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1990 Chevrolet Cavalier

Recalls, consumer complaints and crash ratings from NHTSA

Recalls1

  • Fuel system, gasolineMay 19, 2006, Campaign 06E043000

    CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

    Risk

    THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

    Remedy

    HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

All recalls issued for this model year. To see whether any are still unrepaired on a specific vehicle, check its VIN at NHTSA.

Recent complaints63 total

Most reported, across all 63 complaints

  • Electrical system35%
  • Visibility14%
  • Engine and engine cooling11%
  • Service brakesFiled Nov 25, 2014

    KNOCKING AT START UP FOR A GOOD AMOUNT OF TIME. WHEN PUTTING ON THE BRAKE PADS THE PINS WOULDN'T MOVE TO REPLACE THE BRAKES. HAD TO COMPRESS THE PINS LOOSE WITH A C-CLAMP. ALSO, I'VE GOT SOME KIND OF LEAK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT'S A COMBINATION OF ANTIFREEZE & OIL. WHICH I THINK IS CAUSED FROM THE KNOCKING SOUND. MY BRAKE LIGHT & AN EXCLAMATION POINT LIGHT SHOWS ON MY DASHBOARD SOMETIMES. MY FUEL MONITOR GAUGE DOESN'T SHOW THE EXACT AMOUNT IN TANK. COULD THE LISTED RECALL CAUSE MY CAR. TO RUNS OUT OF GAS AT QUARTER TANK OF GAS? *TR

    Incident Nov 2, 2014

  • Power trainFiled Jun 1, 2006

    1990 CAVALIER GEAR SHIFT MOVED TO NEUTRAL WHEN TOUCHED BY CONSUMERS LEG. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER'S SON'S LEG TOUCHED THE GEAR SHIFT AND CAUSED IT TO GO INTO NEUTRAL. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. *NM

    Incident Jun 16, 2004

  • Tires, wheelsFiled Oct 27, 2005

    1. LEFT FRONT TIRE HIT A POT HOLE AT 50 MPH IN EASTBOUND #1 LANE RAMONA EXPY, PERRIS CA. 2.TIRE COMPRESSION CAUSED THE RIM EDGE TO SLICE OPEN THE HIGH PLY TURN-UP AND STEEL SIDEWALL STABILIZER. THIS HIGH PLY TURN-UP COMES OFF THE RIM BEAD AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. IF THE TIRE IS COMPRESSED PAST A CRETIN POINT THE RIM HAS NO PLACE TO GO BUT INTO THIS 45 DEGREE DEFLECTION AND SLICES INTO THE TIRE CAUSING SUDDEN AIR LOSS. 3. I CALLED DUNLOP CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TALK DOWN TO IN A CONDESCENDING MANOR, HIT A DEAD END THERE! *NM

    Incident Aug 25, 2005

  • Electrical systemFiled Jul 25, 2003

    CONSUMER HAD QUESTIONS ABOUT THE VEHICLE STARTER AND THE USE OF A STARTER NOT DESIGNED FOR THE VEHICLE.*MR *TS. THE STARTER THE CONSUMER PURCHASED FROM THE AUTO STORE WAS SAID TO BE INCOMPATIBLE FOR THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, HOWEVER IT WORKED FINE. *JB

  • TiresFiled Jun 4, 2002

    TREAD SERARATED FROM TIRE WHILE TRAVELING 40MPH. *AK

    Incident Jun 4, 2002

  • Electrical systemFiled Apr 8, 2002

    WHILE TRYING TO START VEHICLE THERE WAS SOME SMOKE COMING UP FROM IGNITION SWITCH. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO DO ANY WORK.*AK

    Incident Apr 1, 2002

  • Engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline, vehicle speed controlFiled Apr 5, 2002

    HARD TO START VEHICLE. STRONG SMELL OF FUEL. ERRATIC IDLE. ENGINE DIES AND IS DIFFICULT TO START AGAIN. NO SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. TOOK TO CHEVROLET DEALER WHO ONLY REPLACED THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. COULD NOT FIND ANY CODES IN COMPUTER. I HAVE REPLACED SEVERAL PARTS WHICH CONTROL THE IDLE SPEED. GAS ODOR IS GONE BUT CAR STILL DIES AT STOPS AND WILL NOT IDLE CORRECTLY. DEALER COULD NOT GIVE ME AN ANSWER FOR THE CAUSES. THIS CAR HAS BEEN TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS AND NONE OF THEM CAN DETERMINE THE CAUSE.*AK

    Incident Feb 13, 2002

  • Electrical systemFireFiled Mar 7, 2002

    WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND VENTS AREA. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

    Incident Jan 24, 2001

  • Electrical systemFireFiled Jan 24, 2002

    CONSUMER WAS PARKING VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING THROUGH VENTS OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED.*AK

    Incident Jan 24, 2002

  • TiresFiled Aug 21, 2001

    SCHOOL HAS REGULAR MAINTENANCE CHECKS ON THEIR VEHICLES. A LARGE GROUP OF GOODYEARS INVICTA TIRES WERE TAKEN OFF IN 2000. LARGE CRACKS WERE SHOWING ONLY ON THE WHITE SIDEWALLS. ALL TIRES WERE PURCHASED FROM SAME LOCATION, STEVES QUICK STOP. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE MAKE/ MODEL/ YEAR AND MILEAGE INFORMATION. TIRE SIZE P175/80R13, DOT# M6JUFAHR1430.*AK THE SCHOOL STATED THAT TIRES OF REGATTA SERIES ALSO HAD CRACKS IN SIDE WALL IN ADDITON TO THE PREVIOUS INVICTA BRAND. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT HELPFUL. *YH

    Incident Aug 14, 2001

  • Show the 50 most recent
    • Seat beltsFiled Apr 3, 2001

      SEATBELTS MOUNTED TO DOOR FRAME WERE CAUGHT IN DOOR AND WILL NOT RETRACT BACK INTO MECHANISM, CAUSING LOSS OF PROTECTION.*AK

    • Engine and engine coolingFiled Nov 22, 2000

      THE COOLANT FAN WONT RUN WHEN NEED HAVE TIO TURN THE HEATER ON TO RUN FAN AND TEMPERATURE LIGH COMES ON SOMETIMED WHEN YOU FIRST START THE CAR OR YOU CAN BE DRIVING THE CAR AND IT COMES ON. *AK

      Incident Oct 1, 2000

    • Electrical systemFiled Jul 20, 2000

      NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

    • Electrical systemFireFiled Jan 3, 2000

      WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE HOOD FAILED RESULTING IN A FIRE. NLM

    • Electrical systemFiled Jun 21, 1999

      HAS BEEN AT REPAIR SHOP 1 WEEK. CAN'T FIND PROBLEM.

      Incident Jun 14, 1999

    • VisibilityFiled Jan 14, 1999

      WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS TO A CERTAIN DEGREE. THE RIGHT WIPER DOES NOT CLEAR THE WINDOW. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

      Incident Jan 7, 1999

    • Power trainFiled Sep 20, 1998

      FRONT SUSPENSION AND DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. STEERING SHIMMIES SIDE TO SIDE AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH.

    • Service brakes, hydraulic, engine and engine coolingFiled Aug 12, 1998

      NOTICE ENGINE LEAKING OIL. BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE WHEN WEATHER WAS WET. VEHICLE KEPT MOVING THROUGH RED LIGHT. NO ABS. WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT REPAIRS ARE NEEDED FOR SAFETY. (RELAYED PHONE CALL).

      Incident May 17, 1998

    • VisibilityFiled Jan 9, 1998

      WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED, AFFECTING VISIBILITY. *AK

      Incident Jan 1, 1991

    • Latches/locks/linkagesFiled Dec 15, 1997

      TAILGATE LATCH WORN EXCESSIVELY, PREVENTING IT FROM STAYING CLOSED.

    • Engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline, vehicle speed controlFiled Nov 24, 1997

      ENGINE OIL BEARINGS/PISTONS FAILED. ALSO, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAK AND HIGH IDLE. *AK

      Incident Sep 1, 1997

    • Electrical systemFiled Dec 11, 1996

      WHILE DRIVING HORN PAD FELL OUT AND STUCK IN STEERING WHEEL, FROZE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, RIPPED OFF DIFFERENTIAL, SPEED 30 MPH, NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.. *AK

      Incident Dec 4, 1996

    • Fuel system, gasolineFireFiled Nov 14, 1996

      OWNER TOOK VEHICLE TO A GARAGE, WAS ASKED TO START IT, VEHICLE BLEW UP IN MECHANIC'S FACE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE, WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS ENGINE AND NOW ITS THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. *AK

      Incident Oct 10, 1996

    • SteeringFiled Oct 29, 1996

      ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED ANTI-THEFT ALARM TO GO OFF.

      Incident Oct 1, 1993

    • VisibilityFiled Oct 25, 1996

      DURING HOT WEATHER MONTHS WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL INTERMITTENTLY GO ON BY THEMSELVES.

      Incident Oct 11, 1996

    • VisibilityFiled Oct 25, 1996

      WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES REPLACED.

      Incident Oct 11, 1996

    • Electrical systemFireFiled Oct 4, 1996

      ELECTRICAL FIRE.

      Incident Jul 11, 1996

    • SuspensionFiled Sep 10, 1996

      WHILE DRIVING, AT APPROX. 55MPH, EXPERIENCED LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILURE, CAUSED WHEN BROKE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CAPABILITY.*AK

    • Electrical systemFireFiled Sep 4, 1996

      SHORT IN WIRING HARNESS UNDER HOOD CAUSED ENGINE FIRE.

      Incident Jul 11, 1996

    • Electrical systemFiled Aug 29, 1996

      ALTERNATOR FAILURE, ALSO VERY RUSTY OIL

      Incident Aug 5, 1996

    • Engine and engine cooling, electrical systemFiled Aug 29, 1996

      ALTERNATOR FAILURE, ALSO VERY RUSTY OIL PAN. *AK

    • Engine and engine coolingFireFiled Aug 27, 1996

      ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

      Incident Aug 9, 1996

    • SteeringCrash1 injuredFiled Aug 6, 1996

      STEERING FAILURE CAUSED ACCIDENT/INJURY. *DH

      Incident May 28, 1994

    • SteeringFiled Jun 19, 1996

      STEERING COLUMN SMOKED. *SD

      Incident Jun 19, 1996

    • VisibilityFiled Jun 19, 1996

      WIPER SWITCH INOPERATIVE. *SD

      Incident Jun 19, 1996

    • Exterior lightingFiled Jun 19, 1996

      TURN SIGNAL SWITCH SMOKED. *SD

      Incident Oct 17, 1991

    • Electrical systemFiled May 23, 1996

      WHILE DRIVING, AT APPROX. 40MPH, SUDDENLY ENGINE SHUT DOWN, NO WARNING, DUE TO COMPUTER WITHIN IGNITION SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

    • Electrical systemFireFiled Apr 30, 1996

      ELECTRICAL SHORT IN MAIN WIRING HARNESS UNDER HOOD CAUSED FIRE. *DSH

      Incident Apr 30, 1996

    • Electrical systemFiled Mar 21, 1996

      WHEN GOING UP A HILL, VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AND HAS TO RESTART AGAIN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

    • Electrical systemFireFiled Mar 11, 1996

      WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDERHOOD, RIGHT IN FRONT OF DRIVER'S; CAUSE UNKOWN; VEHICLE TOTALED; VEHICLE WITH STATE FARM INSURANCE CO. *AK

      Incident Feb 20, 1996

    • Electrical systemFireFiled Mar 11, 1996

      WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDERHOOD, RIGHT IN FRONT OF DRIVER'S; CAUSE UNKOWN; VEHICLE TOTALED; VEHICLE WITH STATE FARM INSURANCE CO. *AK

      Incident Feb 20, 1996

    • VisibilityFireFiled Feb 15, 1996

      THE PANEL THAT CONTROLS THE POWER WINDOWS STARTED SMOKING AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

      Incident Feb 13, 1996

    • Fuel system, gasolineFiled Jan 30, 1996

      THE FUEL TANK LEAKS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TT

      Incident Jan 28, 1996

    • Electrical systemFiled Jan 11, 1996

      SHORTAGE IN WIRE LEADING TO MOTOR CAUSES MOTOR TO BURN UP. *DSH

      Incident Aug 4, 1994

    • Engine and engine coolingFireFiled Dec 15, 1995

      ENGINE SET ON FIRE. PLEASE DISCRIBE DETAILS. TT

      Incident Nov 13, 1995

    • Electrical systemFiled Dec 12, 1995

      THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN ARE SMOKING. TT

      Incident Dec 5, 1995

    • Power trainFiled Sep 28, 1995

      ODOMETER FRAUD. *SD

      Incident Sep 28, 1995

    • Seat belts1 injuredFiled Sep 14, 1995

      SEAT BELT FAILED. *DSH

      Incident Aug 15, 1995

    • SuspensionFiled Apr 12, 1995

      CONTROL ARM BROKE WHILE DRIVING. TT

      Incident Apr 8, 1995

    • Power trainFiled Apr 12, 1995

      AXLE BEARING LOOSENED RESULTING IN TIRES MAKING NOISE AS THEY WERE SCRAP[NG AGAINST THE GROUND. *AK

      Incident Apr 8, 1995

NHTSA crash ratings

1990 Chevrolet Cavalier 4-DR.

Front, driver
4 out of 5 stars
Front, passenger
5 out of 5 stars
Side, front seat
Not Rated
Side, rear seat
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated

Rated under NHTSA's pre-2011 program, which scored each seat. These stars can't be compared with ratings from 2011 on.

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