Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Dodge Monaco — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1978 Dodge Monaco. 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.