Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Superior Pacemaker — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE INVOLVED BUSES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION". THE SAFETY BARRIERS FAILED TO EXHIBIT THE PROPER IMPACT ABSORBING QUALITIES WHEN TESTED FOR COMPLIANCE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL TWO 7 GAUGE PLATES MOUNTED AT BOTH LOWER CORNERS ON THE FRONT OF EACH BARRIER.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 217, "BUS WINDOW RETENTION AND RELEASE". VEHICLES LACK THE PROPER NUMBER OF EMERGENCY EXITS.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT INVOLVED VEHICLES FOR PROPER NUMBER OF EXITS. ALSO, WHERE REQUIRED, STATIONARY SASHES WILL BE REMOVED AND HINGED EMERGENCY EXITS WILL BE INSTALLED.
Defect
THE LETTERING LOCATION FOR BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR LABELING FAILS TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS". THE REQUIREMENT STATES THAT THE LETTERING MUST BE VISIBLE BY DIRECT VIEW EITHER ON OR WITHIN 4 INCHES OF THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR FILLER CAP.
Remedy
DRAWINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE SENT TO ENABLE OWNER TO REMOVE AND REINSTALL THE RESERVOIR CAP PROPERLY.
Defect
THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT IS NOT ACTIVATED WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE IS APPLIED AND THE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE "ON" POSITION. THIS CONSTITUTES A NON-COMPLIANCE TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS". ALSO, THE BRAKE LAMP CHECK FUNCTION IS INOPERABLE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL LENGTHEN THE WIRE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE WIRING HARNESS TO ENSURE PROPER BRAKE LIGHT OPERATION. A GROUNDING WIRE WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE PROPER OPERATION OF THE LAMP CHECK FUNCTION.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Superior Pacemaker. 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.