Chevrolet Nova problems

General information about Chevrolet Nova
Chevrolet Nova years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Chevrolet Chevy II/Nova is a small automobile manufactured by Chevrolet, and produced in five generations for the 1962 through 1979, and 1985 through 1988 model years. Built on the X-body platform, the Nova was the top selling model in the Chevy II lineup through 1968. The Chevy II nameplate was dropped after 1968, with Nova becoming the nameplate for all of the 1969 through 1979 models. It was replaced by the 1980 Chevrolet Citation introduced in the spring of 1979. The Nova nameplate returned in 1985, produced through 1988 as a S-car based, NUMMI manufactured, subcompact based on the front wheel drive, Japan home-based Toyota Sprinter.

History

Origin

Chevrolet designer Clare MacKichan recalled about creating the Chevy II: "There was no time for experimentation or doodling around with new ideas from either the engineers or from us in design; And it had to be a basic-type car." The 1962 Chevy II rode a 110 in (2,794 mm) wheelbase, compared to 109.5 in (2,781 mm) for the Ford Falcon, at which Chevy's new compact was aimed. "I think that was the quickest program we ever did at any time," he continued. "We worked night and day on that car, and it didn't take very long to run it through our shop because we had a deadline." And that is what made the Chevy II one of the fastest new-car development programs in GM history – just 18 months after the designers got the green light, the first production Chevy II rolled off the Willow Run, Michigan, assembly line in August 1961, in time for its September 29 introduction. Unlike the Corvair, the 1962 Chevy II design team deliberately avoided any revolutionary features in concept or execution; their mission was to give Chevrolet buyers a simple, back-to-the-basics compact car. When he announced the Chevy II to the press, Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole described the car as offering "maximum functionalism with thrift." When the Chevy II was introduced, it was the second post-WWII American made car from the "Big 3", after the Pontiac Tempest (and the first Chevrolet since the 1928 Chevrolet National), to use a four-cylinder engine.

There was a lot of debate within the Chevrolet organization over just what to call this new car, and the decision to go with "Chevy II" was a very late one. Among the finalists was Nova. It lost out because it didn't start with a "C," but was selected as the name for the top-of-the-line series. Ultimately the Nova badge would replace Chevy II, but that wouldn't happen until 1969. In almost every way, the creators of the Chevy II used Falcon as a benchmark. The 1962 model range included sedans and wagons, as well as a two-door hardtop and a convertible. The only body styles it didn't offer which the Falcon did were a 2-door wagon/sedan delivery and coupe utility (the Ford Falcon Ranchero).

Social links

Reviews

Common Chevrolet Nova problems

Based on complaints from owners of Chevrolet Nova cars, common problems with these vehicles include:

Rust Issues: Many Chevrolet Nova owners have reported significant rust problems, especially in older models. Rust can affect various parts of the car, including the body, frame, and undercarriage, leading to structural integrity issues and aesthetic concerns. Regular inspections and rust prevention measures are crucial to address this issue.
Electrical System Malfunctions: Owners have experienced issues with the electrical systems of Chevrolet Nova cars, such as faulty wiring, malfunctioning lights, and electrical shorts. These problems can cause various electrical components to fail, impacting the car's overall performance and safety. Proper diagnosis and repair by a qualified mechanic are essential to resolve electrical issues.
Engine Performance: Complaints about engine performance issues are common among Chevrolet Nova owners. Problems like stalling, rough idling, and loss of power can indicate issues with the fuel system, ignition system, or engine components. Regular maintenance, including tune-ups and inspections, can help prevent and address engine performance issues.
Transmission Problems: Some owners have reported transmission problems with their Chevrolet Nova cars, including issues with shifting gears, slipping transmissions, and transmission fluid leaks. These problems can affect the car's drivability and may require repairs or transmission fluid replacement by a professional mechanic.
Braking System Concerns: Braking system complaints have been raised by Chevrolet Nova owners, highlighting issues such as brake noise, brake pedal pulsation, and brake fluid leaks. Proper maintenance of the braking system, including regular inspections, brake pad replacements, and brake fluid checks, is essential to ensure optimal braking performance and safety.
Suspension and Steering Issues: Owners have noted problems with the suspension and steering systems of Chevrolet Nova cars, including issues with shocks, struts, ball joints, and steering components. Symptoms may include vibrations, steering wheel play, and uneven tire wear. Timely inspection and repair of suspension and steering components are necessary to maintain driving comfort and safety.

By addressing these common problems proactively and seeking professional assistance when needed, Chevrolet Nova owners can ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicles. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and thorough inspections are key to keeping these classic cars in top condition.

What is the best year for Chevy Nova?

What is the best year Chevy Nova? We think the best Novas are the two-doors made between 1968 and 1971. That generation of Nova was arguably the best-looking compact on the market, and the SS version offered big V-8 engines that had real bite.

What is the most desirable Nova?

What year is the most desirable Chevy Nova? Q: What year is the most desirable Chevy Nova? A: The 1970 Chevy Nova SS is often considered the most desirable. This model year introduced the powerful 350 cubic inch LT1 engine, a true gem for any muscle car enthusiast.

What is the rarest Chevy Nova?

Or from Dana with the actual black rims. Usually they were body colored.

Is a Nova a muscle car?

While four- and six-cylinder engines continued to be offered, in 1968, the Nova became a member of the muscle car ranks with an SS package that included a 295 HP 350 CID small block, F41 heavy-duty suspension and other performance and trim upgrades.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Nova years

We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Nova cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Nova model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Nova model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Nova years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Chevrolet Nova car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Nova , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Power train problems
Seat belts problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Latches/locks/linkages problems

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

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Nova model years

A total of 5 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Nova model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Nova model years

There were a total of 8 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Nova model years

There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 37 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Nova . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Nova vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Chevrolet Nova 1987

Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
Date Complaint: 2006-02-06
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: 1987 CHEVROLET NOVA DOES NOT SECURE PASSENGER PROPERLY. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT CATCH AND STOP WHEN HE GRABS THEM ABRUPTLY AS HE WOULD EXPECT IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB

Add Complaint

Chevrolet Nova 1987

Date Of Incident: 2005-08-18
Date Complaint: 2005-11-09
Components: STEERING,TIRES
Summary: {1}NORTH BOUND FREEWAY WORK RIGHT LANE FROM, LINDON EXIT TO SALT LAKE CITY. THERE ARE SEVERAL GROOVES, HOLES AND UNEVEN LANES. I PURCHASED NEW TIRES THIS YEAR, MY RIGHT FRONT AXLE IS BAD AS WELL AS THE INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS I NEED NEW TIRES AGAIN BECAUSE OF THE FREEWAY PROBLEMS. WILL YOU HELP? *JB

Add Complaint

Chevrolet Nova 1988

Date Of Incident: 2001-10-20
Date Complaint: 2002-03-05
Number Of Injuries: 1
VIN: 1Y1SK514XJZ
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP AND THE CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY. RESULTING IN A REAREND COLLISION. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE MOTOR WOULD CRANK AND RUN BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE IN ANY GEAR. REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE.

Add Complaint

Chevrolet Nova 1988

Date Of Incident: 2001-05-19
Date Complaint: 2001-05-20
VIN: 1Y1SK5104JZ
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,TIRES
Summary: VEHICLE HOOD LATCH FAILED DUE TO TIRE VIBRATION AT 65 MPH, CAUSING HOOD TO CRUMPLE INTO WINDSHIELD. *AK

Add Complaint

Chevrolet Nova 1987

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 2001-02-21
VIN: 1Y1SK514XH2
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: THE TRANSAXLE FLUID WAS 1.5 QUARTS LOW (EMPTY) CAUSING THE TRANSAXLE TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING. NLM

Add Complaint

Chevrolet Nova 1987

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 2001-02-17
VIN: 1Y1SK5149HZ
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. *SLC

Add Complaint

Chevrolet Nova 1987

Date Of Incident: 2000-12-01
Date Complaint: 2001-02-15
VIN: 1Y1SK514XHZ
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FRONT WHEEL LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING AT 50-55 MPH. VEHICLE TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIRS SHOP, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT LOCK UP WAS DUE TO LACK OF FRONT AXLE LUBRICATION. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

Add Complaint

Chevrolet Nova 1987

Date Of Incident: 2000-09-26
Date Complaint: 2000-10-06
Number Of Injuries: 1
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN SPEEDOMETER CABLE SNAPPED. 10 MILES LATER, ENTIRE FRONT END LOCKED UP DUE A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. *AK THE MECHANIC DETERMIND THAT THE TRANS CASE, ALL GEARS AND RIGHT AND LEFT C.V. SHAFTS WERE BROKEN AS THE RESULT OF FRONT END LOCK UP. *YH

Add Complaint

Chevrolet Nova 1984

Date Of Incident: 2000-08-25
Date Complaint: 2000-08-25
VIN: UNKNOWN
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: RAYBESTO FRONT BRAKE PADS FAILED AFTER ONLY 8000 MILES.

Add Complaint

Chevrolet Nova 1987

Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
Date Complaint: 2000-08-21
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: THE NHTSA HAS REPORTED TWO PROBLEMS WITH THE 1987 & 1988 CHEVROLET SPECTRUM. THESE PROBLEMS APPLY TO THE 1987 NOVA.

Add Complaint

Chevrolet Nova 1986

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 1999-08-19
Crash: 1
VIN: PLEASE ADD
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN REAR END ACCIDENT. SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, CAUSING DRIVER TO HIT WINDSHIELD. *AK

Add Complaint

Chevrolet Nova 1987

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 1999-01-20
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE OR PULL. DEALER SAYS TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REBUILT 12 TIMES. *AK

Add Complaint

Chevrolet Nova 1987

Date Of Incident: 1998-08-23
Date Complaint: 1998-08-23
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: OWNER CLAIMS RAYBESTOS BRAND BRAKE HOSES MIDDLE MOUNTING SECTION MANUFACTURED BACKWARDS. HOSE CANNOT BE MOUNTED AS DESIGNED, DANGEROUS BYPASSING OF MIDDLE MOUNT LIKELY.

Add Complaint

Chevrolet Nova 1987

Date Of Incident: 1998-05-15
Date Complaint: 1998-06-15
VIN: 1Y1SK5144H2
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MINOR SERVICE OF CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL IN DEFFERENTIAL FOR FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES. 80-90 OIL IS THE PROBLEM WITH THE EXTRA RESERVOIR, RESULTING IN LOW OIL LEVEL THAT WILL BURN UP THE TRANMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, AND THE DEALERS HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM.

Add Complaint