Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1978 Rabbit.
The 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit, a compact car that would later become a staple of the brand’s lineup, entered the market with a modest reputation for everyday practicality. During the four‑year span of 2006 to 2009, the Rabbit’s complaint counts varied from a low of 13 in 2006 to a high of 62 in 2009, reflecting the most turbulent period in its reliability record. This trend underscores how the model’s long‑term durability has fluctuated, offering researchers a clear benchmark for assessing its evolving maintenance profile.
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.