Vehicle recall 78V181000 · August 17, 1978

1978-1979 Subaru Brat

A tube in the fuel evaporative emission control system can become obstructed, causing excessive pressure to build up in the fuel tank.

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

Summary: A tube in the fuel evaporative emission control system can become obstructed, causing excessive pressure to build up in the fuel tank. This usually occurs in extremely high temperatures or intense sunlight. Excessive pressure build-up causes the fuel tank to bulge. A short hairline crack may develop and fuel leakage may result.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, will install a newly designed tube and valve assembly in the evaporative emission control system.
Notes: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.system: fuel; fuel tank.consequences of defect: fuel leakage may lead to a fire, vehicle damage andserious injury to vehicle passengers..

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 78V181000
Reported to NHTSA: August 17, 1978
Filed by: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Owner notification: November 17, 1978
Vehicles potentially affected: 23,000
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

Recall 78V181000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Subaru Brat (1978-1979): 1979, 1978

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