- 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 RBW Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1978 Autocar RBW have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in August 1979 for the steering wheel / handle bar.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical RBW year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1978 Autocar RBW recalls 3
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
- 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 RBW 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 RBW: every year compared
All RBW yearsQuestions about the 1978 Autocar RBW
Does the 1978 Autocar RBW have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1978 Autocar RBW: steering wheel / handle bar (August 1979); steering wheel / handle bar (January 1979); windshield wiper / washer (January 1979). 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 RBW had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1978 Autocar RBW a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 26 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Autocar RBW 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 RBW 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