Vehicle recall 78V212000 · October 4, 1978

Ford LTD and Mercury MARQUIS

The lower steering shaft assemblies contain coupling rivet pins which were not riveted securely enough during manufacture.

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

Summary: The lower steering shaft assemblies contain coupling rivet pins which were not riveted securely enough during manufacture. Consequently one or both of the pins could loosen from the flange of the flexible coupling during vehicle operation. If one pin is loose, free play would result. If both pins work loose, loss of steering control would occur. Also, the shaft assembly may not contain a metal reinforcement between one or both of the rivet pins and the rubber flexible coupling. As a result, the rubber flexible coupling could tear and produce a noise or loose feeling in the steering system.
Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering shaft assembly, without charge to owner.
Notes: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.system: steering; steering column coupling.consequences of defect: loss of steering control could cause a loss of vehiclecontrol and an accident.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 78V212000
Reported to NHTSA: October 4, 1978
Filed by: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Owner notification: June 30, 1979
Vehicles potentially affected: 32,000
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 78V212000 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.

Ford LTD (1979): 1979
Mercury MARQUIS (1979): 1979

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