1978 Ford L Series (heavy) recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS", DUE TO FAILURE OF THE THROTTLE TO RETURN COMPLETELY TO IDLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS WITH ONE OF THE TWO ACCELERATOR CONTROL RETURN SPRINGS INOPERATIVE.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND MODIFY THE THROTTLE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1978 L SERIES (HEAVY).
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 82V027000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS", DUE TO FAILURE OF THE THROTTLE TO RETURN COMPLETELY TO IDLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS WITH ONE OF THE TWO ACCELERATOR CONTROL RETURN SPRINGS INOPERATIVE.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND MODIFY THE THROTTLE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS, HEAVY, EQUIPPED WITH LIQUID PROPANE GAS ENGINES.SYSTEM: FUEL; THROTTLE RETURN.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CAN LEAD TO LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
2. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. THE OPTIONAL TANDEM SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED USING A STANDARD BEAM END ADAPTER KIT, RATHER THAN THE REQUIRED SPECIAL KIT. PROGRESSIVE DETERIORATION COULD OCCUR TO THE ADAPTER TO BEAM END BUSHING JOINT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN FRACTURE OF THE BEAM TO AXLE ATTACHING BOLTS.
What could happen:
The fix: THE INCORRECT BEAM ADAPTERS WILL BE REPLACED ON NEW UNITS AND BEAM END ADAPTERS AND BUSHINGS WILL BE INSTALLED ON UNITS IN SERVICE, FREE OF CHARGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1978 L SERIES (HEAVY).
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 79V255000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
Summary: THE OPTIONAL TANDEM SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED USING A STANDARD BEAM END ADAPTER KIT, RATHER THAN THE REQUIRED SPECIAL KIT. PROGRESSIVE DETERIORATION COULD OCCUR TO THE ADAPTER TO BEAM END BUSHING JOINT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN FRACTURE OF THE BEAM TO AXLE ATTACHING BOLTS.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE INCORRECT BEAM ADAPTERS WILL BE REPLACED ON NEW UNITS AND BEAM END ADAPTERS AND BUSHINGS WILL BE INSTALLED ON UNITS IN SERVICE, FREE OF CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL TANDEM SUSPENSION.SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; BUSHING JOINT.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF BOLT FRACTURE OCCURS, THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY COULDSHIFT, ADVERSELY AFFECTING VEHICLE HANDLING AND POSSIBLY CAUSING A VEHICLEACCIDENT.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 1978 Ford L Series (heavy) owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
08/02/2005 · Wheels / tires
DT: CONTACT BOUGHT A SET OF BRAND NEW TIRES ON 6-9-05. ON 7-8-05 THE DRIVER'S LEFT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE HAD 136 MILES ON IT. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TIRE WAS BIAS PLY NYLON. IT IWASA 14 PLY RATING. THE ROAD CONDITION ON FREEWAY WAS VERY GOOD CONDITION. THE PSI ON THE TIRE WAS 85. THERE WAS A SLIGHT VIBRATION, AND THE DRIVER STARTED TO CHANGE LA…