MotorDeets

1990 Chevrolet Caprice: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1990 Chevrolet Caprice: 1 recall, 6 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
6owner complaints
1mention a crash
20best combined mpg
1990 Chevrolet Caprice
Photo: Crazytales · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #90V096000 · 1990 · 21,415 vehicles

What's wrong: Plastic fuel filter assemblies May develop leaks.

Why it matters: Fuel leaks could result in a vehicle fire due to staticcharge build ups found in the plastic fuel lines and fuel filter which May actas an ignition source.

The fix: Replace plastic assembly with metal fuel filter and bracket.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #07E088000 · 2007 · 121,680 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain honeywell fram racing brand hp4 and hp8 oil filters that were manufactured from May 25, 2006, through September 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. The affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. The date code and part number appear on the filter housing. Fram racing hp4 and hp8 oil filters not bearing a date code in this range are…

Why it matters: This condition May cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.

The fix: Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during November 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Speed control / throttle2
Seat belts2
Electrical1
Wheels1

What owners describe

The 1990 Chevrolet Caprice has 6 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 13 Caprice model years for complaints (well below the 47 average). Complaints peaked in 1997 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old. Neighboring years: 1991 (131 complaints, 5 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.3 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive172420Regular
5.0 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive152318Regular
5.7 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive131815Regular

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 1990 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 1990 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 1990 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 1990 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 1990 Chevrolet Caprice manual

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FAQ

Does the 1990 Chevrolet Caprice have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1990 Chevrolet Caprice, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1990 Chevrolet Caprice problems?

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (2), seat belts (2), electrical (1).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Chevrolet Caprice get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1990 Chevrolet Caprice repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Caprice years

1990199119921993199419951996199720032011201220132014