1978 GMC Brigadier problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 GMC Brigadier — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1978 compare to other Brigadier years?

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

See all Brigadier years to avoid →

Does the 1978 GMC Brigadier have recalls?

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

81V104000SteeringSeptember 9, 1981 · 44,059 units

Defect

DURING ASSEMBLY THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT PINCH BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED. MOVEMENT MAY OCCUR BETWEEN THE UPPER STEERING SHAFT AND THE YOKE, CAUSING ACCELERATED PINCH BOLT WEAR AT THE "WHISTLE SLOT" IN THE SHAFT. PINCH BOLT WEAR COULD CAUSE THE YOKE TO SLIP FROM THE SHAFT.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT TO ENSURE PROPER TIGHTENING OF THE NUT AND BOLT. IF NECESSARY, A NEW NUT AND BOLT WILL BE INSTALLED AND PROPERLY TIGHTENED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

79V187000BrakesAugust 8, 1979 · 3,263 units

Defect

THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH INCORRECT PLUMBING OF THE COPPER BRAKE APPLICATION VALVE SUPPLY AIR LINES. THIS CONSTITUTES A NON-COMPLIANCE TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS". AS A RESULT, AIR COULD LEAK FROM THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT AND RECONNECT ANY IMPROPERLY CONNECTED AIR LINES AT THE BRAKE APPLICATION VALVE, WITHOUT CHARGE.

1978 GMC Brigadier — common questions

Is the 1978 GMC Brigadier 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 GMC Brigadier have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 GMC Brigadier. 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 Brigadier years?

Does the 1978 GMC Brigadier have recalls?

1978 GMC Brigadier — common questions

Is the 1978 GMC Brigadier reliable?

Does the 1978 GMC Brigadier have recalls?

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