MotorDeets

Chevrolet Caprice problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Caprice from 1990 to 2014: 609 owner complaints and 43 recalls across 13 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1994 (146), 1991 (131), 1992 (89). Best fuel economy: 20 mpg combined (1990).

Chevrolet Caprice
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Electrical101
Brakes (hydraulic)100
Speed control / throttle56
Suspension52
Steering51
Engine & cooling45
Seat belts42
Airbags36

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
19901620
1991513118
199268919
199316119
1994614619
199578819
199646519
199703–
200301–
201131–
201230–
201346–
2014312–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Chevrolet Caprice.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check Chevrolet Caprice manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check Chevrolet Caprice manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check Chevrolet Caprice manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check Chevrolet Caprice manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

What is the worst year for the Chevrolet Caprice?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1994 (146), 1991 (131), 1992 (89).

How many recalls has the Chevrolet Caprice had?

Across 1990–2014, NHTSA lists 43 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).