Front: retractorRecall 78V-047 · Ford and Mercury vehicles
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall 78V-047 covers 1,956 Ford and Mercury vehicles for a front: retractor problem, reported to NHTSA on March 8, 1978.
Source: NHTSA recall 78V047000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY FAIL TO LOCK DUE TO BINDING OF THE LOCKING PAWL AGAINST THE RETRACTOR HOUSING. THIS BINDING IS CAUSED BY RETRACTOR HOUSING DEFORMATION WHICH OCCURRED DURING ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT THE PASSENGERS WOULD BE RESTRAINED ONLY BY THE FULLY EXTENDED BELT. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION".
The fix
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ONE OR BOTH REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: INTERIOR; REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: INADEQUATELY RESTRAINED PASSENGERS COULD BE SERIOUSLYINJURED IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from September 1, 1977 to September 1, 1977. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.