1989 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 1989 Chevrolet Caprice problems
The 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are the main issues:
- Rust: Rust is a prevalent problem in 1989 Chevrolet Caprices, especially on the frame. This issue is more pronounced in cars that have been driven in areas with harsh winter conditions or near the ocean, as salt and moisture can accelerate corrosion.
- Front-end components: The front-end ball joints, tie rods, and shocks are also common problem areas. These components can wear out over time, leading to poor handling, vibrations, and uneven tire wear. Regular maintenance and inspection of these parts are essential to ensure their longevity and proper function.
- Fuel system: The fuel system, specifically the fuel pump, can cause issues in the 1989 Caprice. Fuel pump failures can lead to starting problems, stalling, or poor engine performance. Replacing the fuel pump may be necessary to resolve these issues.
- Transmission: Transmission problems, such as slipping or hesitation, can occur in the 1989 Caprice. This issue can be caused by wear and tear, low fluid levels, or a malfunctioning torque converter. Regular maintenance and inspection of the transmission are crucial to prevent these issues.
- Engine: The 1989 Caprice's engine can experience various problems, including issues with the throttle body, fuel injectors, and ignition system. These issues can lead to starting problems, poor performance, or engine misfires. Regular maintenance and inspection of the engine are necessary to ensure its longevity and proper function.
- Brakes: Brake problems, such as leaks or worn-out components, can occur in the 1989 Caprice. These issues can lead to reduced braking performance or complete brake failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of the brake system are essential to ensure its proper function and safety.
- Suspension: Suspension problems, such as worn-out bushings or broken springs, can occur in the 1989 Caprice. These issues can lead to poor handling, vibrations, and uneven tire wear. Regular maintenance and inspection of the suspension system are necessary to ensure its longevity and proper function.
- Tires: Tire issues, such as uneven wear or leaks, can occur in the 1989 Caprice. These issues can lead to poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, or complete tire failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of the tires are necessary to ensure their longevity and proper function.
When inspecting a 1989 Caprice for purchase, it is essential to look for signs of rust, particularly on the frame. Checking the front-end components, engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and tires for any issues is also crucial. Test driving the car and checking for leaks, fluid levels, and the condition of the belts and hoses are also important.
Is a 1989 Chevy Caprice fuel injected?
America's classic full-size value includes spacious accommoda- tions for six, a 5.0 Liter V8 with Electronic Fuel Injection, 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission and a Delco AM/FM stereo radio among its many standard features.
What size engine is in the 1989 Chevy Caprice?
Specifications for Chevrolet Caprice Classic Brougham 5.0 V8 TBI Hydra-Matic, 173hp, 1989.
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 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 |
1989 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Tires problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Chevrolet Caprice vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Chevrolet Caprice complaints
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Chevrolet Caprice.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-04
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CUT OFF I LOSS POWER THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. I BELIEVE THIS WAS DUE TO AN IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOME IN MACON COUNTY,ALABAMA. THE CAR WAS LATER STOLEN FROM MY HOME ADDRESS OF 401 BOYD ROAD SHORTER,ALABAMA 36075. THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE MACON COUNTY, SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-07
- VIN: 1G1BU51E2KR
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. THE CONTACT PURCHASED FOUR TIRES FROM A GOODYEAR TIRE COMPANY. THE TIRES HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. THE TIRE BRAND IS GOODYEAR INTEGRITY, SIZE P215/75R15, AND THE DOT# IS MDHF1MHR. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE TIRES FOR A NEW SET; HOWEVER, THE NEW TIRES HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE AS MUCH AS THE FIRST SET OF TIRES. A GOODYEAR TIRE REPRESENTATIVE ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT SOMEONE WOULD CONTACT HIM; HOWEVER, HE HAS NOT RECEIVED A CALL. A TECHNICIAN DROVE THE VEHICLE, OBSERVED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ASKED THE TIRE DEALER TO ACCEPT THE TIRES IN EXCHANGE FOR A DIFFERENT BRAND AND WAS DENIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-15
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKE LINES RUSTED. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKE PEDAL PROCEEDED TO THE FLOOR AND BRAKE FLUID CAME OUT OF THE BRAKE LINE. NO IMPACT REPORTED. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINE SHOULD BE MADE OUT OF STAINLESS STEEL. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1BU51E4KA
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SEATBELT LATCH WON'T LOCK.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-18
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FRONT DISC BRAKE PAD BONDING TO BRAKE PAD BACKING PLATE FAILED CAUSING PAD TO FAIL IN SHEAR.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-14
- VIN: 1G1BU5TE4KR
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT LATCH. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL, AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S COST. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-20
- VIN: 1G1BL51E5KR
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PEOO 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 40MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A BANGING NOISE, LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED, AND IT TORE A HOLE THOUGH THE BOTTOM OF VEHICLE. TIRE WAS FLAT. FIRESTONE, BRIDGESTONE, SIZE P21575 SR15. CONSUMER CONTACTED FIRSTONE, AND THEY TOLD CONSUMER TO TAKE IT BACK TO WHERE HE BOUGHT IT FROM. *AK BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE P215/75/R15 *MW
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: INTERMITTENTLY DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT BUCKLE WILL NOT CATCH , WHEN IT DOES CATCH IT BECOMES UNBUCKLED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1BL54E7LA
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CAR EXPERIENCED AN UNCOMMANDED FULL THROTTLE ACCELERATION, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY OTHER VEHICLE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1BN81Y0KA
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PAINT IS CRACKING OFF BODY OF VEHICLE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-09-15
- VIN: 1G1BUG51E8K
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-09
- VIN: 1G1BUG51E8K
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES INADEQUATE FOR THE SIZE OF VEHICLE.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G1BN51E1KR
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: POWER SWITCH THAT CONTROLLED THE SEATS OVERHEATED AND THEN A FIRE STARTED ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF DOOR AREA. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-16
- VIN: 1G1BU51E1KA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHEN STOPPED AT GAS STATION INSERTED THE GAS PUMP NOZZLE NOT INTO FUEL TANK NOZZLE, BUT INSTEAD INSERTED THE GAS PUMP NOZZLE IN ONE OF THE SPACES AND PUMPED GAS ONTO THE GROUND. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: BUTTONS THAT CONTROL POWER SEATS ON DRIVERS DOOR, CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE VEHICLE UNATTENDED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-08
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1BU51E2KR
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: FAILURE OF THE THROTTLE STICKING CAUSED CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT PE92-090. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE BUCKLE HAS FAILED W/INSERT COMPLETELY GONE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
- VIN: 1G1BL51E8KR
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION SLIPS. *SKD
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-09
- VIN: 2MELM75W6SX
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DRIVING VEHICLE AT SPEED 45 MPH STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION REAL HARD. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-11
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: BOLTS HOLDING STEERING COLUMN LOOSENED, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO FLOP/MOVE UPWARDS AND SIDE WAYS. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 474227) *SKD
1989 Chevrolet Caprice recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 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: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Other years of Chevrolet Caprice
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