1994 Chevrolet Caprice: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Chevrolet Caprice: 6 recalls, 146 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #94V049000 · 1994 · 8,475 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine oil cooler inlet hose May have been installed too close to the steering gear causing chafing. The chafing can eventually wear through the hose's protective sleeve resulting in engine oil leaking onto the engine.
Why it matters: If this occurs, the oil leak onto the engine can result in an engine compartment fire.
The fix:
Wheels Vehicle recall #94V076000 · 1994 · 139 vehicles
What's wrong: Paint on the wheel mounting surfaces can act as a shim between the wheel and the rotor/drum. As the vehicle is driven, the wheel imbeds into the paint, loosening the lug nut and causing a loss of clamp load.
Why it matters: Once clamp load is lost, all tire loads are taken by the wheel studs resulting in a fracture of the wheel studs. This could cause the wheel to separate from the vehicle and could result in a vehicles crash without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will clean the wheel mounting surfaces for all four wheels. Also, the wheel studs will be inspected for damage and will be replaced as necessary.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #94V210000 · 1994 · 130,581 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel tank attachment strap fasteners were not properly tightened. The fasteners can completely detach, eventually allowing the fuel tank to sag and the bottom of the tank to strike the roadway.
Why it matters: This can result in a fuel tank leak and fire if the leaking fuel is exposed to a source of ignition.
The fix: Dealers will retighten the fuel tank strap fasteners.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #95V082000 · 1995 · 87,039 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles fail to conform to fmvss no. 124, "accelerator control systems." at low temperatures, excessive friction can occur in the accelerator pedal assembly.
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: in the event of a failure of the trottle return spring, if there is excessive friction in the pedal assembly, the engine speed May not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly.
Suspension Vehicle recall #96V019000 · 1996 · 308 vehicles
What's wrong: Defective lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts were not properly torqued and can loosen.
Why it matters: If the lower control arm ball joint loosens, fatigues and separates from the front suspension knuckle, it could cause loss of vehicle control.
The fix: Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts for proper torque. If the ball joint has loosened from the knuckle, both the ball joint and the knuckle will be replaced.
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.
4 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.
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. 8 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (32): the most common themes are electrical failure (15), stalls / loses power (8), fire / smoke (7).
- Latches & locks (27): the most common themes are door / lock issues (27).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (16): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (4), noise or vibration (2).
- Steering (13): the most common themes are steering problems (12).
The 1994 Chevrolet Caprice has 146 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 13 Caprice model years for complaints (3.1× the average Caprice year). Complaints peaked in 1998 (33 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 91,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (61 complaints, 1 recalls), 1995 (88 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | 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 1994 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.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads 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 1994 Chevrolet Caprice have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 1994 Chevrolet Caprice, plus 4 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 1994 Chevrolet Caprice problems?
Owners have filed 146 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (32), latches & locks (27), brakes (hydraulic) (16).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Chevrolet Caprice get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 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.