1978 Ford L9000 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. THE SEAT BELTS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION", AND 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES". THE NON-CONFORMITY EXISTS BECAUSE WHEN THE DRIVER"S SEAT IS ADJUSTED TO THE FULL FORWARD POSITION, THE SEAT CUSHION IS ADJUSTED TO MAXIMUM ELEVATION, AND THE SEAT BACK IS TILTED TO THE FULLY UPRIGHT POSITION, THE SEAT BELTS ARE NOT LONG ENOUGH TO ACC…
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL REPLACE ANY SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY THAT IS DETERMINED TO BE INSUFFICIENT, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
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 L9000.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 77V191000.
- 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: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary: THE SEAT BELTS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NOS. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION", AND 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES". THE NON-CONFORMITY EXISTS BECAUSE WHEN THE DRIVER"S SEAT IS ADJUSTED TO THE FULL FORWARD POSITION, THE SEAT CUSHION IS ADJUSTED TO MAXIMUM ELEVATION, AND THE SEAT BACK IS TILTED TO THE FULLY UPRIGHT POSITION, THE SEAT BELTS ARE NOT LONG ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE SOME DRIVERS.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE ANY SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY THAT IS DETERMINED TO BE INSUFFICIENT, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH BOSTROM "LEVELAIRE" OR NATIONAL"CUSHION AIRE" ADJUSTABLE DRIVER SEATS AND STANDARD SEAT BELTS.SYSTEM: INTERIOR; SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, LACK OF SEAT BELTPROTECTION COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THE DRIVER.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (1), Wheels / tires (1), Equipment (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)
09/30/2003 · Electrical system
HAHN READY MIX TRUCK .I'M A DRIVER IN TRUCK #32.THE FUEL TANK STRAPS ARE LOOSE,TIRES ARE GOING BALD,TRUCK DOESN'T TURN SHARP TO THE RIGHT,THE WINDOW WINGS ARE HELD SHUT WITH DUCT TAPE,THE TIE ROD END IS POSSIBLY BENT,WATER TANK IS RUSTED,THE SHUETS ARE TWISTED,SOME LIGHTS ARE OUT ON THIS TRUCK AND OTHERS,NUMERIOUS PROBLEMS NEED TO BE FIXED WITH OTHER TRUCKS…