MYRModel Year Report

1990 Chevrolet Cavalier

▲ Better than typical
1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:02:44.265Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Cavalier Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1990 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 1 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1987: 24 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 43 complaints 1990: 55 complaints 1990 1991: 55 complaints 1992: 134 complaints 1992 1993: 146 complaints 1994: 212 complaints 1995: 270 complaints 1996: 503 complaints 1996 1997: 540 complaints 1998: 345 complaints 1999: 240 complaints 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2002: 196 complaints 2003: 678 complaints 2004: 330 complaints 2004 2005: 287 complaints 2005
1990: 55 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19821
19833
19848
19854
198618
198724
198812
198943
199055
199155
1992134
1993146
1994212
1995270
1996503
1997540
1998345
1999240
2000315
2001243
2002196
2003678
2004330
2005287

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

AFTER PARKED 20 MINUTES, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL FAILURE UNDER HODD. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950323

VISIBILITY 7%

7% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7%

7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE SET ON FIRE. PLEASE DISCRIBE DETAILS. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19951215

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
VISIBILITY 5%

5% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19920626 — EA (closed 19940131)

STICKING THROTTLE

I 19931008 — PE (closed 19940228)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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 MANUFACTURE

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).

Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1990 Chevrolet Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1989 ▲ 1991 ▲ 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ■ 1997 ■ 1996

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier?

The most-reported component is electrical system:wiring:front underhood, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.