- The problem
- Possible fatigue failure can occur in the frame support plates (front suspension pivot bar support plate) that connects a portion of the front suspension to the vehicle frame on the involved vehicles.
- The fix
- The dealer will inspect support plates for indications of failure and, if necessary, will replace the plates. Additional support brackets will also be installed to reinforce the support plate at the pivot bar attachments.
Vehicle safety record
1978 Dodge Aspen Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1978 Dodge Aspen have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in May 1978 for the upper arm.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Aspen year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1978 Dodge Aspen 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
- On the involved vehicles, the hood secondary catch system may be misaligned which may cause the secondary catch to malfunction. Consequently, the hood may not be securely latched.
- The fix
- Dealer will adjust the catch system to fully secure the hood, without charge.
- The problem
- The columns may contain steering shafts in which the steering column coupling roll pin retaining notch was machined too deep. This may cause the steering wheel shaft to become disengaged from the rest of the steering assembly.
- The fix
- Dealer will install a cotter pin through the roll pin to ensure retention, at no cost to owner.
- The problem
- On the involved vehicles, damage to the front wheel brake hydraulic system could occur due to front wheel brake line tube corrosion. Front wheel brake hoses may become brittle and crack due to prolonged operation in cold temperatures.
- The fix
- The dealer will replace both front hoses if found necessary and in addition, will install a plastic shield between the battery thermo-guard and the tubes to prevent corrosion.
- The problem
- The involved vehicles may have been built with a fuel supply tube, routed in such a way that it interferes with the frame crossmember bracket. This tube is located between the fuel pump and the fuel filter.
- The fix
- The dealer will inspect the involved vehicles to ensure adequate fuel tube and frame crossmember bracket clearance. The dealer will also make sure that the tube is securely clipped to maintain clearance to the bracket as well as other engine components. If the fuel supply tube is found to be damaged from this contact with the crossmember bracket, it will be replaced at no charge.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1978 Dodge Aspen 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.
Dodge Aspen: every year compared
All Aspen years1978 Dodge Aspen vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 Dodge Aspen | 0 | 5 | C | |
| 1978 Dodge D100 | 1 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 1978 Dodge B200 | 1 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1978 Dodge D100 Club Cab | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 1978 Dodge B Series | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1978 Dodge Aspen
Does the 1978 Dodge Aspen have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1978 Dodge Aspen: upper arm (May 1978); latch (December 1977); steering wheel / handle bar (November 1977); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (October 1977) 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 Dodge Aspen had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1978 Dodge Aspen a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Dodge Aspen 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 Dodge Aspen 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