MYRModel Year Report

1989 Chevrolet Beretta

● Typical for this model
1989 Chevrolet Beretta
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:36:57.151Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
54
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

22% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 1984 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 63 complaints 1989: 54 complaints 1989 54 1990: 39 complaints 1991: 50 complaints 1992: 54 complaints 1992 1993: 38 complaints 1994: 88 complaints 1994 1995: 93 complaints 1996: 72 complaints 1996 1997: 1 complaint 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 2002: 1 complaint 2002
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1987: 3 complaints 1987 1988: 63 complaints 1988 1989: 54 complaints 1989 54 1990: 39 complaints 1990 1991: 50 complaints 1991 1992: 54 complaints 1992 1993: 38 complaints 1993 1994: 88 complaints 1994 1995: 93 complaints 1995 1996: 72 complaints 1996 1997: 1 complaint 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2002: 1 complaint 2002
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1987: 3 complaints 1987 1988: 63 complaints 1988 1989: 54 complaints 1989 54 1990: 39 complaints 1990 1991: 50 complaints 1991 1992: 54 complaints 1992 1993: 38 complaints 1993 1994: 88 complaints 1994 1995: 93 complaints 1995 1996: 72 complaints 1996 1997: 1 complaint 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2002: 1 complaint 2002

1989: 54 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19873
198863
198954
199039
199150
199254
199338
199488
199593
199672
19971
19982
19991
20021

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

22% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

On jan,9 2003 I bought a 1989 chevy Beretta with 90000 miles on it for the sum of 2300.00 dollars. On March 31 2003 I was driving down the interstate when the vehicle burst into flames.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-05

The car is having problems with the electrical wiring system.please describe details. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-12-13

Seat belts

19% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer stated while driving, the driver's side seat slid backwards while the vehicle was in motion, causing the driver to lose control.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-10

Also filed under Seats

Driver's seat belt failed during accident prior to recall (91V-206), resulting in injury (Attorney for client).

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-16

Seat belt fails to retract.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-11-14

Service brakes

15% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE

Seats

11% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing recliner.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Broken seat back welds.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-07-31

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1989-01-19Fuel system, gasoline88V189000 A fuel tank leak could occur due to small creases on the tank underside cracking during pressure cycling which occurs during normal operation.

    Remedy: Replace fuel tank.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1989-03-30Seat belts89V034000 Front seat belt latch plates may not engage the buckle assemblies.

    Remedy: Replace improperly functioning buckle assemblies.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1989-06-08Seats89V087000 The front seat frame assembly may contain an improper, missing and/or mislocated weld that could fracture.

    Remedy: Replace both front seat assemblies.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    1991-12-18Seat belts91V206000 The front shoulder belt retractors may have reduced sensitivity of the lock-up feature and would not function in a sudden deceleration or crash.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    1992-01-17Engineering analysisClosed 1992-09-09 Hinge pin failure
  6. I
    1992-02-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-06-26 Sticking throttle
  7. I
    1992-04-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-08-31 Park brake handle failure
  8. I
    1992-05-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-09-28 Seat breaks from track
  9. I
    1992-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1994-01-31 Sticking throttle
  10. I
    1992-07-16Engineering analysisClosed 1993-07-08 Fr.seat belt buckle fails
  11. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

    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).

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Chevrolet Beretta — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V189000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 89V034000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 89V087000 · Seats
  • Recall 91V206000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1989 Chevrolet Beretta reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Chevrolet Beretta is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Chevrolet Beretta?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Chevrolet Beretta have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.