The 1978 Pontiac LeMans has 5 recalls, the most serious being a rear brake defect where the wheel cylinder can shift out of position, causing brake fluid loss and a significant reduction in rear braking ability.
The rear seatbelt anchor bolts are also a concern: the bolt heads can break off during normal use, meaning the belts may not hold occupants in a crash. On the front seat side, vehicles equipped with a front bench seat were fitted with incorrect head restraints that do not meet federal occupant protection standards and can raise the risk of head injury to rear seat passengers in a collision.
At a glance
What can fail
A pilot hole in the rear brake backing plate may enlarge excessively, allowing the wheel cylinder to rotate. This can cause rear brake fluid to leak out, reducing or eliminating rear braking power.
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
On some vehicles, a pilot hole in the rear backing plate can enlarge excessively, allowing the wheel cylinder to rotate. This could cause loss of rear braking action.
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
The heads of rear seatbelt anchor bolts can break off during normal driving or in a crash, reducing the seatbelt's ability to protect occupants.
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
Front bench seats have head restraints that don't meet federal safety standards. These restraints may not adequately protect rear-seat passengers' heads during a crash.
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
The rear brake wheel cylinder retainer may not be properly installed. If the retainer comes loose, the wheel cylinder can shift outward, causing brake fluid to leak and rear brakes to fail.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
