- The problem
- The shift selector reaction springs may be deformed as a result of improper installation of selector levers during column buildup. Thus the lever may not be able to be moved into the insert detents located in the steering column assembly. This could prevent the "park" gear from being engaged.
- The fix
- Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the shift selector reaction spring without charge to owner.
Vehicle safety record
1978 Ford E350 Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1978 Ford E350 have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in February 1978 for the column shift.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical E350 year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1978 Ford E350 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, leakage may occur at the threaded carburetor-to-fuel filter connection on the suspect carburetors. This is due to an improperly machined carburetor fuel inlet connection.
- The fix
- Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, will replace the carburetor without charge to owner.
- The problem
- On the involved vehicles, the steering tie rod and link assemblies with adjusting sleeve clamps may have been improperly manufactured. The clamps contain a sharp die mark which could cause the clamp to fracture when the clamp bolt is tightened to specifications. The clamp could break and cause separation of the tie rod adjusting sleeves.
- The fix
- The dealer will replace the steering tie rod adjusting sleeve and clamp assembly, free of charge, on all affected vehicles.
- The problem
- On the involved vehicles, the park actuation support plates are defective due to their susceptibility to cracking due to improper heat treatment during manufacture. As a result, fragments from a broken plate can become lodged in the transmission parking pawl mechanism. This could prevent the transmission parking pawl from engaging when the selector lever is placed in the "park" position, or prevent the pawl from being disengaged from the park gear.
- The fix
- The dealer will replace the park actuation cam support plates, free of charge, on all affected vehicles.
- The problem
- Some of the involved vehicles may have defective carburetors in which, under certain circumstances, the secondary throttle plates may stick open.
- The fix
- Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the carburetor at no charge to owner.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1978 Ford E350 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.
Ford E350: every year compared
All E350 yearsQuestions about the 1978 Ford E350
Does the 1978 Ford E350 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1978 Ford E350: column shift (February 1978); carburetor system (November 1977); tie rod assembly (October 1977); column shift (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 Ford E350 had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1978 Ford E350 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 8 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Ford E350 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 Ford E350 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