1991 Chevrolet Cavalier

▲ Better than typical
1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:04:27.422Z

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, 1991 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 1991: 55 complaints 1991 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
1991: 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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

VISIBILITY 7%

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

SEATS 7%

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

CRASH INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5%

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5%

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

CRASH FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19910930 — structure

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

R 19920131 — seat belts

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

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

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

▲ 1989 ▲ 1990 ▲ 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ■ 1997 ■ 1996

See all years ranked →

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.