Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1978 Rabbit.
The 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is the subject of this overview, a model year that precedes the available complaint history, which covers calendar years 2006 through 2009. Within that later window, Rabbit complaints ranged from a low of 13 in 2006 to a peak of 62 in 2009, figures that reflect the nameplate’s service record rather than the 1978 edition specifically. Because this reliability data captures a period well after the 1978 model year, the 1978 Rabbit sits outside that documented complaint arc, meaning its place in the model’s reliability history must be assessed independently of the 2006–2009 metrics.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 155.1 in |
| Overall width | 63 in |
| Overall height | 55.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 94.5 in |
| Curb weight | 1836 lb |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Rabbit 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Diesel 5-door Hatchback (Performance Pack) 1.5L Diesel I-4 | 16.80 sec | 20.50 sec | 48 hp | FWD |
| 1980 | 3-door Hatchback 1.6L I-4 | 12.10 sec | 18.90 sec | 76 hp | FWD |
| 1980 | L Convertible 1.6L I-4 | 12.80 sec | 18.80 sec | 76 hp | FWD |
| 1980 | Diesel Deluxe 5-door Hatchback 1.5L Diesel I-4 | 22.90 sec | 22.40 sec | 48 hp | FWD |
| 1975 | 3-door Hatchback (Performance Pack) 1.5L I-5 | 13.10 sec | 19.60 sec | — | FWD |
| 1981 | LS 3-door Hatchback 1.7L I-4 | 11.60 sec | 18.30 sec | 74 hp | FWD |
| 1981 | 5-door Hatchback 1.7L I-4 | 12.60 sec | 18.70 sec | 74 hp | FWD |
| 1982 | S 3-door Hatchback 1.7L I-4 | 11.65 sec | 18.16 sec | 74 hp | FWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Showing 2 of 10 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
CERTAIN HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES, P/N 171.611.107B, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1975-1985 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) RABBIT; 1985-1992 VW GOLF; AND 1980-1992 VW JETTA PASSENGER VEHICLES. POSSIBLE BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE COULD OCCUR… Remedy: FOREIGN PARTS DISTRIBUTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE BRAKE HOSES WITH COMPLIANT BRAKE HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREIGN PARTS…
THE FUEL PUMP MAY STOP FUNCTIONING WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAN OCCUR BECAUSE AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR IN THE FUSE PANEL MAY OVERHEAT AND INTERRUPT THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT. Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUSE BOX AND ITS CONNECTORS FOR CORROSION, AND CORRECT WHERE NECESSARY. A BYPASS ADAPTER TO THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL BE INSTALLED.
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 10 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.