Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1990 Chevrolet Beretta sits mid-pack among Beretta years: 54 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 54, with 2 recalls and 5 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 10 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (11), seat belts (9), and brakes (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
54
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
5
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
10
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 11 | 20% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 9 | 17% | — flat |
| Brakes | 7 | 13% | — flat |
| Engine | 5 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 6% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE FRONT SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS MAY HAVE REDUCED SENSITIVITY OF THE LOCK-UP FEATURE AND WOULD NOT FUNCTION IN A SUDDEN DECELERATION OR CRASH.
Consequence
FAILURE OF THE SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR WOULD RESULT INTHE SEAT OCCUPANT ONLY BEING RESTRAINED BY THE LAP BELT IN A CRASH OR SUDDENSTOP, AND AN INCREASED POSSIBILITY OF INJURY.
Defect
OWNER'S MANUALS WERE PRINTED WITH REAR CENTER SEAT BELT INFORMATION OMITTED.
Consequence
THIS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 209.
Remedy
INSERT MISSING INFORMATION INTO OWNERS MANUAL.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING SMOKE IS COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL, POSSIBLY FROM TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK”
“AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED THE PLASTIC COMPONENT THAT HOLDS THE THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER STRAP TO COMMON BUCKLE WHICH THE WAIST STRAP ATTACHES TO, BROKE IN HALF. *AK”
“BRAKES: DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30MPH, APPROACHING A RED LIGHT PUT FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, RAN INTO ANOTHER CAR. *AK 2 PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC”
“ELECTRONIC EGR VALVE IS SPRING-LOADED CLOSED. EXHAUST PRESSURE OVERCOMES SPRING PRESSURE, CAUSING UNDERHOOD EXHAUST LEAK. NOTICED PROBLEM BY SMELLING EXHAUST INSIDE CAR. SNAPPED THROTTLE OPEN AND SAW PUFF OF EXHAUST GAS FROM EGR VALVE. POTENTIAL ASPHYXIATION PROBLEM! *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 5-10MPH SUDDENLY ENGIN ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, HITTING A POLE, NO PRIOR WARNING, EXPERIENCED PRIOR THROTTLE FAILURE. *AK”
It is close to typical for the Beretta: 54 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 5 investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), seat belts (9 complaints), brakes (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Chevrolet Beretta. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Beretta years to avoid are 1994, 1995, 1996, 1988, 1991, 1992. The cleanest record among Beretta years belongs to 1999.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.