NHTSA Recall 78V176000: Linkages (visibility)

FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on August 15, 1978, covering an estimated 187,000 vehicles. It affects 1971–1973 Mercury Capri.

187,000

vehicles potentially affected

model affected

1978

owners notified (December 13)

NHTSA campaign	78V176000
Component	VISIBILITY › WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER › LINKAGES
Report received	August 15, 1978
Owner notification	December 13, 1978
Initiated by	NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Defect

The wiper arms could separate from the pivot shafts, rendering the wipers inoperative.

Safety risk

Not provided.

Remedy

Dealer will replace the windshield wiper arms, pivot assemblies and certain wiper linkage components without charge to owner.

Notes

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.system: visual; windshield wipers, arm and pivot shaft.consequences of defect: wipers may fail during vehicle operation in severeweather conditions. This may cause poor visibility and could lead to a vehicleaccident.

Vehicles covered by recall 78V176000

Make and model	Model years
Mercury Capri	1971, 1972, 1973

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.