Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1978 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
3
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 67% | — flat |
| Engine | 1 | 33% | — flat |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE HYDRAULIC STEEL BRAKE TUBE CONNECTING THE BRAKE HOSE TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT TOP WHEEL CYLINDER MAY DEVELOP A FRACTURE IN THE BEND NEXT TO THE WHEEL CYLINDER. THIS FRACTURE RESULTS FROM PERIODIC HIGH STRESSES IN THE TUBE DUE TO "BRAKE CHATTER" WHICH CAN OCCUR DURING CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE TUBES AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
A MISROUTING OF THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY EXIST. AS A RESULT, THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE INSULATION COULD BE DAMAGED FROM EXHAUST MANIFOLD HEAT. THE WIRE IN THE CABLE MAY THEN CONTACT AND DAMAGE THE METAL BRAKE TUBE.
Remedy
ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED FOR POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MISROUTING AND POSSIBLE HEAT DAMAGE TO THE INSULATION. IF NECESSARY, THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE WILL BE REPLACED OR REROUTED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
DURING TESTING OF THE FIRE APPARATUS, EXTREME HEAT GENERATED FROM THE RIGHT SIDE ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE HOSE AT THE FRAME FITTING. THIS COULD CAUSE A LEAK IN THE FRONT AXLE HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL AN EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD AT THE RIGHT SIDE FRAME TO BRAKE HOSE FITTING AND REPLACE FRONT BRAKE HOSES AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE TIMING THE ENGINE ON MY TRUCK THE FLEX FAN BROKE APART AND HIT ME IN THE HEAD JUST MISSING MY EYE. THE BLADE CUT A PRETTY GOOD CHUNK OUT OF MY FOREHEAD. I AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. I BELIEVE THE NTHSA SHOULD DO A FULL RECALL ON THIS ITEM. I WAS SUPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT ALL OF THE PREVIOUS…”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Chevrolet Truck years to avoid are 1996, 1995, 1994, 1997, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1998, 2001. The cleanest record among Chevrolet Truck years belongs to 1975.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.