Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Triumph Spitfire — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABELS AND VEHICLE IDENDIFICATION NUMBER PLATES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 115, "VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER-BASIC REQUIREMENTS".
Remedy
VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE, IF MISSING, WILL BE INSTALLED WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
DUE TO THE ANGLE OF FITMENT OF THE FUEL TANK SEPARATOR, THE SEPARATOR HOSE MAY BECOME KINKED. THIS KINKING MAY RESULT IN FUEL LINE RESTRICTION WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO COLLAPSE.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CONNECTOR HOSE IN A WAY THAT WILL PREVENT SEPARATOR HOSE KINKING. THIS WILL BE DONE AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
A DEFECTIVE WELD CONDITION MAY EXIST AT THE PEDAL TO ACCELERATOR ROD CONNECTION.
Remedy
ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY REPLACED.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Triumph Spitfire. 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.