1990 Chevrolet Cavalier: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 55 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (35% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2014
“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”Owner report · Wheels · Aug 2005
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2002
“Consumer was parking vehicle and noticed that smoke was coming through vents of vehicle. Vehicle was on fire. Fire department was notified.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2002
“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”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2001
“While traveling on highway and without prior warning smoke was coming from the steering column and vents area. Dealership was aware of problem.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2001
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2000
“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”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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).
How other years compare
Check your exact Cavalier by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?
NHTSA has 55 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier. The most complained-about area is electrical system (35% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 173,000 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.