Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 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
A CASTING DEFECT MAY BE PRESENT IN CERTAIN FRONT BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLIES. THIS DEFECT MAY RESULT IN EVENTUAL CRACKING OF A BRAKE CALIPER SECURING A LUG. THIS WOULD LEAD TO DECREASED BRAKING PERFORMANCE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL SUSPECT BRAKE CALIPERS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNERS.
Defect
THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT THE FUEL NON-EVAPORATIVE LOSS SYSTEM FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR, ADJACENT TO THE CARBON CANISTER, MAY BECOME TRAPPED BY THE RIGHT SIDE HORN ATTACHMENT BRACKET WHEN CLOSING THE HOOD. TRAPPING OF THE CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE A RESTRICTION IN THE NON-EVAPORATIVE LOSS SYSTEM WHICH MAY RESULT IN RESTRICTED FUEL TANK BREATHING AND EVENTUAL FUEL TANK COLLAPSE OR RUPTURE.
Remedy
DEALER WILL READJUST THE HORN BRACKET ANGLE AND REROUTE AND SECURE THE "U" SHAPED CONNECTION PIPE AT NO CHARGE.
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 1979 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.