Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 Autocar K — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CERTAIN VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS". DUE TO INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN ACTUATOR AND THE ACCELERATOR RETURN SPRINGS, THE THROTTLE MAY NOT RETURN QUICKLY ENOUGH.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPOSITION THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING BRACKET AND REPLACE THE RETURN SPRINGS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
IN THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE AIR PRESSURE WHICH IS USED TO ACTUATE THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN SOLENOID MAY BE BLOCKED WHENEVER TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE EXCEEDS 250 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND MODIFY THE AIR PLUMBING AS REQUIRED.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 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.