Vehicle recall 78V252000 · November 20, 1978

Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado

The transmissions have been assembled with a higher than normal return spring load on the transmission locking pawl.

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

Summary: The transmissions have been assembled with a higher than normal return spring load on the transmission locking pawl. When the park position is selected with the transmission shift lever, the parking pawl may not engage.
Remedy: Dealer will replace the parking pawl actuator assembly with an improved type at no cost to owner.
Notes: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.system: power train; transmission, automatic.consequences of defect: if the parking gear is not properly engaged and vehicleis parked on an incline without setting the parking brake, the vehicle couldroll free and cause injury and damage to persons and property.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 78V252000
Reported to NHTSA: November 20, 1978
Filed by: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Owner notification: December 22, 1978
Vehicles potentially affected: 6,155
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift

Recall 78V252000 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.

Cadillac Eldorado (1977): 1977
Oldsmobile Toronado (1977): 1977

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