1990 Chevrolet Cavalier: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier: 0 recalls, 55 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
Recalls
0 vehicle recalls 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from October 18, 2005, through March 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The…
Why it matters: This condition May cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 12 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (20): the most common themes are fire / smoke (9), electrical failure (5).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (8): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
- Engine & cooling (7): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2), leaks (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
The 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier has 55 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 16 Cavalier model years for complaints (well below the 284 average). Complaints peaked in 1996 (21 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 173,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (55 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 33 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | 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 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier.
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 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier problems?
Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (20), visibility (wipers, glass) (8), engine & cooling (7).
What gas mileage does the 1990 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 1990 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.