Does the 1978 Peterbilt Conventional Series have any recalls?

2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: exterior lighting, steering. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.

How do I check if my 1978 Peterbilt Conventional Series recall has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Peterbilt dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 1978 Peterbilt Conventional Series?

0 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.

1978 Peterbilt Conventional Series recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1978 Peterbilt Conventional Series. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Peterbilt been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Peterbilt dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

1978 Peterbilt Conventional Series recalls, newest first

April 20, 1981NHTSA 81V053000200 vehicles potentially affected

Exterior lighting › Headlights

Summary: On some vehicles, the rectangular head lamps are wired incorrectly, which fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment." the affected vehicles are equipped with four head lights.
Remedy: All trucks containing an incorrect harness will have the connector rewired to correct the operation of the head lamps.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

December 4, 1979NHTSA 79V2660001,700 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Hydraulic power assist system

Summary: The steering power cylinder clamps may crack when tightened.
Remedy: Dealer will replace the defective steering power clamps at no cost to owner.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

No owner complaints about the 1978 Peterbilt Conventional Series were found in NHTSA’s complaint data.

Other Peterbilt Conventional Series years

Other 1978 Peterbilt models

Questions

Does the 1978 Peterbilt Conventional Series have any recalls?: 2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: exterior lighting, steering. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1978 Peterbilt Conventional Series recall has been fixed?: Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Peterbilt dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1978 Peterbilt Conventional Series?: 0 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.