Model year record

1989 Chevrolet Cavalier

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

Chevrolet Cavalier, 1988–1994 generation
Pictured: the 1988–1994 generation. IFCAR, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

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.

Other Chevrolet Cavalier model years

All Chevrolet Cavalier recalls by year

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.