Skip to content

NHTSA Recall 78V167000: Linkages (visibility)

FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 400,000 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Ford Fairmont.

400,000
vehicles potentially affected
2
models affected
1978
owners notified (October 6)
NHTSA campaign78V167000
ComponentVISIBILITY › WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER › LINKAGES
Report receivedAugust 7, 1978
Owner notificationOctober 6, 1978
Initiated byNHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Defect

The windshield wiper drive linkage on the affected vehicles may fracture due to metal fatigue as a result of repeated flexing of the drive arm across a stress sensitive area. This condition will render the windshield wiper system inoperative.

Safety risk

Not provided.

Remedy

The dealer will install an improved windshield wiper linkage without cost to owner.

Notes

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.system: visual; windshield.consequences of defect: an inoperative windshield wiper system would adverselyaffect driver visibility in poor weather conditions. This could contribute to avehicle accident.

Vehicles covered by recall 78V167000

Make and modelModel years
Ford Fairmont1978
Mercury Zephyr1978

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.