Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Volvo F613 — 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
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENDSTOP FOR THE SECONDARY CAB LOCK HOOK MAY EXPERIENCE ABNORMAL WEAR. THIS CAN PREVENT THE HOOK AND LATCHING BRACKET FROM ENGAGING WHEN THE CAB IS POWERED.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A GUIDE FOR THE SECONDARY CAB LOCK HOOK, AND REPLACE EXISTING HOOK WITH A MODIFIED VERSION FREE OF CHARGE.
Defect
OPERATION UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS OF HIGH HUMIDITY, SALT AND DIRT CAN CAUSE RUSTING OF THE SPLINED SECTION OF THE UPPER STEERING SHAFT. THIS CAUSES INCREASED STRESSES BETWEEN THE STEERING COLUMN UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTION AND THE INPUT SHAFT OF THE STEERING GEAR. CONTINUED OPERATION UNDER THESE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN UNACCEPTABLE MOTION OF THE LINKAGES.
Remedy
ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH A GREASE FITTING ON THE SPLINED SECTION OF THE UPPER SIDE OF THE UNIVERSAL JOINT.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TILTING VALVE. THESE DEFECTIVE TILTING VALVES MAY DEVELOP INTERNAL LEAKAGE WITH MANY BRAKE APPLICATIONS AND CAUSE HYDRAULIC BRAKE PRESSURE LOSS IN ONE OR BOTH VEHICLE BRAKE CIRCUITS.
Remedy
DEALER WILL EQUIP ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH THE CORRECT TILTING VALVES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
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 Volvo F613. 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.