehicle recall 81V003000 · December 2, 1981
1976-1978 Ford Mustang
The seven-blade engine cooling fan is subject to fatigue cracking during normal operation.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- The seven-blade engine cooling fan is subject to fatigue cracking during normal operation. Portions of the blades may separate without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Defective fans will be replaced with fans of an improved design without charge.
- Notes
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 302 cid engines.system: engine and engine cooling; flexible blade fans.consequences of defect: flying pieces from a rotating fan create a risk ofdamage to underhood components and may cause personal injury to nearbyindividuals.note: engine should not be left running with the hood open until the fan hasbeen replaced.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 81V003000
- Reported to NHTSA
- December 2, 1981
- Filed by
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Owner notification
- March 20, 1981
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 81,807
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Ford Mustang (1976-1978): 1978, 1977, 1976
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