Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Plymouth Trailduster — 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
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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.
Defect
THE STEERING COLUMNS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MISASSEMBLED, RESULTING IN THE MASTER SERRATION FOR STEERING WHEEL INDEXING BEING MISLOCATED BY 180 DEGREES. THE TIE ROD MAY HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED IN ATTEMPTING TO OVERCOME THIS CONDITION AND THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED INSUFFICIENT TIE ROD THREAD ENGAGEMENT TO THE SLEEVE ATTACHMENT.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY WITH A CORRECTLY INDEXED ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL LOCATE THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE CORRECT POSITION. TIE ROD ASSEMBLY WILL ALSO BE INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED TO ENSURE PROPER THREAD ENGAGEMENT.
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.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Plymouth Trailduster. 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.