Defect
THE NUT ON THE CARRIER SUPPORT BOLT ASSEMBLY MAY BREAK WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE ENTIRE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TIRE AND WHEEL CARRIER BOLT ASSEMBLY AT NO CHARGE.
1978 GMC C35 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 GMC C35 — 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 C35 years?
Does the 1978 GMC C35 have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER STRUT RODS, WHICH GIVE ADDED STRENGTH, MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED DURING ASSEMBLY. CONSEQUENTLY, A FRAME CROSSMEMBER CRACK COULD EVENTUALLY DEVELOP AT THE FORWARD VERTICAL FRONT SUSPENSION BOLT.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL THE NECESSARY FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT RODS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
1978 GMC C35 — common questions
Is the 1978 GMC C35 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 C35 have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 GMC C35. 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.