1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 18 |
| 1987 | 24 |
| 1988 | 12 |
| 1989 | 43 |
| 1990 | 55 |
| 1991 | 55 |
| 1992 | 134 |
| 1993 | 146 |
| 1994 | 212 |
| 1995 | 270 |
| 1996 | 503 |
| 1997 | 540 |
| 1998 | 345 |
| 1999 | 240 |
| 2000 | 315 |
| 2001 | 243 |
| 2002 | 196 |
| 2003 | 678 |
| 2004 | 330 |
| 2005 | 287 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: seats — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY5% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
FRONT DOOR INTERLOCK STRIKER MAY FAIL, CAUSING DOOR FRAME COLLAPSE AND INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT INTERLOCK STRIKER STUDS ON FRONT DOORS.
Campaign 91V165000 — check if this car was fixed
THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.
Remedy: INSTALL REINFORCING PLATES ON THE CRACKED SHOULDER BELT GUIDES.
Campaign 92V003000 — check if this car was fixed
STICKING THROTTLE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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
1991 Chevrolet Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V165000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V003000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 9% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.