MYRModel Year Report

1989 Chevrolet Cavalier

▲ Better than typical
1989 Chevrolet Cavalier
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:15.624Z

This year had at least 30% fewer 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
43
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

33% of complaints

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 8 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1985 1986: 18 complaints 1987: 24 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1989: 43 complaints 1989 43 1990: 55 complaints 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 137 complaints 1993: 148 complaints 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1996: 503 complaints 1997: 540 complaints 1997 1998: 345 complaints 1999: 240 complaints 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2002: 196 complaints 2003: 678 complaints 2003 2004: 330 complaints 2005: 287 complaints
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 24 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1989: 43 complaints 1989 43 1990: 55 complaints 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 137 complaints 1992 1993: 148 complaints 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1996: 503 complaints 1996 1997: 540 complaints 1998: 345 complaints 1998 1999: 240 complaints 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2002: 196 complaints 2002 2003: 678 complaints 2004: 330 complaints 2004 2005: 287 complaints
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1985 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 24 complaints 1987 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 43 complaints 1989 43 1990: 55 complaints 1990 1991: 56 complaints 1991 1992: 137 complaints 1992 1993: 148 complaints 1993 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1995 1996: 503 complaints 1996 1997: 540 complaints 1997 1998: 345 complaints 1998 1999: 240 complaints 1999 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2001 2002: 196 complaints 2002 2003: 678 complaints 2003 2004: 330 complaints 2004 2005: 287 complaints 2005

1989: 43 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19821
19833
19848
19854
198618
198724
198812
198943
199055
199156
1992137
1993148
1994217
1995271
1996503
1997540
1998345
1999240
2000315
2001243
2002196
2003678
2004330
2005287

Known problem areas

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

Engine and engine cooling

33% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine compartment fire while parked. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-03

When I come to a sudden stop or push my brakes to a certain part down, the car dies. Also on the recall of the fuel tank because the dealerships computer did not go that far back on the model they would'nt do it.the dealer was karnes in somerset ky.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-02

Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline

Fuel system, gasoline

21% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.

Electrical system

14% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing module and ignition.

Visibility

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing windshield and heater core.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Heater core failure, causing antifreeze to leak through heater/defroster system, resulting in respiratory problems.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-21

Structure

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing door and frame and members.

Show complaint excerpts

The door frame on the drivers side of this vehicle has cracks extending out in all directions from the drill hole for the striker. This presents a serious safety hazard to the owners of these vehicles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-05

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 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. I
    1992-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1994-01-31 Sticking throttle
  3. I
    1993-10-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-02-28 Engine compartment fires
  4. 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 Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V189000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier 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.