Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
The 1992 Chevrolet Beretta carries two red flags at once: 71 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR). It is one of the Beretta years to avoid.
The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 49% of all reports (35 of 71), far ahead of engine at 9.
71
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations · 1 open
3
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 35 | 49% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 9 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 7 | 10% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 7 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 5 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE SERVICE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH BECOMES INOPERATIVE.
Consequence
THE INOPERATIVE STOP LAMP SWITCH WILL NOT ILLUMINATE THESTOP LAMPS WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THIS WOULD NOT ADEQUATELY INFORMOTHER DRIVERS OF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR'S INTENT TO STOP OR SLOW DOWN.
Remedy
REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH AND CORRECT THE WIRING IN THE CONNECTOR OF THE STOP LAMP SWITCH WIRING HARNESS.
DP96014
DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR
CFAS SENT A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, TO CHANGE THE INTENT OF THE PETITION TO AIRBAG AGGRESSIVITY AND DEPLOYMENT VARIABILITY.NHTSA RECEIVED THE LETTER ON 12/12/96; ACCORDINGLY, THE PETITION DUE DAY WAS CHANGED TO APRIL 12, 1997.CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE 1991-92 CHEVROLET CORSICA/BERETTA, 1990-92 FORD TAURUS, AND 1994-96 CHRYSLER MINIVANS ARE DEFECTIVE.CFAS ALLEGE THAT INFORMATION ON LOW SPEED CRASHES HERE OCCUPANTS HAVE SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES SUGGESTS [THAT THE ABOVE VEHICLES] HAVE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE CAR HAS TOTAL BRAKE FAILED,ABS BRAKES DID NOT WORK AT 5 MPH. TT CONSUMER WAS LEAVING PARKING GARAGE, HE STARTED ENGINE PULLED OUT OF PARKING LOT, AND STARTED UP RAMP ABOUT A 45% ANGLE, CONSUMER PUT HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, CONSUMER DID THIS TWO MORE TIME BUT…”
“CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUGHT FIRE CAUSING THE CONSOLE TO BE VERY HOT AND FOR THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO BECOME FILLED WITH SMOKE. NLM”
“SHORTLY AFTER VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT A FIRE STARTED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. MECHANIC HAS SEEN VEHICLE, BUT HAD NO EXPLANATION FOR THE FIRE. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THE RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD END SEPERATED WITH OUT ANY WARNING, OWNER WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 5 MPH APROACHING THE INTERSECTION. *AK *JB”
“WHILE DRIVING A COLUMN OF SMOKE DEVELOPED FROM THE TOP OF THE STEERING COLUMN, DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER. THIS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY ONE MILE AFTER NOTICING THAT THE TURN SIGNAL DID NOT SEEM TO OPERATE PROPERLY DURING A TURN. THE SMOKE WAS ALSO ACCOMPANIED BY THE SMELL OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 71 complaints put the 1992 model at #6 of 15 Beretta years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Beretta years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (35 complaints), engine (9 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Chevrolet Beretta. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Yes — an investigation remains open (DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.
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.