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NHTSA Recall 81V002000: Fan (engine and engine cooling)

FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 123,453 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Ford Mustang.

123,453
vehicles potentially affected
2
models affected
1981
owners notified (April 22)
NHTSA campaign81V002000
ComponentENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING › COOLING SYSTEM › FAN
Report receivedDecember 2, 1981
Owner notificationApril 22, 1981
Initiated byNHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Defect

Due to a manufacturing error, certain flexible-blade engine cooling fans may be subject to fatigue cracking and blade separation during vehicle operation.

Safety risk

Not provided.

Remedy

Defective fan will be replaced with one of an improved design without charge.

Notes

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 302 or 305 cid enginesand factory air conditioning.system: engine and engine cooling; flexible-blade engine cooling fan.consequences of defect: broken blade fragments may be propelled outwards,damaging engine components or, possibly injuring persons in the vicinity.note: owner is advised not to leave the hood open or have the engine servicedwhile the motor is running, until the fan has been replaced.

Vehicles covered by recall 81V002000

Make and modelModel years
Ford Mustang1972, 1973
Mercury Cougar1972

Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.