Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1978 Challenger.
The 1978 Dodge Challenger is identified in the dataset as a distinct model year within Dodge’s historic lineup. Its recorded consumer‑complaint profile spans from 2008 to 2023, with the peak of 298 complaints occurring in 2010 and the nadir dropping to just nine complaints in 2022. This contrast highlights a reliability trajectory that moves from a relatively problematic period toward a markedly quieter recent history, indicating that the 1978 Challenger’s legacy, while rooted in an era of robust construction, is viewed through a modern lens of improving owner satisfaction.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 183.1 in |
| Overall width | 65.7 in |
| Overall height | 52 in |
| Wheelbase | 98.8 in |
| Curb weight | 2509 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Challenger 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Coupe 2.6L I-4 | 11.70 sec | 18.20 sec | 105 hp | RWD |
| 1970 | R/T SE 440-6 Coupe 7.2L V8 | 5.80 sec | 14.00 sec | 390 hp | RWD |
| 1970 | T/A Coupe 5.6L V8 | 7.10 sec | 15.40 sec | 290 hp | RWD |
Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.
| Tool required | DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith) |
| Why | Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module |
| When needed | After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement |
| Tool required | DRBIII scan tool |
| Also required | The vehicle's four-digit PIN code |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE… Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
THE POSSIBILITY OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL LEAKAGE EXISTS DUE TO AN INADEQUATE STAKING OPERATION THAT MAY ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK BY THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM AND DISCHARGE FROM THE PUMP BODY THROUGH THE PUMP BREATHER HOLE. Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FUEL PUMPS AT NO COST TO OWNERS.
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 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.