Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Superior School Bus — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
6
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
BOLTS AND RIVETS SECURING THE FORWARD SPRING HANGER BRACKET TO THE FRAME COULD LOOSEN AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE EACH FASTENER WITH A ONE-HALF INCH DIAMETER BOLT AND LOCKNUT. IN ADDITION, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO HAVE BOLTS CHECKED ABOUT ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS TO ENSURE THAT THEY REMAIN SECURE.
Defect
THE SEAT CUSHIONS AND SEAT FRAMES ON THESE VAN BUSES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE SEATS. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 222, "SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SEATING AND CRASH PROTECTION".
Remedy
THE SEAT CLEARANCE WILL BE CHECKED ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES AND ANY BUSES WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE WILL HAVE THEIR SEAT CUSHIONS AND FRAMES RELOCATED AT NO CHARGE.
Defect
VEHICLE DOES NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 111, "REAR VIEW MIRRORS". AN OUTSIDE CROSS-VIEW MIRROR WAS NOT INSTALLED AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL A CROSS-VIEW MIRROR AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
A HIGH STRESS CRACK MAY EXIST ON THE LEFT-HAND FRAME RAIL ON THE FORWARD CONTROL CHASSIS, IN THE REGION OF THE FRONT LEFT-HAND HANGER. IN ADDITION, THE KEY BETWEEN THE STEERING GEAR BOX OUTPUT SHAFT AND THE UNIVERSAL JOINT MAY BE LOOSE.
Remedy
A REINFORCEMENT REPAIR KIT WILL BE INSTALLED TO CORRECT THE HIGH STRESS CRACK PROBLEM. A HIGH STRENGTH BOLT WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO MODIFY THE GEAR BOX OUTPUT SHAFT.
Defect
A CRACK MAY DEVELOP IN THE LEFT-HAND FRAME RAIL IN THE REGION OF THE LEFT HAND FRONT SPRING HANGER.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT FRAME AND REWELD TO REINFORCE THE LEFT-HAND FRAME RAILS, IF NECESSARY.
Defect
THE JOINT OF THE LOWER INTERIOR ALUMINIZED PANELS LOCATED AT THE REAR SIDE EMERGENCY DOOR OPENING HAVE NO FASTENING WITHIN THE 8 INCH JOINT WIDTH. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 221, "SCHOOL BUS BODY JOINT STRENGTH".
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL FASTENERS TO CONFORM TO THE SAFETY STANDARD, AT NO COST TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Superior School Bus. 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.