Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1978 Monte Carlo.
The 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo appears in the Overview as a distinct model year, with only a single recorded owner complaint and eight recalls noted. Steering issues account for the lone complaint, placing it within a broader complaint history that, across the 1990‑2010 span, ranges from a low of one complaint in 1991 to a peak of 285 in 2001. Consequently, the 1978 model year represents an early point in a trajectory that would later experience higher complaint volumes, suggesting that its early reliability was relatively limited compared to later peaks.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 197.2 in |
| Overall width | 70.5 in |
| Overall height | 53.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in |
| Curb weight | 3102 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Monte Carlo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | SS Coupe 5.0L V8 | 7.97 sec | 16.08 sec | 175 hp | RWD |
| 1983 | SS Coupe 5.0L V8 | 8.20 sec | 16.10 sec | 175 hp | RWD |
| 1983 | SS Coupe 5.0L V8 | 8.50 sec | 16.40 sec | 175 hp | RWD |
| 1985 | SS Coupe 5.0L V8 | 7.80 sec | 15.90 sec | 180 hp | RWD |
| 1970 | SS 454 Coupe 7.4L V8 | 7.00 sec | 14.90 sec | 360 hp | RWD |
| 1987 | SS Aerocoupe Coupe 5.0L V8 | 9.40 sec | 16.60 sec | 180 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 1978 Monte Carlo sits at the beginning of a generation that would later experience a sharp rise in complaints and recalls, peaking in the mid‑1990s with 214 complaints and 5 recalls in 1995. Prior to that, the early 1990s saw only 0–1 complaints and a single recall each year, indicating a relatively stable period. In 1978, the only recorded complaint area is “Steering” with a single instance, and there are no crash or fire complaints. This places the 1978 model at the very low end of the trend, suggesting fewer documented issues than later years. Consequently, a 1978 Monte Carlo may be a prudent choice for a used‑car buyer seeking a model with minimal historical complaints.
All 1 complaints on record, top 1 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.