Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1978 Malibu.
The 1978 Chevrolet Malibu carries a sparse owner-reported record of just two complaints and eight recalls, with hydraulic service brakes emerging as the top cited issue. That minimal complaint count stands in sharp contrast to the model's later trajectory, where aggregated data spanning 1997 through 2025 shows a peak of 1,697 complaints in 2004 and a modern-era low of seven in 2025. Positioned well below even the most recent low-water mark, the 1978 edition occupies an unusually quiet corner of the nameplate's documented reliability history.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 189.8 in |
| Overall width | 70.5 in |
| Overall height | 52.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in |
| Curb weight | 3040 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Malibu 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Classic Landau Coupe 5.0L V8 | 10.80 sec | 18.40 sec | 145 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The provided federal record tracks the Chevrolet Malibu from 1997 to 2025, leaving the 1978 target year entirely outside the scope of the year-by-year comparative data. For 1978, the records indicate one complaint each for Service Brakes (Hydraulic) and Engine & Engine Cooling, as well as one reported fire complaint. There were zero reported crash complaints for this specific year. Because the available trend data corresponds to a much later generation of vehicles, it is impossible to determine how the 1978 model compares to the years immediately before or after it. Due to the total lack of comparative historical data and the recorded fire incident, this is not a recommended year to buy.
All 2 complaints on record, top 2 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 8 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.
UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT WHEEL OUTER BEARING AREA WHICH CAN AFFECT THE WHEEL BEARING GREASE. THIS CAN RESULT IN INADEQUATE LUBRICATION OF THE BEARING… Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT WHEEL OUTER BEARINGS PACKED WITH GREASE AND THE SPINDLE WILL BE COATED WITH LUBRICANT. NEW GREASE RETAINER CAPS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO…
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 8 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.