Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Autocar K — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE BYPASS OIL FILTER MOUNTING BRACKETS MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY WELDED TO THE RADIATOR FRAME. THIS COULD ALLOW THE FILTER MOUNTING BRACKET AND OIL FILTER TO COME LOOSE, FALL, AND WEDGE THEMSELVES WITHIN THE STEERING GEOMETRY.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REWELD THE BRACKET WITHOUT CHARGE.
Defect
SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE NOT INSPECTED FOR ADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE STEERING SHAFT AND ITS FIREWALL OPENING. INADEQUATE CLEARANCE COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING COLUMN BECOMING SCORED OR SEVERED BY THE FIREWALL SHEET METAL.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, ENLARGE THE FIREWALL OPENING TO PROVIDE THE MINIMUM 3/8 INCH CLEARANCE FOR THE STEERING SHAFT. ANY SCORED OR CUT SHAFTS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
LOCKWASHERS, USED TO RETAIN THE ENGINE"S FAN MOUNTING BOLTS, MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED DURING ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE BOLTS TO LOOSEN AND ALLOWING THE FAN TO SEPARATE FROM ITS MOUNTING HUB.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL LOCKWASHERS ON THE BOLTS.
Defect
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MAY OVER-TRAVEL ITS DESIGNED SWEEP ANGLE DURING ITS INITIAL STROKE WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF TEMPORARY WIPER IMMOBILIZATION.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL A RESTRICTION FITTING IN THE CONTROL VALVE AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
THE HOSE CLAMP, WHICH WAS INSTALLED AROUND THE STEERING COLUMN BOOT SEAT TO KEEP NOISE AND DIRT FROM ENTERING THE CAB, MAY LOOSEN.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE METAL HOSE CLAMP WITHOUT CHARGE.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Autocar K. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.