The 1978 Pontiac LeMans has 5 recalls, the most serious being a rear brake defect where the wheel cylinder can shift or rotate, causing brake fluid loss and a significant reduction in rear braking force that extends stopping distances and raises crash risk.
The rear brake issue stems from two related problems: the wheel cylinder retainer may not be properly seated and can disengage, allowing the cylinder to move outward and leak fluid, while a separately oversized pilot hole in the rear brake backing plate can let the cylinder rotate with the same result. Either way, the rear brakes can lose effectiveness, leaving the front brakes to carry the full stopping load.
On the occupant safety side, there are two concerns. Vehicles with front bench seats were fitted with incorrect head restraints that do not meet federal occupant protection standards, which means rear seat passengers face a greater risk of head injury in a crash because the restraints do not provide adequate support. There is also a seatbelt concern: the bolt heads anchoring the rear seatbelts to the vehicle structure can break off during ordinary use, and if the rear belts are being worn during a collision, the anchor failure can allow the belt to pull free entirely, offering little to no restraint.
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.
