Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Toyota Corolla — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE LOCK NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED ENOUGH ON THE STEERING GEAR BOX WORM GEAR BEARING AND ADJUSTER. CONSEQUENTLY, THE WORM GEAR ADJUSTER MAY BECOME LOOSE DUE TO EXCESSIVE PRESSURE FROM HARD REPEATED STEERING.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR BOX ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, SECURE THE STEERING GEAR BOX WORM GEAR BEARING AND ADJUSTER TO PREVENT STEERING INSTABILITY.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1978 Toyota Corolla. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Corolla years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2007, 2005, 2006, 2003, 2011, 2004, 2012, 2020, 2014, 2008, 2016, 2015, 2019, 1998, 2017, 2013, 2021, 1995, 2018. The cleanest record among Corolla years belongs to 1978.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.