ChevroletChevelle1973Overview/chevrolet/chevelle/1973/base/

1973 Chevrolet Chevelle

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1973 Chevelle.

This reference overview examines the 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle as a discrete model-year entry, weaving discussion of its body, platform, and engine characteristics into a cohesive researcher profile rather than isolating individual specifications. The analysis naturally incorporates standout production details that distinguish this iteration, ensuring its defining attributes are understood in proper context. Finally, the overview situates this model year within the broader Chevelle reliability history, clarifying what that placement signifies for researchers assessing its long-term ownership record.

Model year197319721971197019691968196719661965

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length199.6 in
Overall width75.2 in
Overall height52.4 in
Wheelbase110.2 in
Curb weight3375 lb

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Chevelle of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.4–9.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.40 sec — 1970 SS454 Hardtop Coupe
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
1970SS454 Hardtop Coupe 7.4L V85.40 sec13.81 sec360 hpRWD
1970SS454 Hardtop Coupe 7.4L V86.00 sec13.80 sec360 hpRWD
1969SS396 Hardtop Coupe 6.5L V87.60 sec15.40 sec325 hpRWD
1969Malibu 350 Sport Sedan 5.7L V88.60 sec16.00 sec255 hpRWD
1968SS396 Hardtop Coupe 6.5L V87.70 sec15.80 sec325 hpRWD
1968Malibu 327 Hardtop Coupe 5.4L V89.30 sec17.10 sec250 hpRWD
1965Malibu SS396 Z16 Hardtop Coupe 6.5L V86.70 sec15.30 sec375 hpRWD

Reliability & federal safety record

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

3
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
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

No owner complaints on record with NHTSA for this vehicle.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

72V303000Seat Belts:Front:Warning Light/DevicesReported 11/12/1972

Remedy:

73V152000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master CylinderReported 16/07/1973

Remedy:

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 Chevelle. 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 1973 Chevelle have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.