1978 Ford Fairmont Specifications

These are standard specifications for the 1978 Ford Fairmont, not necessarily specifications for the vehicle(s) in the photo(s).
Engine Location : Front
Drive Type : Rear Wheel
Body / Chassis : Unibody
Production Years for Series : 1978 - 1983
Price : $3,590-$4,045
Weight : 2600 lbs | 1179.34 kg
Inline 4
Displacement : 2294 cc | 140.0 cu in. | 2.3 L.
Power : 88 HP (64.768 KW) @ 4800 RPM
Torque :118 Ft-Lbs (160 NM) @ 2800 RPM
Bore : 3.8 in | 96 mm.
Stroke : 3.1 in | 80 mm.
Compression : 9.0:1
Main Bearings : 5
Construction : Cast-iron block and head
1 2-barrel carburetor
Inline 6
Displacement : 3277 cc | 200.0 cu in. | 3.3 L.
Power : 85 HP (62.56 KW) @ 3600 RPM
Torque :154 Ft-Lbs (209 NM) @ 1600 RPM
Bore : 3.7 in | 93 mm.
Stroke : 3.1 in | 80 mm.
Compression : 8.5:1
Main Bearings : 7
Construction : Cast-iron block and head
1 barrel carburetor
V 8 90-degree
Displacement : 4949 cc | 302.0 cu in. | 5.0 L.
Power : 139 BHP (102.304 KW) @ 3600 RPM
Torque :250 Ft-Lbs (339 NM) @ 1600 RPM
Bore : 4.0 in | 102 mm.
Stroke : 3.0 in | 76 mm.
Compression : 8.4:1
Main Bearings : 5
Construction : Cast-iron block and head
2-barrel motorcraft 2150
Transmission:
3 Manual , 3 Automatic SelectShift

Total Ford Production for 1978 : 1,923,655
Total 1978 Fairmont production : 460,981
1978 Ford Fairmont
Sedan 4 dr. 5 P : 136,849
Sport Coupe 2 dr. 5 P : 116,966
Station Wagon 2 dr. 5 P : 128,390
Two-Door Sedan 2 dr. 5 P : 78,776
Component

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

NHTSA Campaign ID78V167000
SummaryTHE WINDSHIELD WIPER DRIVE LINKAGE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY FRACTURE DUE TO METAL FATIGUE AS A RESULT OF REPEATED FLEXING OF THE DRIVE ARM ACROSS A STRESS SENSITIVE AREA. THIS CONDITION WILL RENDER THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM INOPERATIVE.
RemedyTHE DEALER WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE WITHOUT COST TO OWNER.
NotesVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: VISUAL; WINDSHIELD.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM WOULD ADVERSELYAFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY IN POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS. THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO AVEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

NHTSA Campaign ID77V170000
SummaryON SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL MAY NOT ENGAGE THE PARKING GEAR WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE 'PARK' POSITION. THIS CONDITION IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO EXCESSIVE FREE PLAY IN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT.
RemedyDEALER WILL INSPECT AND PROPERLY ADJUST THE SHIFT LINKAGE, AT NO CHARGE.
NotesVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONSAND STEERING COLUMN-MOUNTED SHIFT CONTROLS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; PARKING PAWL.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE CONDITION WERE TO OCCUR ON A VEHICLE ON WHICHTHE DRIVER HAD NOT ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE ANDCAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY.

Component

SUSPENSION:REAR

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

NHTSA Campaign ID77V159000
SummaryTHE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY BE IN NON-COMPLIANCE TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, 'HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS', DUE TO INSTALLATION OF INCORRECT REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES. CONSEQUENTLY, EARLY REAR WHEEL LOCK-UP UNDER LIGHT LOADING CONDITIONS COULD RESULT CAUSING VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL INSTABILITY. REAR BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS WOULD ALSO BE REDUCED.
RemedyDEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL THE CORRECT REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
NotesVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL INSTABILITY AND DECREASE IN REARBRAKING ACTION MAY CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

NHTSA Campaign ID77V158000
SummaryTHE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS INSTALLED ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED SO THAT THEY CONTAIN CRACKS. THESE CRACKED ROTORS COULD FRACTURE DURING VEHICLE BRAKING AND CAUSE BRAKE PULL AND AFFECT VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.
RemedyDEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS ON INVOLVED VEHICLES, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNERS.
NotesVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT MAY RESULT.

Component

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

NHTSA Campaign ID77V221000
SummaryTHE INVOLVED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AIR CONDITIONING UNITS WHICH CONTAIN BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR WIRES WHICH ARE IMPROPERLY POSITIONED. AS A RESULT, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE POLYPROPYLENE CASE MATERIAL COULD BECOME OVERHEATED AND EVENTUALLY IGNITE, ESPECIALLY IF THE BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH IS IN THE LOW OR MEDIUM POSITION.
RemedyDEALER WILL MODIFY THE INVOLVED UNITS AS FOUND NECESSARY.
NotesVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: AIR CONDITIONING; BLOWER MOTOR.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF AN ENGINE FIRE STARTS AND SPREADS TO THE PASSENGERCOMPARTMENT, PASSENGERS COULD RECEIVE SERIOUS INJURIES.NOTE: UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, THE BLOWER MOTOR SHOULD NOT BE SET IN THELOW OR MEDIUM POSITIONS.

Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Manufacturer

FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION

NHTSA Campaign ID07E064000
SummaryCERTAIN 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. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
ConsequenceA LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
RemedyFEDERAL-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.
NotesTHIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARTER, NAPA, ACCUFLOW, TRU FLOW, PARTS MASTER, AND PARTS DEPOT BRAND FUEL PUMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED MOTOR VEHICLES.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO SAFERCAR.GOV.

Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Mfr Report Date19770801
NHTSA Campaign ID78V203000
SummaryTHE INVOLVED VEHICLES CONTAIN EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS THAT UTILIZE A PULSE AIR REED VALVE TO PERMIT AIR FLOW FROM THE AIR CLEANER TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD ON NEGATIVE PRESSURE PULSATIONS. THESE REED VALVES MAY FAIL UNDER COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, CAUSING A BACKFLOW OF EXHAUST GAS INTO THE AIR CLEANER AND FUEL INDUCTION SYSTEM ON POSITIVE EXHAUST PULSES. THIS CAUSES AN OVERLY RICH AIR/FUEL MIXTURE, REDUCED FUEL ECONOMY AND REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE. CONTINUED VEHICLE OPERATION MAY RESULT IN ENGINE STALLING OR OVERHEATING OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
RemedyTHE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULSE AIR SYSTEM REED VALVE AND SILENCER WITHOUT CHARGE.
NotesVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 200 CID ENGINES,AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND THERMACTOR PULSE AIR SUPPLY SYSTEMS.SYSTEM: EXHAUST; EMISSIONS SYSTEM.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: OVERHEATING OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY LEAD TO SCORCHEDREAR SEATS AND CARPETS AND ASSOCIATED FUMES. ENGINE STALLING WOULD POSE ASAFETY HAZARD IN TRAFFIC, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Mfr Report Date19770801
NHTSA Campaign ID78V004000
SummaryBECAUSE OF ITS POSITION, THE WIRING ASSEMBLY MAY CHAFE AGAINST THE COWL-TO-BRAKE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACE WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
RemedyTHE DEALER WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SHIELDS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACE AND PERFORM REPAIRS, IF NECESSARY.
NotesVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; MAIN WIRING ASSEMBLY.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF POWER TO AN ACCESSORY OR TOTAL LOSS OFELECTRICAL POWER TO THE VEHICLE COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING. LOSS OF VEHICLEMOBILITY AND, POSSIBLY, AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT.

Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Mfr Report Date19780601
NHTSA Campaign ID78V150000
SummaryAN IMPROPER TRANSMISSION SHIFT BRACKET WAS INSTALLED WHICH, BECAUSE OF ITS DESIGN, COULD CONTACT AND ABRADE THE FUEL HOSE. FUEL LEAKAGE AND POSSIBLE ACCUMULATION OF FUEL ON A SURFACE BENEATH A PARKED VEHICLE COULD RESULT.
RemedyTHE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT BRACKET AND ITS RELATED PARTS, INCLUDING THE FUEL HOSE IF FOUND NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE.
NotesVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.3 LITER ENGINES,AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND STEERING COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT CONTROLS.SYSTEM: FUEL; FUEL LINES, HOSES.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT WHEN FUEL LEAKAGEOCCURS, A FIRE COULD START AND RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Mfr Report Date19780601
NHTSA Campaign ID78V144000
SummaryTRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL RODS WERE INSTALLED THAT WERE INTENDED FOR USE WITH THE STEERING COLUMNS OF A PRIOR DESIGN LEVEL. ATTACHMENT OF THE SHIFT CONTROL ROD WITH THE STEERING COLUMN SHIFT LEVER GROMMET WILL ALLOW RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THESE PARTS. CONTINUED USAGE COULD RESULT IN GROMMET WEAR AND DETERIORATION OF THE SHIFT CONTROL FUNCTION, WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR STARTING IN GEAR OR AN INABILITY TO ENGAGE THE PARKING GEAR.
RemedyDRIVER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL NEW TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE PARTS, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
NotesVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONSAND STEERING COLUMN MOUNTED SHIFT CONTROLS.SYSTEM: TRANSMISSION; SHIFT LINKAGE.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PARKINGBRAKE, IT COULD ROLL FREE, CAUSING INJURY AND DAMAGE TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY INITS PATH.NOTE: SINCE THE VEHICLE MAY INADVERTENTLY BE STARTED IN GEAR, THE PARKING BRAKESHOULD BE FIRMLY APPLIED WHILE STARTING THE ENGINE, PRIOR TO CORRECTION OF THEPROBLEM.

Information provided by NHTSA
Data updated June 2024
1978 Averages
Avg. Household Income : $17,000
Avg. Home : $54,800
Avg. Gallon of Gas : $0.63

Popular frequently asked questions include:

What are the dimension and mechanical specifications of the 1978 Ford Fairmont?
How many 1978 Ford Fairmont were produced?
How powerful was the 1978 Ford Fairmont? Was the 1978 Ford Fairmont popular? Was the 1978 Ford Fairmont expensive? What was the fuel economy of the 1978 Ford Fairmont?

Q: What is the wheelbase size of the 1978 Ford Fairmont? A: The 1978 Ford Fairmont has a wheelbase size of 105.50 inches.

Q: What is the length of the 1978 Ford Fairmont? A: The 1978 Ford Fairmont has lengths of 193.80 and 195.80 inches.

Q: What is the width of the 1978 Ford Fairmont? A: The 1978 Ford Fairmont has a width of 71.00 inches.

Q: How much did the 1978 Ford Fairmont cost when new?A: The 1978 Ford Fairmont cost approximately $3,590 to $4,045 (USD) when new.

Q: What were the bodystyles of the 1978 Ford Fairmont? A: The 1978 Ford Fairmont was offered as a Sedan, Sport Coupe, Station Wagon, Two-Door Sedan.

Q: How many vehicles did Ford produce in 1978? A: Ford produced 1,923,655 automobiles in 1978.

Q: How many 1978 Fairmonts were produced? A: Ford produced 460,981 examples of the Fairmont in 1978.

Q: What engines did the 1978 Ford Fairmont have? A: The 1978 Ford Fairmont had the following engine options: Inline 4 (2294 cc | 140.0 cu in. | 2.3 L.) with 88 HP (64.768 KW) @ 4800 RPM and 118 Ft-Lbs (160 NM) @ 2800 RPM
  • Inline 6 (3277 cc | 200.0 cu in. | 3.3 L.) with 85 HP (62.56 KW) @ 3600 RPM and 154 Ft-Lbs (209 NM) @ 1600 RPM
  • V 8 (4949 cc | 302.0 cu in. | 5.0 L.) with 139 BHP (102.304 KW) @ 3600 RPM and 250 Ft-Lbs (339 NM) @ 1600 RPM
  • Q: What transmissions did the 1978 Ford Fairmont have? A: The 1978 Ford Fairmont had the following gearbox options: 3 speed Manual, 3 speed Automatic SelectShift.

    Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.