VehicleVerdict

1992 Chevrolet Caprice problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 133 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 53.2 times the median Caprice year — the 1992 model ranks #3 of 36 Caprice years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 48 injuries in total across these filings.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 35 reports (26% of the total).

133

NHTSA complaints

11

Recalls

2

Investigations

26

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

48

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Caprice years?

See all Caprice years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Chevrolet Caprice problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes3526%
Electrical System1713%
Airbags1612%
Seat Belts1411%
Suspension75%
Speed Control75%
Tires & Wheels65%
Steering54%
Visibility & Wipers43%
Other43%
Engine43%
Body & Structure32%
Lighting32%
Fuel System32%
Latches & Locks22%
Transmission22%
Seats11%

Does the 1992 Chevrolet Caprice have recalls?

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

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

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.

06E065000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 3,593 units

Defect

CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

97V217000BrakesNovember 24, 1997 · 56,701 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULATOR CAN CORRODE AND LEAK FLUID FROM THE FRONT BRAKE CIRCUIT.

Consequence

BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN REDUCE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE ABS MODULATOR.

96V020000SuspensionJanuary 31, 1996 · 154,214 units

Defect

THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN CRACK AT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN BE AGGRAVATED BY THE SEVERE DUTY CYCLE OF THESE VEHICLES AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FRACTURE COMPLETELY CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENTS.

93V018000Electrical SystemFebruary 9, 1993 · 20,000 units

Defect

SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEQ 9C1 POLICE CARS IN CORROSION AREAS OF THE US AND CANADA ONLY. NOTE: VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEWJERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, AND WISCONSIN. A ELECTRICAL GROUND-OUT CONDITION MAY EXIST BETWEEN THE 12 VOLT JUNCTION BLOCK AND THE METAL INNER FENDER SKIRT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A MELTED JUNCTION BLOCK, SMOKE,AND BURNED UNDERHOOD WIRING RESULTING IN A DISABLED VEHICLE OR A VEHICLE FIRE.THIS CONDITION CAN OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION OR WHILE THE VEHICLEIS PARKED AND THE IGNITION IS IN THE "OFF" POSITION.

Remedy

INSTALL A SHIELDING INSULATOR UNDER THE JUNCTION BLOCK.

93V010000Fuel SystemJanuary 19, 1993 · 1,771 units

Defect

THE ENGINE MOUNTED FUEL FEED AND RETURN PIPES MAY FRACTURE DUE TO CONTACT WITH THE ENGINE FRAME DURING OPERATION.

Consequence

IF THE FUEL PIPE FRACTURES, GASOLINE WILL BE FORCED ATPRESSURE FROM THE FUEL PIPES INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, RESULTING IN ANUNDERHOOD FIRE IF THE GASOLINE IS EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy

REPLACE THE FUEL FEED AND RETURN PIPES USING NEW PIPE ASSEMBLIES.

92V089000Tires & WheelsJune 24, 1992 · 34,717 units

Defect

THE STEEL WHEELS EXHIBIT FATIGUE CRACKING AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WHEEL LUG NUT MOUNTING SURFACE DUE TO WHEEL BENDING CAUSED BY FREQUENT MISUSE OF TIRE MOUNTING EQUIPMENT, LUG NUT OVERTORQUING, AND THE UNUSUAL OPERATING CONDITIONS EXPERIENCED BY POLICE VEHICLES.

Consequence

THE CRACKING CAN CAUSE WHEEL FRACTURING AND SUBSEQUENTSEPARATION FROM THE AXLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE WHEELS WITH REDESIGNED STEEL WHEELS.

91V186000Latches & LocksOctober 29, 1991 · 224,588 units

Defect

SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES CAN CORRODE, CAUSING A HIGH LATCH RELEASE EFFORT AND POSSIBLY PREVENTING THE HOOD FROM LATCHING PROPERLY WHEN IT IS CLOSED.

Consequence

IF THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED, ANDTHE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH WAS ALSO NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN AND CONTACT THEWINDSHIELD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, REDUCING THE FORWARD VISION AREA OFTHE DRIVER AND RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

INSTALL A NEW SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

I'M NOT TRYING TO DO DUAL COMPLAINTS. WHILE BRAKING ,PRIOR TO IMPACT, THERE WAS A LOUD CLICKING COMING FROM THE ABS CONTROL UNIT UNDER THE HOOD, ALSO THE COMPUTER ECM, SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, SERIOUS LIFETIME INJURIES, I'M GOING INTO A POWERCHAIR, AT 42 THERE IS NO SURGERY THAT WILL HELP…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 26, 2005 · crash

THE DASHBOARD HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF TOXIC FUMES. LATER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. DEALER HAS TO REPLACE WHOLE DASHBOARD. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

I'M NOT TRYING TO DO DUAL COMPLAINTS. WHILE BRAKING ,PRIOR TO IMPACT, THERE WAS A LOUD CLICKING COMING FROM THE ABS CONTROL UNIT UNDER THE HOOD, ALSO THE COMPUTER ECM, SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, SERIOUS LIFETIME INJURIES, I'M GOING INTO A POWERCHAIR, AT 42 THERE IS NO SURGERY THAT WILL HELP…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 26, 2005 · crash

I'M NOT TRYING TO DO DUAL COMPLAINTS. WHILE BRAKING ,PRIOR TO IMPACT, THERE WAS A LOUD CLICKING COMING FROM THE ABS CONTROL UNIT UNDER THE HOOD, ALSO THE COMPUTER ECM, SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, SERIOUS LIFETIME INJURIES, I'M GOING INTO A POWERCHAIR, AT 42 THERE IS NO SURGERY THAT WILL HELP…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 26, 2005 · crash

THE VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING AND VEERS TO THE RIGHT WHEN STALLING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TT THE BRAKE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL BURNED OUT TWICE. THERE WAS A BUMPING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. IGNITION…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 25, 1994

1992 Chevrolet Caprice — common questions

Is the 1992 Chevrolet Caprice reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 133 complaints put the 1992 model at #3 of 36 Caprice years. It is one of the Caprice years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Caprice problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (35 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints), airbags (16 complaints).

Does the 1992 Chevrolet Caprice have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Chevrolet Caprice. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Chevrolet Caprice under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.