Power train: manual transmission (Fiat)
Vehicle recall 78V-236. NHTSA received FIAT MOTORS OF N.A., INC.’s report on Oct 23, 1978.
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The short answer
NHTSA received FIAT MOTORS OF N.A., INC.’s report on Oct 23, 1978. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 27, 2026.
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The notice gives no hazard in a field of its own.
THE DRIVE SHAFT FRONT CENTERING SPLINE MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
THIS CAN RESULT IN TRANSMISSION JAMMING, A SUDDEN ELIMINATION OF POWER AND HANDLING DIFFICULTIES.
EXCESSIVE WEAR COULD ALSO RESULT IN REAR TRANSMISSION HOUSING DAMAGE.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Power train: manual transmission.
What should you do?
THE DRIVE SHAFT WILL BE REPLACED IF EVIDENCE OF PREMATURE WEAR IS FOUND. ALSO, THE REAR HOUSING AND OUTPUT YOKE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW TYPE THAT WILL PERMIT SUFFICIENT LUBRICATION OF THE SPLINE. THIS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STANDARD TRANSMISSION.SYSTEM: POWERTRAIN; DRIVE SHAFT (TRANSMISSION).CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR.
- Check a vehicle by its VIN at NHTSA: the recalls still open on it are listed there.
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 28,975 vehicles potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily.
- Fiat 131and 1975, 1976 and 1977, before the model years listed here
Who is recalling it?
- Made by FIAT MOTORS OF N.A., INC..
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
- Whether one vehicle or seat has been fixed: only its maker, or NHTSA’s lookup with a VIN, can say.
- This recall names only model years before 2015, which have no pages here. Your VIN, at NHTSA, says which recalls are open on a vehicle.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file before 2010 (FLAT_RCL_PRE_2010).
Released Oct 27, 2026 and checked Oct 27, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 27, 2026.