Ignition: switchRecall 80V-121 · Ford and Lincoln vehicles
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall 80V-121 covers 14,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles for a ignition: switch problem, reported to NHTSA on September 23, 1980.
Source: NHTSA recall 80V121000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY START IN REVERSE GEAR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING AFFECT". SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A DEFECTIVE NEUTRAL START SWITCH THAT OCCASIONALLY PERMITS ENGINE STARTING WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IN THE REVERSE ("R") POSITION.
The fix
DEALER WILL INSPECT THE INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION NEUTRAL START SWITCH AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; GEAR SHIFT.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: STARTING THE ENGINE WITH THE SHIFT SELECTOR IN THEREVERSE POSITION CAN RESULT IN UNEXPECTED REARWARD MOTION OF THE VEHICLE WHICHCOULD CAUSE INJURY TO PERSONS OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY BEHIND THE VEHICLE.
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 August 1, 1980 to August 1, 1980. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.