The 1978 Mercury Zephyr has 4 recalls, three of which involve braking defects serious enough to reduce stopping power or cause loss of vehicle control.
The brake concerns cover several distinct problems. On vehicles where the wrong rear axle was installed, sedans may experience early wheel lock-up during hard braking while station wagons see reduced braking effectiveness overall. Some front disc brake rotors contain cracks that can fracture under braking, causing the vehicle to pull sharply to one side. On Zephyrs with the 302 cubic inch engine, some were fitted with manual brakes instead of the required power brakes, which reduces braking force and can cause the brakes to fade under repeated or sustained use. The remaining recall involves the main wiring harness rubbing against a brake pedal support brace, where the friction can wear through the wire insulation, ground one or more circuits, and cause the engine to stall unexpectedly.
At a glance
What can fail
The main wiring assembly may be routed against the cold-to-brake pedal support brace, causing it to chafe. This can ground one or more wires, potentially cutting electrical power and stalling the vehicle.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Some vehicles received axles designed for a different model type. Sedans with station wagon axles may lock wheels prematurely when braking. Station wagons with sedan axles have weaker braking and may not meet brake fade standards.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some vehicles with 302 cubic inch engines were equipped with manual brakes instead of power brakes and may not meet brake fade standards.
What the fix does
No remedy information available at this time.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some front brake rotors may have cracks that could break during braking, causing the brakes to pull to one side and reduce control of the vehicle.
What the fix does
No remedy information is currently available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
