Model year record

1991 Chevrolet Caprice recalls & problems

The 1991 Chevrolet Caprice has 10 safety recalls and 131 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (35 complaints).

Recalls10safety recalls

Complaints131filed by owners

Crashes · fires24 · 3reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths14 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.

EquipmentOct 24, 2007

Equipment

Recall 07E088000121,680 vehicles

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

Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E0650003,593 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

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

Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

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

SuspensionJan 31, 1996

Rear

Recall 96V020000154,214 vehicles

Problem: THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN CRACK AT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENT.
Risk: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENTS.

Electrical systemFeb 9, 1993

Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers

Recall 93V01800020,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: INSTALL A SHIELDING INSULATOR UNDER THE JUNCTION BLOCK.

Seat beltsJul 1, 1992

Seat belts

Recall 92V094000219,571 vehicles

Problem: THE SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP PLASTIC COVERING MAY CRACK AND EXPOSE THE STEEL SUB-PLATE.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE EXPOSED STEELSUB-PLATE CAN CUT THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING RESULTING IN INCREASED POSSIBILITYAND/OR SEVERITY OF INJURY TO THE AFFECTED SEAT OCCUPANT.
Fix: INSTALL NEW SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS.

WheelsJun 24, 1992

Wheels

Recall 92V08900034,717 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: THE CRACKING CAN CAUSE WHEEL FRACTURING AND SUBSEQUENTSEPARATION FROM THE AXLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE WHEELS WITH REDESIGNED STEEL WHEELS.

Latches/locks/linkagesOct 29, 1991

Hood › Latch

Recall 91V186000224,588 vehicles

Problem: SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES CAN CORRODE, CAUSING A HIGH LATCH RELEASE EFFORT AND POSSIBLY PREVENTING THE HOOD FROM LATCHING PROPERLY WHEN IT IS CLOSED.
Risk: 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.
Fix: INSTALL A NEW SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1991 Chevrolet Caprice 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Caprice

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Caprice Wagon

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Caprice

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	35	6	0	5	—
Vehicle speed control	18	13	0	5	—
Electrical systemHorn; Alternator/generator/regulator	18	0	2	1	—
Engine and engine coolingExhaust system; Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys	13	0	1	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap	12	0	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly; Front › Anchorage	12	0	0	0	—
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	9	6	0	5	—
TiresTread/belt	7	0	0	0	—
StructureBody › Door; Body › Roof and pillars	7	2	0	0	—
SeatsFront assembly › Recliner	6	0	0	0	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Linkages › Tie rod assembly	6	0	0	0	—
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield	6	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Unknown or other
CPSC: THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL HORN BUTTONS ON THE 91-93 CHEVY CAPRICE, HORN BUTTONS ARE DEFECTIVE AND DON'T WORK! *BF UPDATED 10/16/2017*JS
Aug 1, 2017
Exterior lighting
I AM TIRED OF PASSING VEHICLES ON A TWO LANE BLACKTOP IN THE RAIN THAT HAVE HEADLIGHTS BADLY POSITIONED OR TOO BRIGHT. ARE YOU NOT SUPPOSE TO TEST NEW VEHICLES FOR COMPLIANCE. ALL THIS NEW STUFF ONLY HELPS THAT VEHICLES DRIVER AND BLINDS THE REST OF US. ALSO YOU SHOULD MAKE THESE VEHICLES WITH TRUCK SIZE TIRES THAT SIT THREE FEET OFF THE GROUND ILLEGAL. THEY ARE A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL LARGE VEHICLES THAT HAVE AN OTHERWISE GOOD SAFETY RATING IN SERIOUS CRASHES. TWENTY TWO INCH BLINGS KILL! *TR
Dec 3, 2013 · 100,000 miles
Engine and engine coolingFire
1991 CHEVROLET CAPRICE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND WAS DRIVING IT HOME. HE FURTHER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD OVERHEATED AND HE STOPPED TO LET IT COOL DOWN PRIOR TO THE FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0151-90) *JB UPDATED 05/13/10 *BF
Mar 18, 2010
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
WHITE SMOKE IS COMING OUT OF THE EX SYSTEM. I RECENTLY HAD A OIL CHANGE AND TUNE-UP. *TR
Oct 10, 2008 · 167 miles
Engine and engine cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND ACCELERATING, THE VEHICLE MADE A TAPPING NOISE. AFTER CHECKING THE OIL, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CREAM COLORED FOAM ON THE GAUGE STICK. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS NOT POSITIONED PROPERLY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. AFTER CHANGING THE TYPE OF FUEL HE PUT IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 93,400 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Jul 6, 2006 · 48,000 miles
Vehicle speed controlCrash
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING THE 1991 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. THE CONTACT WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND HEARD A LOUD ROAR, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, AND BEFORE THE CONTACT COULD APPLY THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE STRUCK A BUILDING. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN . THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. *AK ALABAMA INCIDENT REPORT PROVIDED. UPDATED 08/03/07 *TR
Jan 22, 2007 · 63,000 miles
Electrical systemFire1 injury
MY CAPRICE CLASSIC WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY AND HAD NOT BEEN MOVED FOR ABOUT 1 HOUR. AFTER AN HOUR FROM MY CAR BEING MOVED, MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DASH WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES WHEN I WAS MADE AWARE THAT MY CAR WAS EVEN ON FIRE FROM A NEIGHBORHOOD KID. I QUICKLY TRIED TO PUT IT OUT AND DID SO. BY THE TIME IT HAD DIED OUT AND THE SMOKE WAS GONE, THE ENTIRE MIDDLE AND PARTIAL LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH HAD MELTED TO THE FLOOR OF THE CAR. MY CAR DID NOT HAVE THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND NOTHING WAS LEFT ON. MY CAR JUST CAUGHT ON FIRE BY ITSELF. MY MOTHER HAD BOUGHT THE CAR FROM THE DEALER NEW AND I BOUGHT IT FROM HER. NO MODIFICATIONS HAD BEEN MADE TO IT AND EVERYTHING IS ORIGINAL FROM THE…
Apr 30, 2004 · 300,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling
CONSUMER PURCHASED A VEHICLE THAT EXPERIENCED ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS. WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN VEHICLE HESITATED. BUT WHEN LETTING UP ON THE GAS VEHICLE ZOOMED FORWARD. CONSUMER MENTIONED THIS TO DEALER, BUT THERE WAS NO RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM.*AK
Aug 31, 2004

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

LWR BALL JOINT ASSEM.FAILSClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE93098 · opened Nov 30, 1993 · closed Mar 30, 1994
R SEAT BELT WEBBING LENGTHClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE92079 · opened Sep 9, 1992 · closed Jan 19, 1993
STEEL WHEEL FAILURESClosedLed to recall 92V089000
There is no summary currently available
PE92051 · opened Jun 4, 1992 · closed Jul 2, 1992
FUEL TANK LEAKAGEClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE92033 · opened Mar 26, 1992 · closed Jul 31, 1992