1980 FORD PINTO User Comment / Complaint

While applying the brake pedal vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection numerous times. mechanic determined that the rotors needed to be replaced and replaced them. however, the problem recurred.  view

1. engine will shut off when making a hard turn: after stopped at a stop sign, i was trying to make a hard turn (steering wheel reached the maximum turning angle) when the engine suddenly shut off itself. it happened three times either tuning left or right (today), but always after stopping and with a hard turning angle. it is such a huge safety defect with all the cars infront and behind you. no repair action has been taken. the problem may be reproduced. 2. turning signals not working after emergency lights used: it happened two times. turning signal lights (left or right) will not work correctly after the emergency lights were in use; instead both left and right turning lights will flash at the same time. it can be reproduced. no repair action taken yet. 3. difficult turning at a hard turn with 4-wheel-drive is on: it is almost impossible to make a hard turn when the 4-whell-drive is on. it happens every time. no repair action taken yet.  view

1. engine will shut off when making a hard turn: after stopped at a stop sign, i was trying to make a hard turn (steering wheel reached the maximum turning angle) when the engine suddenly shut off itself. it happened three times either tuning left or right (today), but always after stopping and with a hard turning angle. it is such a huge safety defect with all the cars infront and behind you. no repair action has been taken. the problem may be reproduced. 2. turning signals not working after emergency lights used: it happened two times. turning signal lights (left or right) will not work correctly after the emergency lights were in use; instead both left and right turning lights will flash at the same time. it can be reproduced. no repair action taken yet. 3. difficult turning at a hard turn with 4-wheel-drive is on: it is almost impossible to make a hard turn when the 4-whell-drive is on. it happens every time. no repair action taken yet.  view

Transmission problem .  view

Numerous problems with vehicle since day one. power steering pump replaced one month after purchase. tcm module replaced in transmission at 3 months. alternator and battery replaced at 10 months. another power steering pump at 40000 miles. steering rack at 41k miles. car has not been properly aligned since steering rack was installed almost a year ago. vehicle has been at dealership on 14 seperate occasions in 10 months. shaking in steering wheel at all speeds. was told this was tire related. installed and balanced new tires, problem still exists. wheel shakes so bad at highway speeds that arms are sore. alignment is not correct and steering wheel is off center. dealer and manufacturer are not willing or able to correct problem.  view

While driving 15 mph the front coil spring broke without warning. as a result the front passenger side tire was punctured. a manufacturer's recall 04s17 was issued for that coil spring, however this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin.  view

While driving 45 mph brakes were applied and the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the rotors needed to be replaced, and replaced them three times. however, the problem recurred. manufacturer notified. problem occurs every 6-8,000 miles.  view

While driving 45 mph the consumer could not stop the vehicle. then after trying to coast home, the vehicle had to be towed to the dealer, who told the consumer that engine was full of sludge, and needed to be replaced. the warranty company stated that the vehicle had a lack of maintenance, and they would not cover the cost.  view

Vehicle rolls forward when put into park. taken to dealer for checkup, and results show that the transmission needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired but the consumer stated that he thinks the part was defective.  view

While traveling at 55 mph consumer left the freeway and struck a large pile of dirt. upon impact, the air bags did not deploy. consumer sustained head and back injuries. was taken to the emergency room. the vehicle was totaled.  view