1991 Chevrolet Caprice: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 Chevrolet Caprice: 5 recalls, 131 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 5 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #91V186000 · 1991 · 224,588 vehicles
What's wrong: Secondary hood latch assemblies can corrode, causing a high latch release effort and possibly preventing the hood from latching properly when it is closed.
Why it matters: If the secondary hood latch is not properly engaged, andthe primary hood latch was also not engaged, the hood could open and contact thewindshield while the vehicle was in motion, reducing the forward vision area ofthe driver and resulting in a possible vehicle accident without prior warning.
The fix: Install a new secondary hood latch assembly.
Wheels Vehicle recall #92V089000 · 1992 · 34,717 vehicles
What's wrong: The steel wheels exhibit fatigue cracking around the circumference of the wheel lug nut mounting surface due to wheel bending caused by frequent misuse of tire mounting equipment, lug nut overtorquing, and the unusual operating conditions experienced by police vehicles.
Why it matters: The cracking can cause wheel fracturing and subsequentseparation from the axle, which could result in a vehicle accident.
The fix: Replace the defective wheels with redesigned steel wheels.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #92V094000 · 1992 · 219,571 vehicles
What's wrong: The shoulder belt guide loop plastic covering May crack and expose the steel sub-plate.
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the exposed steelsub-plate can cut the safety belt webbing resulting in increased possibilityand/or severity of injury to the affected seat occupant.
The fix: Install new shoulder belt guide loops.
Electrical Vehicle recall #93V018000 · 1993 · 20,000 vehicles
What's wrong: System: electrical.vehicle description: seq 9c1 police cars in corrosion areas of the us and canada only. Note: vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of: connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, newjersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, and wisconsin. A electrical ground-out condition May exist between the 12 volt junction block and…
Why it matters: This condition can cause a melted junction block, smoke,and burned underhood wiring resulting in a disabled vehicle or a vehicle fire.this condition can occur while the vehicle is in operation or while the vehicleis parked and the ignition is in the "off" position.
The fix: Install a shielding insulator under the junction block.
Suspension Vehicle recall #96V020000 · 1996 · 154,214 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear lower control arm can crack at the rear stabilizer bar attachment.
Why it matters: This condition can be aggravated by the severe duty cycle of these vehicles and eventually cause the lower control arm to fracture completely causing a loss of vehicle control without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will replace both rear lower control arms and rear stabilizer bar attachments.
5 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
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.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (31): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (11), noise or vibration (3).
- Speed control / throttle (18): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (8).
- Electrical (16): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), electrical failure (4), fire / smoke (2).
- Fuel system (12): the most common themes are leaks (12).
The 1991 Chevrolet Caprice has 131 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 13 Caprice model years for complaints (2.8× the average Caprice year). Complaints peaked in 1995 (26 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 100,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (6 complaints, 1 recalls), 1992 (89 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
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 1991 Chevrolet Caprice.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1991 Chevrolet Caprice have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1991 Chevrolet Caprice, plus 5 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 1991 Chevrolet Caprice problems?
Owners have filed 131 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (31), speed control / throttle (18), electrical (16).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Chevrolet Caprice get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (5.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 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.