Vehicle recall 78V144000 · June 19, 1978
Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr
Transmission shift control rods were installed that were intended for use with the steering columns of a prior design level.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- Transmission shift control rods were installed that were intended for use with the steering columns of a prior design level. Attachment of the shift control rod with the steering column shift lever grommet will allow relative movement between these parts. Continued usage could result in grommet wear and deterioration of the shift control function, with the potential for starting in gear or an inability to engage the parking gear.
- Remedy
- Driver will inspect and, if necessary, install new transmission shift linkage parts, without charge to owner.
- Notes
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissionsand steering column mounted shift controls.system: transmission; shift linkage.consequences of defect: if the vehicle is parked without engaging the parkingbrake, it could roll free, causing injury and damage to persons and property inits path.note: since the vehicle may inadvertently be started in gear, the parking brakeshould be firmly applied while starting the engine, prior to correction of theproblem.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 78V144000
- Reported to NHTSA
- June 19, 1978
- Filed by
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Owner notification
- August 14, 1978
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 358
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Ford Fairmont (1978): 1978
- Mercury Zephyr (1978): 1978
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