Model year record

1989 Chevrolet Cavalier

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 71 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 88V189000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
13,095
Reported to NHTSA
1988-12-06
Owners notified
1989-01-19

Defect description

A FUEL TANK LEAK COULD OCCUR DUE TO SMALL CREASES ON THE TANK UNDERSIDE CRACKING DURING PRESSURE CYCLING WHICH OCCURS DURING NORMAL OPERATION.

Safety risk

IN PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THIS CONDITION COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

REPLACE FUEL TANK.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine583,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline4
Electrical system: ignition: module3
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump383,000 mi
Unknown or other3
Electrical system: ignition2
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system2
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly2
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock2
Power train2106,000 mi
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint2
Seat belts: front: anchorage2
Seats2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components2
Structure: body: door2
Tires: sidewall2120,942 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core2
Visibility: windshield2
Air bags: frontal1
Electrical system1106,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control1
Fuel system, gasoline1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock1
Parking brake: conventional1
Power train: clutch assembly1
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly1
Seat belts: front: retractor1
Seats: front assembly: recliner1
Service brakes1106,000 mi
Steering1106,000 mi
Steering: column1
Steering: hydraulic power assist system1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1
Steering: rack and pinion1
Structure: body1
Structure: body: roof and pillars1
Structure: frame and members1
Tires1
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring1

The 1988 model has 5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1990 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.