1979 Chevrolet Caprice problems
The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 to 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold. It was the most popular car in the U.S. in the 1960s and early 1970s, which, during its lifetime, included the Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala.
Introduced in mid-1965 as a luxury trim package for the Impala four-door hardtop, Chevrolet offered a full line of Caprice models for the 1966 and subsequent model years, including a "formal hardtop" coupe and an Estate station wagon. The 1971 to 1976 models are the largest Chevrolets ever built. The downsized 1977 and restyled 1991 models were awarded Motor Trend Car of the Year. Production ended in 1996.
From 2011 to 2017, the Caprice nameplate returned to North America as a full-size, rear wheel drive police vehicle, a captive import from Australia built by General Motors's subsidiary Holden—the police vehicle is a rebadged version of the Holden WM/WN Caprice. The nameplate also had a civilian and police presence in the Middle East from 1999 to 2017, where the imported Holden Statesman/Caprice built by Holden was marketed as the Chevrolet Caprice in markets such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
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Common 1979 Chevrolet Caprice problems
The 1979 Chevrolet Caprice has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. One of the main issues is the car's sluggish and slow driving. Users have reported that their Caprice has trouble going over 10-15 mph and tends to stall when the gas is pressed. This problem can be caused by various factors, such as a faulty carburetor, clogged fuel filter, or ignition issues. It is essential to diagnose the root cause to address the problem effectively.
Another issue reported by Caprice owners is the lack of power and poor acceleration. This problem can be attributed to the car's engine, transmission, or exhaust system. The 1979 Caprice came with several engine options, including a 305 cubic inch V8, which was the base model, and a more powerful 350 cubic inch V8. If the car is experiencing poor acceleration or lack of power, it is possible that the engine is not functioning correctly, or the transmission is not shifting correctly.
The Caprice's exhaust system can also cause poor acceleration and lack of power. The car's exhaust system can become clogged or damaged, leading to reduced engine performance. It is essential to inspect the exhaust system regularly to ensure it is functioning correctly.
Rust is another common problem reported by Caprice owners. The car's body can develop rust, especially in areas where the car is exposed to salt and moisture. Rust can cause significant damage to the car's body and can be costly to repair. It is essential to inspect the car's body regularly for signs of rust and address the problem promptly.
The Caprice's brakes can also cause problems for owners. The car's brake system can develop leaks or become worn, leading to reduced braking performance. It is essential to inspect the brake system regularly to ensure it is functioning correctly.
In summary, the 1979 Chevrolet Caprice has several common problems that owners have reported, including sluggish and slow driving, lack of power and poor acceleration, exhaust system issues, rust, and brake problems. Addressing these issues promptly can help ensure the car's longevity and reliability.
What engine is in a 1979 Caprice?
Specifications for Chevrolet Caprice Classic 5.7 V8 Hydra-Matic, 172hp, 1979.
What year Caprice is most popular?
1965
The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America for the 1965 to 1996 model years. Full-size Chevrolet sales peaked in 1965 with over a million sold.
What is the mpg on a 1979 Chevy Caprice?
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 48 fuel-ups and 10,594 miles of driving, the 1979 Chevrolet Caprice gets a combined Avg MPG of 14.72 with a 0.35 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 9 outliers (15.79%) removed.
What engine is in a Caprice?
ENGINES
| Type: | 3.6L DOHC V-6 VVT |
|---|---|
| Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): | 301 / 224 @ 6700 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm): | 265 / 358 @ 4800 |
1979 Chevrolet Caprice car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Caprice problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Equipment problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Chevrolet Caprice vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1979 Chevrolet Caprice complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Chevrolet Caprice.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-15
- VIN: 1H4709J2099
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-15
- VIN: 1H4709J2099
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1H4709J2099
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN FAILED.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1H4709J2099
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER MOTOR FAILED CAUSING PARTS TO FALL FROM VEHICLE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-18
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FORWARD CLUTCH FAILED. *SKD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-13
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATALYTIC COVERTER FAILED, CAUSING FUEL LINES TO CATCH ON FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *SKD
1979 Chevrolet Caprice recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1979 Chevrolet Caprice.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: THE HEADS MAY BREAK OFF THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION EVEN UNDER NO LOAD CONDITIONS. THIS IS DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF BOLTS USED, HIGH INSTALLATION TORQUE AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE BODY ANCHORAGE.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: A CHILD COULD OPEN THE REAR SIDE COMPARTMENT DOOR AND ENTER THIS COMPARTMENT. THE CHILD COULD BECOME ENTRAPPED IF THE DOOR WERE TO CLOSE, AS IT CANNOT BE UNLATCHED FROM THE INSIDE.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL COMPARTMENT DOOR LATCH, WHICH CAN BE LATCHED WITHOUT A KEY, WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY THAT REQUIRES A KEY TO LATCH AS WELL AS LOCK THE DOOR.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WHICH IS OPERATED BY THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT LUBRICANT ON THE ACTUATING PLUNGER. THIS CAN CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE STOPLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND THE CRUISE CONTROL, IF ACTIVATED, TO STAY ELECTRICALLY ENGAGED.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Other years of Chevrolet Caprice
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