- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1978 Autocar RB2 Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1978 Autocar RB2 have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in August 1979 for the steering wheel / handle bar.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical RB2 year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1978 Autocar RB2 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
- 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 metal stiffener at the rear of the splash shield may become bent during servicing or by abuse. This can allow the splash shield and stiffener or one of its attaching bolts to rub against and cut the steering shaft.
- The fix
- The splash shield stiffener will be removed and the steering shaft will be replaced, if damaged.
- 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 RB2 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 RB2: every year compared
All RB2 yearsQuestions about the 1978 Autocar RB2
Does the 1978 Autocar RB2 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1978 Autocar RB2: steering wheel / handle bar (August 1979); fan (June 1979); steering wheel / handle bar (April 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 RB2 had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1978 Autocar RB2 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 20 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Autocar RB2 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 RB2 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