RoadVitals

1991 Chevrolet Caprice

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
131
Latest Oct 12, 2017
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
10
Latest May 11, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
4
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
27
14 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 131 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1991 Chevrolet Caprice, most frequently naming the brakes, driver assistance and electrical categories. 10 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 4 NHTSA investigations name it; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

10 campaigns cover this model year

View all 10

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
07E088000

EQUIPMENT

Oct 24, 2007
121,680 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The 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.
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE93098ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

LWR BALL JOINT ASSEM.FAILS

Opened Nov 30, 1993
Closed Mar 30, 1994

There is no summary currently available

SUSPENSION
PE92079ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

R SEAT BELT WEBBING LENGTH

Opened Sep 9, 1992
Closed Jan 19, 1993

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
PE92051ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

STEEL WHEEL FAILURES

Opened Jun 4, 1992
Closed Jul 2, 1992

There is no summary currently available

SUSPENSIONLed to recall 92V089000
PE92033ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

FUEL TANK LEAKAGE

Opened Mar 26, 1992
Closed Jul 31, 1992

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 131
Electrical
Filed Oct 12, 2017

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

NHTSA ID
11033748
Incident
Aug 1, 2017
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 28, 2013

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

NHTSA ID
10557512
Incident
Dec 3, 2013
Mileage
100,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 13, 2010
Fire reported

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

NHTSA ID
10326328
Incident
Mar 18, 2010
Engine
Filed Aug 27, 2009

WHITE SMOKE IS COMING OUT OF THE EX SYSTEM. I RECENTLY HAD A OIL CHANGE AND TUNE-UP. *TR

NHTSA ID
10282031
Incident
Oct 10, 2008
Mileage
167 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 6, 2007

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.

NHTSA ID
10195494
Incident
Jul 6, 2006
Mileage
48,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Mar 13, 2007
Crash reported

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

NHTSA ID
10184966
Incident
Jan 22, 2007
Mileage
63,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 9, 2005
Fire reported1 injury reported

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 MAKER/DEALER/CCHEVROLET. I NOTICED THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN MADE REGARDING CARS CATCHING ON FIRE FREOM A SHORT. WHY WASN'T MY MOTHER MADE AWARE OF THIS IN ORDER TO CORRECT YOUR PROBLEM BEFORE SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENED? PLEASE RESPOND ASAP. SINCERLY, KATHLEEN BAGLEY KKB PENDING CONTACT.... 07/08/05...

NHTSA ID
10128170
Incident
Apr 30, 2004
Mileage
300,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2004

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

NHTSA ID
10090159
Incident
Aug 31, 2004

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

020730024A

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT

438206A

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

UNKNOWN

438206

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

WIPER CHATTER DURING COLD WEATHER. *TW

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Caprice by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2018000—
2017000—
2016000—
2015000—
2014123145.5
2013640—
2012030—
2011130—
2004000—
2003100—
1997300—
1996658353.6
19958811561.6
199414610463.7
1993616056.7
19928911263.6
1991Viewing13110466.8
1990622—
1989182260.0
1988123152.7
1987174261.7
1986303464.6
1985454—
1984724—
1983811—
1982020—
1981020—
1980030—
1979340—
1978030—
1977240—
1976020—
1974030—
1973010—
1972020—
1971030—
1969040—
1968020—
1967020—
1966020—
1965030—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.