1978 Oshkosh B Series Recalls, Complaints & Specs
4 safety recalls list the 1978 Oshkosh B Series. Check your own VIN below.
4 safety recalls for the 1978 Oshkosh B Series
Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.
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Structure
Step tread was designed with an upturned edge. Also, incorrect bolts were used to attach the steps to vehicle; incorrect bolts may fatigue and break allowing the steps to separate from cab.
Remedy: Replace incorrectly designed steps, replace incorrect bolts.
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Multiple axle (suspension)
These trucks were equipped with defective hydraulic pressure switches in the load span tag system. When a malfunction in this system occurs, axle to pavement pressure increases when vehicle is operated in an unloaded condition.
Remedy: The existing control switch will be replaced with a three-position switch which, by use of a neutral position, will preve nt pressure buildup. A new operation label will also be included.
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Drum (service brakes)
The front brake assemblies installed on certain vehicles may have been incorrectly assembled. This defect will result in a degraded brake efficiency.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, install a complete new wedge assembly without charge to owner.
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Windshield (visibility)
In some vehicles, cracks may develop in the sheet metal around the windshield opening. Continued vehicle operation could result in progressive damage to the cab.
Remedy: The dealer will install a window retention kit free of charge.
No owner complaints on file
NHTSA has no owner complaints on file for the 1978 Oshkosh B Series. For context, the average model year in NHTSA's database has dozens; a zero can mean a reliable vehicle, a rare one, or both.
Compare Oshkosh B Series model years
Recall and complaint counts for every Oshkosh B Series model year in NHTSA's database.
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 Oshkosh B Series | 1 | 0 |
| 1975 Oshkosh B Series | 2 | 0 |
| 1976 Oshkosh B Series | 2 | 0 |
| 1977 Oshkosh B Series | 3 | 0 |
| 1978 Oshkosh B Series | 4 | 0 |
| 1979 Oshkosh B Series | 4 | 0 |
| 1980 Oshkosh B Series | 2 | 0 |
| 1981 Oshkosh B Series | 2 | 0 |
| 1982 Oshkosh B Series | 2 | 0 |
| 1983 Oshkosh B Series | 2 | 0 |
| 1984 Oshkosh B Series | 1 | 0 |
Checking a specific 1978 Oshkosh B Series
How do I know if my 1978 Oshkosh B Series has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 4 campaigns currently list the 1978 Oshkosh B Series; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Oshkosh dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 80V012000).
What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?
A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.
Other Oshkosh models
- Oshkosh10 complaints
- X Line4 complaints
- M Line2 complaints
- S-Series2 complaints
- Da 1500 Series1 complaints
- MC18FG1 complaints
- Xc1 complaints
- Xc Chassis1 complaints
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.