Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1979 Caprice.
This reference overview frames the 1979 Chevrolet Caprice through its specific reliability data, distinguishing it from the broader model complaint history that covers the 1990 to 2011 model years. For this specific model year, owners have submitted a total of 6 complaints with Equipment cited as the top complaint area, while 4 recalls remain on record. These figures define the 1979 model's reliability standing on its own merits, separate from the later model years where complaint counts peaked at 196 in 1994 and dropped to 1 in 2003.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 208.7 in |
| Overall width | 74.8 in |
| Overall height | 54.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 in |
| Curb weight | 3574 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Caprice of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Classic Coupe 5.0L V8 | 10.90 sec | 18.10 sec | 150 hp | RWD |
| 1977 | Classic Sport Coupe 5.7L V8 | 9.80 sec | 16.80 sec | 170 hp | RWD |
| 1977 | Classic Sedan 5.7L V8 | 10.80 sec | 18.20 sec | 170 hp | RWD |
| 1977 | Classic Sedan 5.0L V8 | 11.80 sec | 17.90 sec | 170 hp | RWD |
| 1982 | Caprice Classic Sedan 5.0L V8 | 12.60 sec | 18.90 sec | 150 hp | RWD |
| 1986 | Wagon 5.7L V8 | 7.20 sec | 15.50 sec | 170 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 1979 Chevrolet Caprice’s federal record must be interpreted within the constraints of the available data, which begins in 1990—well after its production. However, the 1979 model year’s isolated complaint profile (6 total complaints, 2 recalls, 2 investigations, and 1 TSB) places it at the *lowest* end of the generation’s reported issues when compared to later years like 1991 or 1994, which saw complaint spikes of 169 and 196, respectively. The 1979 complaints were minor and dispersed across systems, with no crash-related reports and only one fire complaint (cause unspecified). This suggests the 1979 Caprice, while not immune to issues, avoided the systemic failures that triggered recalls or investigations in later model years. The data implies that, for its era, the 1979 model may have been relatively robust—or at least, its problems were less frequently reported. **Takeaway:** Given the absence of alarming trends in the limited data, the 1979 Caprice appears to be a *relatively* sound choice within its generation, assuming proper maintenance history.
All 6 complaints on record, top 4 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS… Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
THE HEADS MAY BREAK OFF THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION EVEN UNDER NO LOAD CONDITIONS. THIS IS DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF BOLTS USED, HIGH INSTALLATION TORQUE AND ARRANGEMENT OF… Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.