Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 108 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Beretta year — the 1996 model ranks #3 of 15 Beretta years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 28 reports (26% of the total).
108
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 28 | 26% | — flat |
| Engine | 22 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 10 | 9% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 10 | 9% | — flat |
| Suspension | 5 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 5 | 5% | — flat |
| Seats | 4 | 4% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Consequence
FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THE INTERIOR LAMPS TO COME ON UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE VEHICLES ARE BEING DRIVEN. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS."
Consequence
THE INTERIOR LAMPS COMING ON UNEXPECTEDLY COULD STARTLE A DRIVER CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE LAMP CONTROL MODULE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR BOARD AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE REAR; ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND CAUSED BURNS AND INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. *AK *JB”
“CONSUMER HAS MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. BRAKES & ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 17,495 MILES. DEALER SAID IT WAS NORMAL WEAR. ON OCTOBER 5TH, THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR A LUBE JOB, AND DEALER NEVER DETECTED THAT HEAD GASKET & FREEZE PLUG WERE LEAKING. CONSUMER TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC TO BE…”
“CONSUMER HAVE HAD THREE ALTERNATORS REPLACED ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS IN SHOP FROM 7-8-97 UNTIL CURRENT TIME. WHENEVER IGNITION IS SHUT OFF THERE IS A CHANCE THAT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. TERRY CULLINS OF CHEVROLET-77--968-4444 AND ANDY LEWIS-[PHONE] CHEVROLET DID THE REPAIRS OF THIS VEHICLE. *AK”
“ALL EXTRIOR LIGHTS HEADLAMPS/TAIL LAMPS/SIDE MARKER LAMPS GO ON IN DAYTIME WITH NO WAY TO TURN OFF. IN ADDITION, ENGINE SURGES, SPEED INCREASES AND BACK FIRES/TRANSMISSION SHIFTS OUT OF CONTROL AND AT DIFFERENT TIMES, AND VEHICLE SQUEAKS, NOCEABLE AT SLOW SPEEDS OR ROLLIN GOVER SPEED BUMPS.”
“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN A DEER RAN OUT INTO THE ROAD , VEHICLE SWERVED TO THE RIGHT OFF THE HIGHWAY TO AVOID HITTING THE DEER. CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT ON GRAVEL PAVEMENT, AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, AND DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 108 complaints put the 1996 model at #3 of 15 Beretta years. It is one of the Beretta years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (28 complaints), engine (22 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Chevrolet Beretta. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.