- The problem
- Due to improper material construction the hydro-boost fluid return hose may not be capable of withstanding the temperatures and/or pressures experienced with the hydro-boost system. Also, the hydro-boost fluid high pressure hose assembly may have been mislocated, allowing the assembly to contact the frame side rail. Abrasion resulting from continued contact along with improper material construction may cause pressure hose failure. Either of these conditions may cause hydro-boost fluid leakage, resulting in the loss of power assist for the steering and braking systems. Complete loss of steering or braking will not occur since both systems would revert to manual operation.
- The fix
- The dealer will install a hydro-boost fluid return hose constructed form the proper material, positioning the hose assembly to ensure adequate clearance between it and the frame side rail.
Vehicle safety record
1978 Dodge W200 Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1978 Dodge W200 have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in August 1978 for the hoses, lines / piping, and fittings.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical W200 year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1978 Dodge W200 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
- Improper routing of the "hydroboost" hydraulic system high pressure hose assembly could allow a tubular section to contact the frame side rail. Abrasion from the contact could result, causing a leak in the hose assembly.
- The fix
- The dealer will reroute "hydroboost" high pressure hose assemblies and any damaged hoses will be replaced.
- The problem
- An intermediate steering shaft containing a mismatched pot coupling assembly may have been installed on the involved vehicles. This coupling may have an oversized serration diameter. An oversized serration could prevent the coupling from adequately tightening onto the gear or shaft splines.
- The fix
- The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, install a replacement shaft coupling.
- The fix
- Dealer will inspect the fuel tank vent systems for blockage and correct, if necessary. Fuel tanks will be inspected for cracking of the front panel and replaced, if necessary.
- The problem
- The fuel tubes (fuel tank to pump) on the involved vehicles may be routed such that tube to underbody reinforcement flange interference may result during vehicle operation. Tube abrasion caused by such interference may result in fuel leakage.
- The fix
- Dealer will reroute the fuel tube or install a new fuel tube, if damaged, without charge to owner.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1978 Dodge W200 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 W200: every year compared
All W200 years1978 Dodge W200 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 Dodge W200 | 0 | 5 | F | |
| 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 W200
Does the 1978 Dodge W200 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1978 Dodge W200: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (August 1978); hose, piping, and connections (June 1978); steering wheel / handle bar (February 1978); tank assembly (February 1978) 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 W200 had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1978 Dodge W200 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 20 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Dodge W200 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 W200 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