Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1978 Toyota Hi Lux — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 1 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE BED SIDE PANEL OF THE LONG BEDS, MAY ALLOW DISCONNECTION OF THE FUEL FILLER PIPE FROM THE FUEL TANK IN THE EVENT OF A REAR COLLISION. SUCH A DISCONNECTION COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE TO OCCUR. THIS CONSTITUTES A NON-COMPLIANCE TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL BRACKET, FROM THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL HOUSING TO THE FUEL INLET PIPE, TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE SAFETY STANDARD.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I LEARNED BY COINCIDENCE FROM A FELLOW TOYOTA BASED MOTORHOME THAT HE HAD THE REAREND REPLACED WITH A HEAVIER DUTY ONE THROUGH A PROGRAM OFFERED BY TOYOTA AND THE MOTORHOME MANUFACTURERS. HOWEVER, WHEN I CONTACTED ROTTER TOYOTA IN TUMWATER, WA, I WAS INFORMED THE PROGRAM HAD EXPIRED AND WAS OFFERED…”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — 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 Hi Lux. 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.