Vehicle recall 78V138000 · June 13, 1978
Buick Century, Oldsmobile Cutlass and 5 more models
The rear axle shafts may contain a flaw in the metal.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- The rear axle shafts may contain a flaw in the metal. This flaw could allow the shaft to break and the tire and wheel assembly to separate.
- Remedy
- The dealer will replace one or both rear axle shafts, if necessary, free of charge.
- Notes
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.system: suspension; axle/shaft.consequences of defect: should separation occur while vehicle is in motion,loss of vehicle control without prior warning and an accident could result.note: driver should avoid fast cornering, rapid acceleration, or any type ofdriving which may produce abnormally heavy loads on the rear axle shafts untilthe vehicle can be inspected.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 78V138000
- Reported to NHTSA
- June 13, 1978
- Filed by
- GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Owner notification
- June 26, 1978
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 265,068
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Buick Century (1977): 1977
- Buick Regal (1977): 1977
- Chevrolet Malibu (1977): 1977
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo (1977): 1977
- Oldsmobile Cutlass (1977): 1977
- Pontiac Grand Prix (1977): 1977
- Pontiac Lemans (1977): 1977
Has your Buick 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.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Buick dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.