1989 Chevrolet Caprice
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 18 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 8 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 33 |
| 1987 | 17 |
| 1988 | 12 |
| 1989 | 18 |
| 1990 | 6 |
| 1991 | 134 |
| 1992 | 92 |
| 1993 | 63 |
| 1994 | 152 |
| 1995 | 88 |
| 1996 | 65 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
4 of 18 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Service brakes
3 of 18 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 18 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
Failure of the throttle sticking caused consumer to have an accident PE92-090. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-05
Tires
2 of 18 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. The contact purchased four tires from a goodyear tire company. The tires have caused the vehicle to shake excessively. The tire brand is goodyear integrity, size P215/75R15, and the DOT# is MDHF1MHR.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-09-29
Structure
2 of 18 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members and door.
Show complaint excerpts
Power switch that controlled the seats overheated and then a fire started on the front right side of door area.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-02-04
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1992-12-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-05-12 Throttle sticking/binding
-
I
1993-05-12Engineering analysisClosed 1994-06-30 Throttle sticking/binding
-
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).
-
R
2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 Certain honeywell fram racing brand HP4 and HP8 oil filters that were manufactured from May 25, 2006, through September 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above.…
Remedy: Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during November 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Chevrolet Caprice — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1989 Chevrolet Caprice reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1989 Chevrolet Caprice?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Chevrolet Caprice have?
- 2 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.