1996 Chevrolet Beretta
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 63 |
| 1989 | 54 |
| 1990 | 39 |
| 1991 | 50 |
| 1992 | 54 |
| 1993 | 38 |
| 1994 | 88 |
| 1995 | 93 |
| 1996 | 72 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
38% of complaints: service brakes — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY28% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
14% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and ignition.
14% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.
7% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS STOPPED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN HE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031229
WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR BOARD AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE REAR; ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND CAUSED BURNS AND INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. *AK *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 19961113
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THE INTERIOR LAMPS TO COME ON UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE VEHICLES ARE BEING DRIVEN. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQU
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE LAMP CONTROL MODULE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT.
Campaign 98V027000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNI
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Chevrolet Beretta — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V027000 (interior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Chevrolet Beretta reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Chevrolet Beretta is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Chevrolet Beretta?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Beretta have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.