1990 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a line of compact cars produced by Chevrolet. Serving as the replacement of the Chevrolet Monza, the Cavalier was the second Chevrolet model line to adopt front-wheel drive. Three versions of the Cavalier have been sold, including three generations sold in North America from model years 1982 to 2005, a version produced by SAIC-GM for China from 2016 to 2021, and a SAIC-GM version produced for Mexico since the 2019 model year.
The Cavalier was among the inaugural vehicles of the GM J platform. One of the first "world cars" of General Motors, the J platform was developed for use by each North American GM division (with the exception of GMC), alongside international models for Opel, Vauxhall, and Holden. Though sharing chassis underpinnings, J-body cars from Europe and Australia used slightly different body designs and different powertrains; in Europe, the Vauxhall Cavalier and Opel Ascona were marketed as mid-size cars. Initially a divisional counterpart of the Buick Skyhawk, Cadillac Cimarron, Oldsmobile Firenza, and Pontiac J2000, the Cavalier was primarily marketed alongside the Pontiac Sunbird (renamed the Pontiac Sunfire for 1995).
The 1982-2005 Cavalier was produced by multiple GM facilities across North America. For 2005, the Chevrolet Cobalt replaced the model line in North America.
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Common 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
The Chevrolet Cavalier, produced from 1982 to 2005, was a popular compact car for many drivers. However, the 1990 model year had some common issues that owners frequently reported.
- Automatic Transmission Overdrive Lock: Another common problem with the 1990 Cavalier was the automatic transmission getting locked into overdrive after warming up on hot days. This issue made it difficult to slow down or stop the car, as it was like driving a car with a manual transmission without using the clutch. The problem could be temporarily resolved by unplugging the switch that allowed the car to go into overdrive, but this would also disable the overdrive function entirely.
- Head Gasket Failure: The 1990 Cavalier, like many other vehicles of its era, was prone to head gasket failure. This issue typically occurred after around 100,000 miles and required replacing the gasket, which was a relatively simple and inexpensive repair.
- Throttle Body Fuel Injection: The 1990 Cavalier was the first year the 2.2-liter engine was used, which meant that the throttle body fuel injection system was also new. This system could cause some model-wide problems, including drivability issues and reduced fuel efficiency.
- Safety Concerns: While not directly related to common mechanical issues, it's worth noting that the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier had several safety recalls, including problems with the fuel system, powertrain, and suspension.
In summary, the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier had several common issues that owners frequently reported, including problems with the TPS, automatic transmission, head gasket, and throttle body fuel injection system. Additionally, the car had several safety recalls that should be considered when purchasing a used 1990 Cavalier.
How many miles will a Cavalier last?
There are reports of 2003 Cavaliers topping 300,000 miles with the original powertrain and engine. One mechanic at Car Gurus even claims to have worked on an engine with 440,000 miles on it. But, as you can't vouch for the previous owner's maintenance habits, expect a lifespan of around 250,000 miles.
Why did Chevy stop making Cavaliers?
Contrary to the American markets, however, the cavalier remained on sale in other regions like Mexico for example. Stopping the Cavalier's production was a logical decision based on the declining sedan sales in the United States, a decision that left only the Malibu to represent the sedan segment in Chevrolet's lineup.
How many MPG does a Chevy Cavalier get?
2018 Chevrolet Cavalier MPG
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 18 fuel-ups and 5,453 miles of driving, the 2018 Chevrolet Cavalier gets a combined Avg MPG of 32.33 with a 1.21 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 1 outliers (5.26%) removed.
How much is a 1992 Chevy Cavalier worth?
1992 Chevrolet Cavalier Value - $701-$7,546 | Edmunds.
Why did Chevy stop making Cavaliers?
Contrary to the American markets, however, the cavalier remained on sale in other regions like Mexico for example. Stopping the Cavalier's production was a logical decision based on the declining sedan sales in the United States, a decision that left only the Malibu to represent the sedan segment in Chevrolet's lineup.
How long can a Chevy Cavalier last?
There are reports of 2003 Cavaliers topping 300,000 miles with the original powertrain and engine. One mechanic at Car Gurus even claims to have worked on an engine with 440,000 miles on it. But, as you can't vouch for the previous owner's maintenance habits, expect a lifespan of around 250,000 miles.
What happened to Chevy Cavalier?
The station wagon was sold until 1994. The 1995-2005 Cavalier received a Poor rating in the IIHS' frontal off-set crash test. Meaning, head, neck and leg injury risk were extremely high. In 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier was replaced by the Cobalt in the United States and the Chevrolet Optra in Canada & Mexico.
What kind of engine does a Chevy Cavalier have?
The chassis was revised for 2003. All Cavaliers are powered by GM's newly developed Ecotec 2.2-liter engine, which offers responsive performance, excellent fuel economy, and low emissions. Chevrolet Cavalier is designed to offer a compelling value.
1990 Chevrolet Cavalier car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Cavalier problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
The NHTSA has received 63 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicles.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-02
- VIN: 1G1JF11T5L7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: KNOCKING AT START UP FOR A GOOD AMOUNT OF TIME. WHEN PUTTING ON THE BRAKE PADS THE PINS WOULDN'T MOVE TO REPLACE THE BRAKES. HAD TO COMPRESS THE PINS LOOSE WITH A C-CLAMP. ALSO, I'VE GOT SOME KIND OF LEAK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT'S A COMBINATION OF ANTIFREEZE & OIL. WHICH I THINK IS CAUSED FROM THE KNOCKING SOUND. MY BRAKE LIGHT & AN EXCLAMATION POINT LIGHT SHOWS ON MY DASHBOARD SOMETIMES. MY FUEL MONITOR GAUGE DOESN'T SHOW THE EXACT AMOUNT IN TANK. COULD THE LISTED RECALL CAUSE MY CAR. TO RUNS OUT OF GAS AT QUARTER TANK OF GAS? *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-16
- VIN: 1G1JC14G3LJ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1990 CAVALIER GEAR SHIFT MOVED TO NEUTRAL WHEN TOUCHED BY CONSUMERS LEG. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER'S SON'S LEG TOUCHED THE GEAR SHIFT AND CAUSED IT TO GO INTO NEUTRAL. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. *NM
TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-25
- Components: TIRES,WHEELS
- Summary: 1. LEFT FRONT TIRE HIT A POT HOLE AT 50 MPH IN EASTBOUND #1 LANE RAMONA EXPY, PERRIS CA. 2.TIRE COMPRESSION CAUSED THE RIM EDGE TO SLICE OPEN THE HIGH PLY TURN-UP AND STEEL SIDEWALL STABILIZER. THIS HIGH PLY TURN-UP COMES OFF THE RIM BEAD AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. IF THE TIRE IS COMPRESSED PAST A CRETIN POINT THE RIM HAS NO PLACE TO GO BUT INTO THIS 45 DEGREE DEFLECTION AND SLICES INTO THE TIRE CAUSING SUDDEN AIR LOSS. 3. I CALLED DUNLOP CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TALK DOWN TO IN A CONDESCENDING MANOR, HIT A DEAD END THERE! *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD QUESTIONS ABOUT THE VEHICLE STARTER AND THE USE OF A STARTER NOT DESIGNED FOR THE VEHICLE.*MR *TS. THE STARTER THE CONSUMER PURCHASED FROM THE AUTO STORE WAS SAID TO BE INCOMPATIBLE FOR THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, HOWEVER IT WORKED FINE. *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-04
- VIN: 1G1JC54G4LJ
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TREAD SERARATED FROM TIRE WHILE TRAVELING 40MPH. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-01
- VIN: 1G1JC14G2L7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE TRYING TO START VEHICLE THERE WAS SOME SMOKE COMING UP FROM IGNITION SWITCH. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO DO ANY WORK.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-13
- VIN: 1G1JF14T7L7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: HARD TO START VEHICLE. STRONG SMELL OF FUEL. ERRATIC IDLE. ENGINE DIES AND IS DIFFICULT TO START AGAIN. NO SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. TOOK TO CHEVROLET DEALER WHO ONLY REPLACED THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. COULD NOT FIND ANY CODES IN COMPUTER. I HAVE REPLACED SEVERAL PARTS WHICH CONTROL THE IDLE SPEED. GAS ODOR IS GONE BUT CAR STILL DIES AT STOPS AND WILL NOT IDLE CORRECTLY. DEALER COULD NOT GIVE ME AN ANSWER FOR THE CAUSES. THIS CAR HAS BEEN TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS AND NONE OF THEM CAN DETERMINE THE CAUSE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G1JC54G6LJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND VENTS AREA. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G1JC54G66L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS PARKING VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING THROUGH VENTS OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-14
- VIN: 1G1JC84G8L7
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: SCHOOL HAS REGULAR MAINTENANCE CHECKS ON THEIR VEHICLES. A LARGE GROUP OF GOODYEARS INVICTA TIRES WERE TAKEN OFF IN 2000. LARGE CRACKS WERE SHOWING ONLY ON THE WHITE SIDEWALLS. ALL TIRES WERE PURCHASED FROM SAME LOCATION, STEVES QUICK STOP. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE MAKE/ MODEL/ YEAR AND MILEAGE INFORMATION. TIRE SIZE P175/80R13, DOT# M6JUFAHR1430.*AK THE SCHOOL STATED THAT TIRES OF REGATTA SERIES ALSO HAD CRACKS IN SIDE WALL IN ADDITON TO THE PREVIOUS INVICTA BRAND. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT HELPFUL. *YH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEATBELTS MOUNTED TO DOOR FRAME WERE CAUGHT IN DOOR AND WILL NOT RETRACT BACK INTO MECHANISM, CAUSING LOSS OF PROTECTION.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- VIN: 1G1JC14G6LJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE COOLANT FAN WONT RUN WHEN NEED HAVE TIO TURN THE HEATER ON TO RUN FAN AND TEMPERATURE LIGH COMES ON SOMETIMED WHEN YOU FIRST START THE CAR OR YOU CAN BE DRIVING THE CAR AND IT COMES ON. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G1J014G1LJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE HOOD FAILED RESULTING IN A FIRE. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-14
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HAS BEEN AT REPAIR SHOP 1 WEEK. CAN'T FIND PROBLEM.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-07
- VIN: 1GIJC1247X7
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS TO A CERTAIN DEGREE. THE RIGHT WIPER DOES NOT CLEAR THE WINDOW. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FRONT SUSPENSION AND DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. STEERING SHIMMIES SIDE TO SIDE AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-17
- VIN: 1G1JG54G1L7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NOTICE ENGINE LEAKING OIL. BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE WHEN WEATHER WAS WET. VEHICLE KEPT MOVING THROUGH RED LIGHT. NO ABS. WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT REPAIRS ARE NEEDED FOR SAFETY. (RELAYED PHONE CALL).
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-01-01
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED, AFFECTING VISIBILITY. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1JC84G5LJ
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TAILGATE LATCH WORN EXCESSIVELY, PREVENTING IT FROM STAYING CLOSED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-01
- VIN: 1G1JF14T8L7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ENGINE OIL BEARINGS/PISTONS FAILED. ALSO, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAK AND HIGH IDLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-04
- VIN: 1G1JC54G2L7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING HORN PAD FELL OUT AND STUCK IN STEERING WHEEL, FROZE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, RIPPED OFF DIFFERENTIAL, SPEED 30 MPH, NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G1GF14TXL7
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: OWNER TOOK VEHICLE TO A GARAGE, WAS ASKED TO START IT, VEHICLE BLEW UP IN MECHANIC'S FACE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE, WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS ENGINE AND NOW ITS THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-10-01
- VIN: 1G1JC14G1LJ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED ANTI-THEFT ALARM TO GO OFF.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-11
- VIN: 1G1JF14T4L7
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES REPLACED.
1990 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier.
- 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).
Negative 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier car reviews
Positive 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier car reviews
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It's a fantastic car, especially for a first car. It's fun, economical, and reliable. Even after rolling off the road and down a hill, there was practically no damage at all! It's incredibly durable! The fuel economy is advertised as 20-26, but I actually get around 28, mostly driving on back roads and highways. It may not be the most attractive car, but it's just as good if not better than one. If you ever find one and someone you know needs a great, reliable, and durable car, I highly recommend it.
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I would highly recommend the Z24 to anyone looking to buy a used car. It handles really well and has great power when shifting gears.
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It sounds like you made a great purchase! The gas mileage is impressive, and it's even better that you were able to find a car with such low mileage. While the interior may not be luxurious, it's important to remember that this car is not meant to be one. Overall, it seems like this Chevy handles well and would be a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable car. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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My mom bought my 1990 Cavalier brand new for $12,340.00. When she passed away in 2011, I inherited the car with only 65,000 original miles on it. Now, with 256,000 miles on it, I wouldn't think twice about driving it to California from my home in South Carolina. It has been an awesome car! Over the years, I have replaced the water pump, fuel pump, computer, front struts, and had normal tune-ups and brake replacements. At 200,000 miles, the head gasket started to leak, but I had it replaced and it's been running smoothly ever since. I have only put about $1,500 into repairs and normal maintenance over the past 13 years. I absolutely love my Cavalier! By the way, the car is in mint condition and looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor. I've even taken many dates in my Cavalier and they love it! Some have even said,
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Your car sounds amazing! It's impressive that you've managed to keep it running so well with all those miles. I'm glad to hear that it doesn't leak any oil and that you've kept up with basic maintenance. The new chrome rims and tires must have really made it look sharp. It's too bad about the A/C compressor, but I'm sure it will be running like new again soon. And a new paint job will really make it shine! It's clear that your car is the Heartbeat of America!
Other years of Chevrolet Cavalier
Are you having problems with your 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Weldon Wiegand 2024-10-14
I've owned 17 cars since getting my license in '88, but none of them compare to this super trooper! The 6-cylinder engine in this wagon is fantastic. It's got an impressive 325,000 kms on it - amazing! Forget about Camrys and Accords, this car just won't quit. I haven't been the most diligent with oil changes and tune-ups, but I've still driven it twice to Vancouver from Calgary, and once to Toronto and back! Sure, the paint is faded and there's a bit of rust around the wheel wells, but I'm proud to say that this old dog is still kicking. The only major repairs I've had to do are brakes, tires, and the right side ball joint. If this car makes it to 375,000 kms, I'm going to write a letter to GM. Great job, boys!
Jerrell Brekke 2024-06-23
The car has required over $1000 in recent repairs, including a replacement head gasket which unfortunately still leaks. It also needs a new muffler and the transmission is starting to act up, shifting slowly and accelerating poorly. Despite these issues, the car does offer a spacious area behind the front seats. The front bumper is sagging and there is a humorous bumper sticker in the rear window that reads 'HONK IF ANYTHING FALLS OFF!'.
Alberto Harber 2024-06-02
It's great for a first-time car buyer. If you treat it right, it is a low-maintenance, repair-it-yourself vehicle. Mine's pushing 300,000km and still purrs like a kitten. I highly recommend using synthetic oil. I only burn half a liter every 10,000kms between oil changes.