VehicleVerdict

1992 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier sits mid-pack among Cavalier years: 178 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 207, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 16 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 59 reports (33% of the total).

178

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

16

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Cavalier years?

Cavalier NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cavalier years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes5933%
Electrical System2514%
Engine1810%
Seats127%
Seat Belts106%
Visibility & Wipers106%
Steering84%
Speed Control74%
Transmission74%
Body & Structure63%
Fuel System53%
Tires & Wheels42%
Lighting21%
Latches & Locks21%
Suspension21%
Other11%

Does the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier have recalls?

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

91V166000Latches & LocksSeptember 23, 1991 · 3,212 units

Defect

THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR MISSING, LEADING TO A CONDITION WHERE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE THE SECONDARY STRIKER.

Consequence

IF THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, AND THEPRIMARY HOOD LATCH WAS ALSO NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY. IFTHIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE HOOD MAY CONTACT THE WINDSHIELD,REDUCING THE FORWARD VISION AREA OF THE DRIVER AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

INSPECT HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“BRAKE PEDAL WILL PERIODICALLY GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT BRAKES ENGAGING. MY DAUGHTER HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS, THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THERE WAS LITTLE DAMAGE. MECHANIC CAN FIND NO PROBLEMS. HE SAID IT COULD BE THE MASTER CYLINDER OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES BUT WITHOUT HIM BEING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 29, 2005 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN ATTACHED GARAGE FOR THREE HOURS WHEN NOISE WAS HEARD IN GARAGE. WHEN LOOKED IN GARAGE WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND FIRE WAS COMING OUT OF BOTH SIDES OF WINDSHIELD ON PASSENGER SIDE. PUT OUT FIRE WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUSHED OUT OF GARAGE. LARGE HOLE IN DASH ON PASSENGER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 5, 2001 · fire

“CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP SIGN WNEN VEHICLE WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS, ABOUT 2MINUTES AFTERWARD, VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT FIRE OUT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 26, 1999 · fire

“STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, CONSTRUCTION WAS OCCURRING, STREET WAS DRY, ANOTHER CAR REARENDED CAVALIER, DRIVER'S SEAT TRACK SNAP, SEAT WENT FORWARD/TURNED SIDEWAYS. *AK THREE INJURIES OCCURRED IN THE ACCIDENT. *SLC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · February 13, 1996 · crash

“VEHICLE SKID ON ICE LOSING CONTROL HITTING ENBANKMENT OF CREEK. REAR OCCUPANTS (3) WERE NOT ABLE TO RELEASE FRONT SEAT BELTS OF PARENTS WHICH DIED ON SCENE. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · December 7, 1995 · crash

1992 Chevrolet Cavalier — common questions

Is the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?

It is close to typical for the Cavalier: 178 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1992 Cavalier problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (59 complaints), electrical system (25 complaints), engine (18 complaints).

Does the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.