MYRModel Year Report

1990 Chevrolet Cavalier

▲ Better than typical
1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:53:53.259Z

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
55
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1990

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

38% 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 1990: 55 complaints 1990 55 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 1988 1989: 43 complaints 1990: 55 complaints 1990 55 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 1990: 55 complaints 1990 55 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

1990: 55 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.

Electrical system

38% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

After parked 20 minutes, vehicle caught fire due to possible electrical failure under hodd. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-23

Consumer had questions about the vehicle starter and the use of a starter not designed for the vehicle.*mr *ts. The starter the consumer purchased from the auto store was said to be incompatible for the consumer's vehicle, however it worked fine.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-06

Visibility

15% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and switch/wiring.

FIRE

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine set on fire. Please discribe details. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-12-15

Power train

9% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing floor shift assembly and manual transmission.

Seat belts

7% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing anchorage.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle rolled, passenger had on seat belt, attached to door, passenger was ejected. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-20

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1992-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1994-01-31 Sticking throttle
  2. I
    1993-10-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-02-28 Engine compartment fires
  3. 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

1990 Chevrolet Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 21 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • 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 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, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

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