VehicleVerdict

1984 Chevrolet Caprice problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1984 Chevrolet Caprice — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

4

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1984 compare to other Caprice years?

Caprice NHTSA complaints by model year, 1984 highlighted185 complaints1965: 0 complaints1966: 0 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 2 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 6 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 8 complaints1984: 8 complaints1985: 8 complaints1986: 41 complaints1987: 20 complaints1988: 16 complaints1989: 19 complaints1990: 6 complaints1991: 170 complaints1992: 133 complaints1993: 63 complaints1994: 185 complaints1995: 111 complaints1996: 87 complaints1997: 3 complaints2003: 1 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 9 complaints2014: 14 complaints
Caprice NHTSA complaints by model year, 1984 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Caprice years to avoid →

What are the most common 1984 Chevrolet Caprice problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control225%
Transmission225%
Brakes113%
Engine113%
Seat Belts113%
Seats113%

Does the 1984 Chevrolet Caprice have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E088000OtherOctober 24, 2007 · 121,680 units

Defect

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

89V102000Speed ControlJune 16, 1989 · 1,755,897 units

Defect

A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).

Consequence

SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“PRNDL READOUT STAYS ON THE "P" (FOR PARK) POSITION. I HAVE TO COUNT THE GEARS WHEN I OPERATE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR. CABLE THAT LINKS THE PRNDL NEEDLE TO THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR HAS BROKEN (HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE). THIS MAY BE A DEVELOPING SAFETY DEFECT TREND IN THIS GREAT CAR. PH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 15, 2001

“VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING, AND VEHICLE JUMPED INTO CRUISE CONTROL WITHOUT CONSUMER EVEN TOUCHING THE BUTTON. ALMOST REARENDED ANOTHER CAR. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 1, 2000

“VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, DRIVER'S SEAT WENT BACKWARDS TO REAR SEAT OF VEHICLE, PASSENGER'S SIDE WENT BACK, SEATBELT DID NOT HOLD. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · December 11, 1995 · crash

“VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING, AND VEHICLE JUMPED INTO CRUISE CONTROL WITHOUT CONSUMER EVEN TOUCHING THE BUTTON. ALMOST REARENDED ANOTHER CAR. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 1, 2000

1984 Chevrolet Caprice — common questions

Is the 1984 Chevrolet Caprice reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1984 Chevrolet Caprice have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1984 Chevrolet Caprice. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1984 Chevrolet Caprice under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Caprice years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Caprice years to avoid are 1994, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1993, 1986, 2014. The cleanest record among Caprice years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.