Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1978 Corolla.
The 1978 Toyota Corolla is referenced here as a foundational model in the line’s long‑term record, predating the complaint data set that spans 1990‑2026; within that window the brand’s most complaint‑laden year was 2009 with 1,533 reports, while the lowest tally occurred in 2026 with just 11. Although specific platform, body style, and engine details for the 1978 iteration are not supplied in the available data, its placement early in the Corolla’s chronology suggests it contributed to the durability reputation that later years have reflected, with the recent low‑complaint figures underscoring a legacy of reliability that began with models like the 1978.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 165 in |
| Overall width | 61 in |
| Overall height | 53.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 93.3 in |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Corolla 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | SR-5 3-door Hatchback 1.6L I-4 | 14.80 sec | 19.70 sec | 75 hp | RWD |
| 1975 | SR-5 Coupe 1.6L I-4 | 13.90 sec | 19.40 sec | 83 hp | RWD |
| 1975 | SR-5 Coupe 1.6L I-4 | 15.90 sec | 20.50 sec | 83 hp | RWD |
| 1975 | SR-5 Coupe 1.6L I-4 | 16.90 sec | 21.00 sec | 83 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
THE LOCK NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED ENOUGH ON THE STEERING GEAR BOX WORM GEAR BEARING AND ADJUSTER. CONSEQUENTLY, THE WORM GEAR ADJUSTER MAY BECOME LOOSE DUE TO EXCESSIVE PRESSURE FROM HARD REPEATED STEERING. Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR BOX ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, SECURE THE STEERING GEAR BOX WORM GEAR BEARING AND ADJUSTER TO PREVENT STEERING INSTABILITY.
Showing 4 of 4 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota PRO19-02 | 2022-01-12 | Tires | POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all… |
| Safety Recall an | 2016-07-21 | Equipment | Update on Technician Certification Requirements. |
| T-PG007-01 | 2001-05-04 | Equipment | Replacement vin plates. |
| T-PG002-91 | 1991-01-18 | Equipment | Product general information. |
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 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.