Steering: columnRecall 78V-186 · Ford and Mercury vehicles
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall 78V-186 covers 59 Ford and Mercury vehicles for a steering: column problem, reported to NHTSA on August 24, 1978.
Source: NHTSA recall 78V186000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
THE TILT STEERING COLUMNS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES CONTAIN IN-PROCESS TEMPORARY ALIGNMENT PINS RATHER THAN THE PERMANENT PRESS-FIT PIVOT PINS. THE TEMPORARY PINS ARE SLIGHTLY UNDERSIZED AND COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. THIS CAN CAUSE STEERING WHEEL LOCKUP.
The fix
THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A PERMANENT PIVOT PIN IN THE STEERING COLUMN WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: STEERING; STEERING COLUMN, TILT.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: STEERING WHEEL LOCKUP CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROLAND AN ACCIDENT.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.