Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Dodge Cb400 — 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
THE FRONT RAIL EXTENSION MAY EXPERIENCE FATIGUE CRACKING NEAR THE AREA WHERE THE POWER STEERING GEAR ATTACHES TO THE FRAME. IF THE CRACK PROGRESSES THROUGH MOST OR ALL OF THE RAIL SECTION, STEERING SYSTEM FREE PLAY ACCOMPANIED BY METALLIC RATTLE NOISE WILL BE EXPERIENCED.
Remedy
AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE WELD REPAIRED AND A REINFORCEMENT ROD WILL BE INSTALLED OVER THE CRACKED AREA.
Defect
INCORRECT STEERING LINKAGE COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH LIGHT DUTY STEERING LINKAGE TIE ROD AND CENTER LINK ASSEMBLIES IN PLACE OF THE SPECIFIED HEAVY DUTY COMPONENTS. THESE LIGHT DUTY COMPONENTS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE HEAVY DUTY KNUCKLE ARMS, RESULTING IN AN INFLEXIBLE (NO BALL JOINT MOVEMENT) ATTACHMENT OF THE TIE ROD TO KNUCKLE ARM. THIS COULD, EVENTUALLY, RESULT IN FATIGUE FAILURE OF THAT ATTACHMENT ON ONE OF THE COMPONENTS.
Remedy
THE STEERING LINKAGE SYSTEM TIE RODS AND CENTER LINK WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, LIGHT DUTY COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED WITH HEAVY DUTY COMPONENTS AT NO COST TO OWNER.
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 1978 Dodge Cb400. 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.