1978 Dodge W100 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Dodge W100 — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1978 compare to other W100 years?

W100 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1978 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all W100 years to avoid →

Does the 1978 Dodge W100 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

78V188000BrakesAugust 29, 1978 · 1,400 units

Defect

DUE TO IMPROPER MATERIAL CONSTRUCTION THE HYDRO-BOOST FLUID RETURN HOSE MAY NOT BE CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING THE TEMPERATURES AND/OR PRESSURES EXPERIENCED WITH THE HYDRO-BOOST SYSTEM. ALSO, THE HYDRO-BOOST FLUID HIGH PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN MISLOCATED, ALLOWING THE ASSEMBLY TO CONTACT THE FRAME SIDE RAIL. ABRASION RESULTING FROM CONTINUED CONTACT ALONG WITH IMPROPER MATERIAL CONSTRUCTION MAY CAUSE PRESSURE HOSE FAILURE. EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE HYDRO-BOOST FLUID LEAKAGE, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST FOR THE STEERING AND BRAKING SYSTEMS. COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING OR BRAKING WILL NOT OCCUR SINCE BOTH SYSTEMS WOULD REVERT TO MANUAL OPERATION.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A HYDRO-BOOST FLUID RETURN HOSE CONSTRUCTED FORM THE PROPER MATERIAL, POSITIONING THE HOSE ASSEMBLY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN IT AND THE FRAME SIDE RAIL.

78V141000SteeringJune 14, 1978 · 1,400 units

Defect

IMPROPER ROUTING OF THE "HYDROBOOST" HYDRAULIC SYSTEM HIGH PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD ALLOW A TUBULAR SECTION TO CONTACT THE FRAME SIDE RAIL. ABRASION FROM THE CONTACT COULD RESULT, CAUSING A LEAK IN THE HOSE ASSEMBLY.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL REROUTE "HYDROBOOST" HIGH PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLIES AND ANY DAMAGED HOSES WILL BE REPLACED.

78V036000Fuel SystemFebruary 17, 1978 · 20,000 units

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK VENT SYSTEMS FOR BLOCKAGE AND CORRECT, IF NECESSARY. FUEL TANKS WILL BE INSPECTED FOR CRACKING OF THE FRONT PANEL AND REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.

78V038000SteeringFebruary 17, 1978 · 9,000 units

Defect

AN INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT CONTAINING A MISMATCHED POT COUPLING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. THIS COUPLING MAY HAVE AN OVERSIZED SERRATION DIAMETER. AN OVERSIZED SERRATION COULD PREVENT THE COUPLING FROM ADEQUATELY TIGHTENING ONTO THE GEAR OR SHAFT SPLINES.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A REPLACEMENT SHAFT COUPLING.

77V212000Fuel SystemNovember 28, 1977 · 24,000 units

Defect

THE FUEL TUBES (FUEL TANK TO PUMP) ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY BE ROUTED SUCH THAT TUBE TO UNDERBODY REINFORCEMENT FLANGE INTERFERENCE MAY RESULT DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. TUBE ABRASION CAUSED BY SUCH INTERFERENCE MAY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.

Remedy

DEALER WILL REROUTE THE FUEL TUBE OR INSTALL A NEW FUEL TUBE, IF DAMAGED, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

1978 Dodge W100 — common questions

Is the 1978 Dodge W100 reliable?

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.

Does the 1978 Dodge W100 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Dodge W100. 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.

How does 1978 compare to other W100 years?

Does the 1978 Dodge W100 have recalls?

1978 Dodge W100 — common questions

Is the 1978 Dodge W100 reliable?

Does the 1978 Dodge W100 have recalls?

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