VehicleVerdict

1990 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier sits mid-pack among Cavalier years: 70 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 206, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 22 reports (31% of the total).

70

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

13

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Cavalier years?

Cavalier NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted867 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 17 complaints1984: 10 complaints1985: 4 complaints1986: 21 complaints1987: 27 complaints1988: 14 complaints1989: 71 complaints1990: 70 complaints1991: 77 complaints1992: 178 complaints1993: 237 complaints1994: 310 complaints1995: 392 complaints1996: 748 complaints1997: 751 complaints1998: 473 complaints1999: 337 complaints2000: 447 complaints2001: 356 complaints2002: 254 complaints2003: 867 complaints2004: 428 complaints2005: 362 complaints
Cavalier NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cavalier years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2231%
Visibility & Wipers913%
Engine710%
Transmission57%
Fuel System46%
Tires & Wheels46%
Steering46%
Seat Belts46%
Brakes23%
Lighting23%
Speed Control23%
Suspension23%
Body & Structure11%
Seats11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND VENTS AREA. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 24, 2001 · fire

“WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS TO A CERTAIN DEGREE. THE RIGHT WIPER DOES NOT CLEAR THE WINDOW. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 7, 1999

“NOTICE ENGINE LEAKING OIL. BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE WHEN WEATHER WAS WET. VEHICLE KEPT MOVING THROUGH RED LIGHT. NO ABS. WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT REPAIRS ARE NEEDED FOR SAFETY. (RELAYED PHONE CALL). ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 17, 1998

“1990 CAVALIER GEAR SHIFT MOVED TO NEUTRAL WHEN TOUCHED BY CONSUMERS LEG. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER'S SON'S LEG TOUCHED THE GEAR SHIFT AND CAUSED IT TO GO INTO NEUTRAL. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY. THE CONSUMER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 16, 2004

“OWNER TOOK VEHICLE TO A GARAGE, WAS ASKED TO START IT, VEHICLE BLEW UP IN MECHANIC'S FACE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE, WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS ENGINE AND NOW ITS THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 10, 1996 · fire

1990 Chevrolet Cavalier — common questions

Is the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 70 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Cavalier year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1990 Cavalier problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (22 complaints), visibility & wipers (9 complaints), engine (7 complaints).

Does the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Cavalier years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cavalier years to avoid are 2003, 1997, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2004, 1995, 2005, 2001, 1999. The cleanest record among Cavalier years belongs to 1981.

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.