VehicleVerdict

1978 Ford F Series (medium) problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Ford F Series (medium) — 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

How does 1978 compare to other F Series (medium) years?

F Series (medium) NHTSA complaints by model year, 1978 highlighted7 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1993: 3 complaints1997: 7 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 6 complaints
F Series (medium) NHTSA complaints by model year, 1978 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F Series (medium) years to avoid →

Does the 1978 Ford F Series (medium) have recalls?

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

08E019000Fuel SystemMarch 6, 2008 · 1,937 units

Defect

INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS IS RECALLING 1,937 FUEL FILTERS, P/NOS ALG 44/1 AND PUROLATOR F10024, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER'S OUTLET CAP MAY NOT BE SECURELY CRIMPED TO THE HOUSING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF FILTER'S OUTLET CAP FROM THE HOUSING.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, A NO START CONDITION MAY RESULT AND FUEL MAY BE PUMPED ONTO THE GROUND. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

INTERCONTINENTAL WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERCONTINENTAL AT 800-451-2593.

82V027000Speed ControlMarch 26, 1982 · 3,270 units

Defect

THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS", DUE TO FAILURE OF THE THROTTLE TO RETURN COMPLETELY TO IDLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS WITH ONE OF THE TWO ACCELERATOR CONTROL RETURN SPRINGS INOPERATIVE.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT AND MODIFY THE THROTTLE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

1978 Ford F Series (medium) — common questions

Is the 1978 Ford F Series (medium) reliable?

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.

Does the 1978 Ford F Series (medium) have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Ford F Series (medium). Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.