- The problem
- The bypass oil filter mounting brackets may be insufficiently welded to the radiator frame. This could allow the filter mounting bracket and oil filter to come loose, fall, and wedge themselves within the steering geometry.
- The fix
- Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, reweld the bracket without charge.
Vehicle safety record
1978 Autocar K Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1978 Autocar K have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in May 1980 for the engine.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical K year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1978 Autocar K recalls 5
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Some of the involved vehicles were not inspected for adequate clearance between the steering shaft and its firewall opening. Inadequate clearance could result in the steering column becoming scored or severed by the firewall sheet metal.
- The fix
- Dealer will inspect vehicles and, if necessary, enlarge the firewall opening to provide the minimum 3/8 inch clearance for the steering shaft. Any scored or cut shafts will be replaced without charge to owner.
- The problem
- Lockwashers, used to retain the engine"s fan mounting bolts, may have been omitted during assembly, causing the bolts to loosen and allowing the fan to separate from its mounting hub.
- The fix
- DEALER WILL INSTALL LOCKWASHERS ON THE BOLTS.
- The problem
- The hose clamp, which was installed around the steering column boot seat to keep noise and dirt from entering the cab, may loosen.
- The fix
- Dealer will replace the metal hose clamp without charge.
- The problem
- The windshield wiper may over-travel its designed sweep angle during its initial stroke with the possibility of temporary wiper immobilization.
- The fix
- Dealer will install a restriction fitting in the control valve at no cost to owner.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1978 Autocar K yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Autocar K: every year compared
All K yearsQuestions about the 1978 Autocar K
Does the 1978 Autocar K have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1978 Autocar K: engine (May 1980); steering wheel / handle bar (August 1979); fan (June 1979); steering wheel / handle bar (January 1979) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1978 Autocar K had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1978 Autocar K a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 20 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Autocar K year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
What should I do if my 1978 Autocar K has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data