Vehicle recall 85V025000 · March 11, 1985
Mercury Cougar and Ford Thunderbird
Brake master cylinders may have improperly anodized internal surfaces causing accelerated wear of a piston seal.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- Brake master cylinders may have improperly anodized internal surfaces causing accelerated wear of a piston seal. Consequence of defect: one portion of the split brake system would become ineffective resulting in increased stopping distance which may cause an accident. Driver would be warned by increased pedal travel and the brake warning light.
- Remedy
- Master cylinders built on January 9, 1985 will be replaced.
- Notes
- Vehicle description: passenger cars. System: brake master cylinder.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 85V025000
- Reported to NHTSA
- March 11, 1985
- Filed by
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 3,508
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Ford Thunderbird (1985): 1985
- Mercury Cougar (1985): 1985
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