Vehicle recall 78V176000 · August 15, 1978

1971-1973 Mercury Capri

The wiper arms could separate from the pivot shafts, rendering the wipers inoperative.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: The wiper arms could separate from the pivot shafts, rendering the wipers inoperative.
Remedy: Dealer will replace the windshield wiper arms, pivot assemblies and certain wiper linkage components without charge to owner.
Notes: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.system: visual; windshield wipers, arm and pivot shaft.consequences of defect: wipers may fail during vehicle operation in severeweather conditions. This may cause poor visibility and could lead to a vehicleaccident.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 78V176000
Reported to NHTSA: August 15, 1978
Filed by: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Owner notification: December 13, 1978
Vehicles potentially affected: 187,000
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages

Recall 78V176000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Mercury Capri (1971-1973): 1973, 1972, 1971

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