RoadVitals

1993 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.
61
Latest Aug 23, 2007
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.
6
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.
0
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.
13
5 injuries, 2 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 61 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and suspension categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 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

  • Brakes1321.3%
  • Electrical1321.3%
  • Suspension69.8%
  • Seat belts46.6%
  • Airbags46.6%
  • Driver assistance34.9%
  • Body & structure34.9%
  • Tires & wheels34.9%

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

6 campaigns cover this model year

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

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.

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.

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

Recent owner complaints

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

Interior & seats
Filed Aug 23, 2007
Fire reported

1993 CHEVROLET STATION WAGON CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DASHBOARD COMPARTMENT. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *JB

NHTSA ID
10201484
Incident
Jul 7, 2007
Electrical
Filed Dec 3, 2004

INTERMITTENTLY HORN FAILED TO WORK. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM TWICE, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS.*AK THE VEHICLE NEEDED A HORN SWITCH REPLACED. *TC

NHTSA ID
10099380
Incident
Oct 18, 2004
Mileage
87,688 mi
Suspension
Filed Jan 6, 2004

LOCATION: FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM ON DRIVER'S SIDE. PROBLEM: NUT CAME OFF THE BOLT HOLDING THE SUSPENSION TOGETHER CAUSING A 2" RIP IN THE FRAME. *AK COMPLAINT: VEHICLE CAN NOT BE REPAIRED THROUGH WELDING WITH OUT SOME LIABILITY AND RISK. QUESTION: HOW CAN THIS ISSUE BE RESOLVED?

NHTSA ID
10052494
Incident
Jan 4, 2004
Mileage
96,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 1, 2003

THE HORN WAS INOPERATIVE DUE TO THE HOT WEATHER TEMPERATURE MELTING THE MECHANISMS. *AK *SCC *JB

NHTSA ID
10034127
Incident
Jun 1, 2003
Mileage
25,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 3, 2002

THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THE WIRES THAT RAN FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK ALONG THE FRAME HAD SHORTED OUT CIRCUIT. THIS SHORT WAS DUE TO THE CIRCUIT RUBBING AGAINST THE FRAME. NLM

NHTSA ID
8020159
Electrical
Filed Aug 20, 2002

THE HORN BUTTONS ARE LOCATED AT EACH SIDE OF THE AIRBAG. THEY ARE 2 SMALL BUTTONS THAT ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. THE LEFT HORN BUTTON WILL SLIP OUT OF PLACE AND GO SOMEWHERE INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE HORN BUTTONS ARE MADE OUT OF PLASTIC AND VERY SUSCEPTIBLE TO BREAKAGE EVEN W/LITTLE USAGE.I RECENTLY CONTACTED THE MANUF. BUT THEY ATTRIBUTED TO WEAR AND TEAR/AGE OF VEHICLE. WE HAVE REPLACED THE HORN BUTTONS 1996, 1997,1999, 2000, AND THEY JUST WENT OUT AGAIN. THIS HAS BECOME AN EXPENSIVE & FRUSTRATING SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE YOU ARE UNABLE TO USE THE HORN IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. YOU ARE UNABLE TO DEPEND ON THE RELIABILITY OF BEING ABLE TO PUSH THE HORN BUTTONS. THE WINDOW GUIDES ARE MADE OF PLASTIC. THEY BREAK VERY EASILY. THE SERVICE DEPT. HAS ACKNOWLEDGED POOR CRAFTMANSHIP FOR BOTH OF THESE ITEMS BUT HAS OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE IN EITHER MATTER. ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN OFFER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.*AK

NHTSA ID
765962
Incident
Nov 14, 1996
Brakes
Filed Aug 12, 2002

WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ABS BRAKE LIGHT APPEARED ON DASHBOARD. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED AT 21000 MILES AND FRONT DISCS REPLACED AT 27000 MILES. ALSO THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SENSOR FAILED AT 23000 MILES. *YH

NHTSA ID
8016024
Incident
Jun 1, 2002
Suspension
Filed Jul 16, 2002

FRONT END SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM ON DRIVER'S SIDE IS FAULTY. BOLT THAT HOLDS FRAME IS HANGING OFF AND THE SELF LOCKING NUT CAME OFF.

NHTSA ID
8014074
Incident
Apr 2, 2002

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
1993Viewing616056.7
19928911263.6
199113110466.8
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.