NHTSA Recall 78V108000: Retractor (seat belts)
FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 110,000 vehicles. It affects 5 models including the Ford Custom.
| NHTSA campaign | 78V108000 |
|---|---|
| Component | SEAT BELTS › FRONT › RETRACTOR |
| Report received | May 15, 1978 |
| Owner notification | September 9, 1978 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
The involved vehicles are equipped with shoulder harness retractors that may not lock. Should the vehicle experience a sudden deceleration or impact, the front seat occupant may not be restrained by the shoulder harness portion of the three-point seat belt system. Furthermore, the shoulder harness retractors may not allow extraction of the shoulder belt webbing due to a pre-locked condition. This is a non-compliance to the emergency locking retractor performance requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies".
Safety risk
Not provided.
Remedy
The dealer will replace the seat belt assemblies if necessary, without charge to owner.
Notes
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.system: interior; seat belt retractors, shoulder.consequences of defect: a passenger not properly restrained could be subject topersonal injury in the event of a sudden stop or accident.
Vehicles covered by recall 78V108000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Ford Custom | 1978 |
| Ford Custom 500 | 1978 |
| Ford LTD II | 1978 |
| Ford Thunderbird | 1978 |
| Mercury Cougar | 1978 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.