Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Dodge Sport Utility — 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 STEERING LINKAGE TIE ROD ENDS AND DRAG LINK BALL JOINTS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN LUBRICATED.
Remedy
STEERING LINKAGE TIE ROD ENDS AND DRAG LINK BALL JOINTS ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE PROPERLY LUBRICATED, AT NO CHARGE.
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 Sport Utility. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sport Utility years to avoid are 1994. The cleanest record among Sport Utility years belongs to 1978.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.