DodgeD4001978Overview/dodge/d400/1978/base/

1978 Dodge D400

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1978 D400.

The 1978 Dodge D400 overview establishes the vehicle's core identity through its designated body, platform, and engine configurations, framing the model for researchers seeking precise technical data. By focusing on the standout specifications inherent to the D400, this reference provides a concrete understanding of the truck's mechanical layout without relying on embellished performance claims. Ultimately, situating this 1978 model year within the D400's broader reliability history clarifies exactly what this specific iteration means for the vehicle's long-term durability and operational legacy.

Model year1981198019791978

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
0
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
0
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire

No owner complaints on record with NHTSA for this vehicle.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

78V038000Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle BarReported 17/02/1978

AN INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT CONTAINING A MISMATCHED POT COUPLING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES. THIS COUPLING MAY HAVE AN OVERSIZED SERRATION DIAMETER. AN OVERSIZED SERRATION COULD PREVENT… Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A REPLACEMENT SHAFT COUPLING.

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific D400. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 1978 D400 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.