NHTSA Complaint #10030389 — 1978 FORD PINTO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH issue reported to NHTSA
Complaint Details
| ODI Number | 10030389 |
| Vehicle | 1978 FORD PINTO |
| Component | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH |
| Date of Incident | |
| Date Filed | |
| Mileage | N/A miles |
| Crash | No |
| Fire | No |
| Injuries | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Vehicle Towed | No |
| State | NM |
Consumer Description
I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE PLASTIC PANELS ON THE BACK OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS DETERIORATING AND CRUMBLING WITH HEAT AND AGE ON 3 CARS. THESE WERE A 1976 FORD PINTO WAGON, A 1976 FORD E250 CLUB WAGON VAN, AND A 1972 AMC MATADOR (APPEARENTLY THE SAME FORD DESIGN OF THIS PART). THIS PART HOLDS THE CONNECTORS AND COMPONENTS ONTO THE PLASTIC RIBBON THAT CARRIES THE WIRING. I FOUND THAT THIS CAUSES LOOSE CONNECTIONS AND I BELIEVE THAT IT COULD START A FIRE, IN ADDITION TO THE INSTRUMENTION NOT WORKING. I HAVE ALSO HEARD OF THIS SAME PROBLEM FROM SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE IN FORD VEHICLES. IT SEEMS TO BECOME APPEARANT WHEN THEY ARE OVER ABOUT 10 YEARS OLD.*AK