Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 Dodge Mb400 — 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
CONDENSATE WATER MAY ACCUMULATE IN THE AIR CONDITIONING BLOWER HOUSING; THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT THIS WATER WILL CAUSE THE BLOWER MOTOR TO FAIL. BLOWER MOTOR FAILURE WOULD DISABLE THE AIR CONDTIONING UNIT AND THERE WOULD BE NO WAY TO DEFROST OR DEFOG THE WINDSHIELD.
Remedy
DEALER WILL DRILL A 1/4 INCH DRAIN HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE AIR CONDITIONING BLOWER HOUSING TO PREVENT WATER ACCUMULATION, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
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 1979 Dodge Mb400. 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.