Vehicle recall 78V186000 · August 24, 1978
Mercury Capri and Ford Mustang
The tilt steering columns on the involved vehicles contain in-process temporary alignment pins rather than the permanent press-fit pivot pins.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- 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.
- Remedy
- The dealer will install a permanent pivot pin in the steering column without charge to owner.
- Notes
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.system: steering; steering column, tilt.consequences of defect: steering wheel lockup can cause loss of vehicle controland an accident.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 78V186000
- Reported to NHTSA
- August 24, 1978
- Filed by
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Owner notification
- June 30, 1979
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 59
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Steering › Column
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Ford Mustang (1979): 1979
- Mercury Capri (1979): 1979
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