Power train: automatic transmission (Ford and Lincoln)
Vehicle recall 78V-201. NHTSA received FORD MOTOR COMPANY’s report on Sep 15, 1978.
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The short answer
NHTSA received FORD MOTOR COMPANY’s report on Sep 15, 1978. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 20, 2026.
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The notice gives no hazard in a field of its own.
THESE TRANSMISSIONS MAY CONTAIN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED PARKING PAWL ACTUATING RODS.
CONSEQUENTLY, THE UNHARDENED CAM SURFACE OF THESE RODS CAN ALLOW THE ROD TO DEFORM DURING USE WITH RESULTANT INCREASE IN SHIFT EFFORTS AND DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING THE PARKING PAWL AND ENGAGING THE PARKING GEAR.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Power train: automatic transmission.
What should you do?
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH C-6AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; TRANSMISSION.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE PARKING GEAR CANNOT BE ENGAGED AND PARKING BRAKEIS NOT SET, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE, ESPECIALLY IF PARKED ON AN INCLINE,ENDANGERING NEARBY PERSONS AND PROPERTY.NOTE: THE PARKING BRAKE SHOULD BE USED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS TO BE LEFTUNATTENDED, UNTIL THE DEFECT IS CORRECTED.
- Check a vehicle by its VIN at NHTSA: the recalls still open on it are listed there.
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 22,000 vehicles potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- Ford Club Wagonand 1979, before the model years listed here
- Ford F250and 1979, before the model years listed here
- Ford F350and 1979, before the model years listed here
- Ford Broncoand 1979, before the model years listed here
- Ford F100and 1979, before the model years listed here
- Ford Econolineand 1979, before the model years listed here
- Lincoln Lincolnand 1979, before the model years listed here
- Ford F150and 1979, before the model years listed here
Who is recalling it?
- Made by FORD MOTOR COMPANY.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
- Whether one vehicle or seat has been fixed: only its maker, or NHTSA’s lookup with a VIN, can say.
- This recall names only model years before 2015, which have no pages here. Your VIN, at NHTSA, says which recalls are open on a vehicle.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file before 2010 (FLAT_RCL_PRE_2010).
Released Oct 20, 2026 and checked Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 20, 2026.