MotorDeets

1992 Chevrolet Cavalier: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier: 1 recall, 134 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
134owner complaints
15mention a crash
26best combined mpg
1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
Photo: BlueCrabRedCrab · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Latches & locks Vehicle recall #91V166000 · 1991 · 3,212 vehicles

What's wrong: The secondary hood latch spring is improperly installed or missing, leading to a condition where the secondary hood latch does not engage the secondary striker.

Why it matters: If the secondary hood latch is not engaged, and theprimary hood latch was also not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. Ifthis occurs while the vehicle is in motion, the hood May contact the windshield,reducing the forward vision area of the driver and a vehicle crash could occur.

The fix: Inspect hood latch assemblies and, where necessary, install a new secondary hood latch spring.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 8 mention a fire, 15 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.

Brakes (hydraulic)48
Electrical21
Engine & cooling15
Seats12
Seat belts10
Visibility (wipers, glass)10
Steering8
Speed control / throttle7

What owners describe

The 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier has 134 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 16 Cavalier model years for complaints (well below the 284 average). Complaints peaked in 1995 (36 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 120,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (55 complaints, 2 recalls), 1993 (146 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.2 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive223326Regular
2.2 L 4-cylAutomatic 3-spdFront-Wheel Drive212924Regular
3.1 L 6-cylAutomatic 3-spdFront-Wheel Drive182621Regular
3.1 L 6-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive172620Regular

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 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier 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

Does the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier problems?

Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (48), electrical (21), engine & cooling (15).

What gas mileage does the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier get?

EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 Cavalier years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005