1978 Toyota Hi Lux 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. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE BED SIDE PANEL OF THE LONG BEDS, MAY ALLOW DISCONNECTION OF THE FUEL FILLER PIPE FROM THE FUEL TANK IN THE EVENT OF A REAR COLLISION. SUCH A DISCONNECTION COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE TO OCCUR. THIS CONSTITUTES A NON-COMPLIANCE TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL BRACKET, FROM THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL HOUSING TO THE FUEL INLET PIPE, TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE SAFETY 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 HI LUX.
- Book a repair at any authorized Toyota dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 78V249000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Summary: INADEQUATE WELDS ON THE BED SIDE PANEL OF THE LONG BEDS, MAY ALLOW DISCONNECTION OF THE FUEL FILLER PIPE FROM THE FUEL TANK IN THE EVENT OF A REAR COLLISION. SUCH A DISCONNECTION COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE TO OCCUR. THIS CONSTITUTES A NON-COMPLIANCE TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL BRACKET, FROM THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL HOUSING TO THE FUEL INLET PIPE, TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE SAFETY STANDARD.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS.SYSTEM: FUEL; FUEL FILLER PIPE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: SHOULD FUEL LEAKAGE OCCUR AND AN IGNITION SOURCE BEPRESENT, A FIRE COULD START, RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJRY TOVEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (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)
07/15/1999 · Transmission / drivetrain
I LEARNED BY COINCIDENCE FROM A FELLOW TOYOTA BASED MOTORHOME THAT HE HAD THE REAREND REPLACED WITH A HEAVIER DUTY ONE THROUGH A PROGRAM OFFERED BY TOYOTA AND THE MOTORHOME MANUFACTURERS. HOWEVER, WHEN I CONTACTED ROTTER TOYOTA IN TUMWATER, WA, I WAS INFORMED THE PROGRAM HAD EXPIRED AND WAS OFFERED THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE SOME PARTS THAT WERE REMOVED F…