Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Dodge Aspen — 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
POSSIBLE FATIGUE FAILURE CAN OCCUR IN THE FRAME SUPPORT PLATES (FRONT SUSPENSION PIVOT BAR SUPPORT PLATE) THAT CONNECTS A PORTION OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO THE VEHICLE FRAME ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT SUPPORT PLATES FOR INDICATIONS OF FAILURE AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE THE PLATES. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT BRACKETS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO REINFORCE THE SUPPORT PLATE AT THE PIVOT BAR ATTACHMENTS.
Defect
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE HOOD SECONDARY CATCH SYSTEM MAY BE MISALIGNED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE SECONDARY CATCH TO MALFUNCTION. CONSEQUENTLY, THE HOOD MAY NOT BE SECURELY LATCHED.
Remedy
DEALER WILL ADJUST THE CATCH SYSTEM TO FULLY SECURE THE HOOD, WITHOUT CHARGE.
Defect
THE COLUMNS MAY CONTAIN STEERING SHAFTS IN WHICH THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLING ROLL PIN RETAINING NOTCH WAS MACHINED TOO DEEP. THIS MAY CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE REST OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL A COTTER PIN THROUGH THE ROLL PIN TO ENSURE RETENTION, AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, DAMAGE TO THE FRONT WHEEL BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM COULD OCCUR DUE TO FRONT WHEEL BRAKE LINE TUBE CORROSION. FRONT WHEEL BRAKE HOSES MAY BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACK DUE TO PROLONGED OPERATION IN COLD TEMPERATURES.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT HOSES IF FOUND NECESSARY AND IN ADDITION, WILL INSTALL A PLASTIC SHIELD BETWEEN THE BATTERY THERMO-GUARD AND THE TUBES TO PREVENT CORROSION.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL SUPPLY TUBE, ROUTED IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT INTERFERES WITH THE FRAME CROSSMEMBER BRACKET. THIS TUBE IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE FUEL PUMP AND THE FUEL FILTER.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE INVOLVED VEHICLES TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FUEL TUBE AND FRAME CROSSMEMBER BRACKET CLEARANCE. THE DEALER WILL ALSO MAKE SURE THAT THE TUBE IS SECURELY CLIPPED TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE TO THE BRACKET AS WELL AS OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS. IF THE FUEL SUPPLY TUBE IS FOUND TO BE DAMAGED FROM THIS CONTACT WITH THE CROSSMEMBER BRACKET, IT WILL BE REPLACED AT NO 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 Dodge Aspen. 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.