1990 Chevrolet Caprice problems

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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.

1990 Chevrolet Caprice

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Common 1990 Chevrolet Caprice problems

The 1990 Chevrolet Caprice is known for several common problems that car owners have reported. These issues range from stalling at idle, fuel pressure regulator leaks, and transmission problems to engine problems that result in blue-ish white smoke coming out of the exhaust.

One of the most common problems with the 1990 Chevrolet Caprice is stalling at idle, which is often accompanied by hesitation and acceleration issues. Car owners have reported that changing out the fuel pump, relay, and filter, as well as the air filter, can fix the hesitation and acceleration issues. However, this may not necessarily solve the stalling problem. Some car owners have reported that the stalling issue is caused by a loss of compression, which can be a more serious problem. Other possible causes of stalling include vacuum leaks, a faulty IAC (Idle Air Control) valve, a bad oxygen sensor, and issues with the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valves.

Another common problem with the 1990 Chevrolet Caprice is a leaking fuel pressure regulator inside the intake manifold plenum. This can result in a loss of fuel pressure and cause problems with the engine's performance. Car owners have reported that this issue can be difficult to diagnose and may require the assistance of a professional mechanic.

Transmission problems are also common in the 1990 Chevrolet Caprice. These problems can manifest as shifting delays, grinding or jumping during acceleration, the car shaking on the road, or a complete failure of the transmission. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch plates, and damaged transmission gears.

Finally, some car owners have reported engine problems with the 1990 Chevrolet Caprice, including blue-ish white smoke coming out of the exhaust. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a blown head gasket, a cracked engine block, or a damaged cylinder head. These problems can be serious and may require extensive repairs or even replacement of the engine.

In summary, the 1990 Chevrolet Caprice is known for several common problems, including stalling at idle, leaking fuel pressure regulators, transmission problems, and engine problems. Car owners are advised to be aware of these issues and to seek the assistance of a professional mechanic if they experience any of these problems.

1990 Chevrolet Caprice engine

What motor came in the 1990 Chevy Caprice?

Used 1990 Chevrolet Caprice - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size5.0 L
CylindersV8
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower170 hp @ 4,400 rpm

What year Caprice is most popular?

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.

How much is a 1990 Chevy Caprice?

The value of a used 1990 Chevrolet Caprice ranges from $1,143 to $7,118, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.

What year was the Caprice fuel injected?

Standard equipment for all models included tinted glass, a remote-control driver's mirror, automatic headlight on/off, and an AM/FM stereo. A police version of the Caprice wagon was made; it had the code 1A2 and was designed for special service use. 1989 marked the first year of a fuel-injected V8 engine.

What motor came in the 1990 Chevy Caprice?

Used 1990 Chevrolet Caprice - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size5.0 L
CylindersV8
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower170 hp @ 4,400 rpm

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.

How much is a 1990 Chevy Caprice?

The value of a used 1990 Chevrolet Caprice ranges from $1,163 to $7,318, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.

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

1990 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
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Wheels problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Chevrolet Caprice vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Chevrolet Caprice complaints

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Chevrolet Caprice.

2003-03-10

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: NOT AVAILAB
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS WERE ANCHORED TO THE DOOR, IF THE DOOR OPENED, THE PASSENGER WAS NOT SECURE. *JB
2003-03-07

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: NOT AVAILAB
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS WERE ATTACHED TO THE DOOR. CONSUMER STATED IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO OCCUR AND THE DOOR OPENED, THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER MAY FALL OUT.*JB
2000-12-21

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-10-15
  • VIN: 1G1BU54E2LA
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH LEFT FRONT RIM, BROKEN FROM CENTER AND WHEEL DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FALL DOWN ON ITS LEFT HUD. IT DAMAGED LEFT FENDER. UNABLE TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER AT THIS TIME. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DTAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
1998-10-28

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-10-12
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHEN DRIVING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE VEHICLE DIES OUT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. *AK
1997-08-29

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-08-25
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G1BN54E9LR
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE PUTTING VEHICLE IN REVERSE, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CONSUMER WAS STANDING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER CRASHING INTO A CEMENT POLE, CONSUMER HAS BEEN IN PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PAIN AND NUMBNESS IN THE NECK AND LEFT HAND, 2 PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC
1997-02-28

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G1BN54EXLR
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: ENGINE IDLES HIGH, WHEN CAR IS PUT INTO DRIVE IT ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN. *AK

1990 Chevrolet Caprice recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1990 Chevrolet Caprice.

2007-10-24
  • 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.
1990-05-18
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
  • Summary: PLASTIC FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLIES MAY DEVELOP LEAKS.
  • Consequence: FUEL LEAKS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO STATICCHARGE BUILD UPS FOUND IN THE PLASTIC FUEL LINES AND FUEL FILTER WHICH MAY ACTAS AN IGNITION SOURCE.
  • Remedy: REPLACE PLASTIC ASSEMBLY WITH METAL FUEL FILTER AND BRACKET.

Negative 1990 Chevrolet Caprice car reviews

  1. Johnnie Reynolds 2024-08-16

    I purchased this car with 73K miles from a private seller who ran a body shop where the car was repaired after being sideswiped. Although it runs well, over the past seven years, the paint has dulled, the headliner has detached from the ceiling, the dash cover has split apart, weatherstripping has torn, and electrical problems have developed. On cold days, the wipers won't come on for a minute or more and they continue sweeping when you shut them. Additionally, the engine nearly stalls each time you come to a stop, but you get used to that. I have replaced engine gaskets, carburetor, tranny, exhaust, brakes, tires, springs, shocks, alternator, water pump, radiator, in the 40K that I have owned this car.

  2. Felipe Williamson 2024-05-09

    I purchased this car from a family member who took great care of it and hardly drove it. It currently has only 180000KM's, but unfortunately, it has been experiencing some issues lately. It's important to note that the car has a 307 W/OD engine and gets around 12MPG. Additionally, it seems to be consuming oil at a higher rate than usual. While I have been taking excellent care of the car, the engine is still struggling. We suspect that it may be due to the valve guide seals, carburetor float, or piston rings. Unfortunately, the cost of repair is quite high, ranging from $700-1200. Please keep this in mind if you are considering purchasing this car.

  3. Nikolas Beahan 2024-02-23

    The alternator has failed for the third time on this car, despite having only 68,000 miles on the clock. The replacement part cost $117, which I found to be excessive even with a discount. I also noticed that the car's interior components, such as the armrest and power window buttons, seemed to be of lightweight construction and were prone to breaking. Additionally, the body of the car was easily dented and the seats were uncomfortable. The radio was also difficult to operate and unreliable.

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