1990 Chevrolet Caprice recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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…
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 CAPRICE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07E088000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-890-2075.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT
Summary: 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 NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. PLASTIC FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLIES MAY DEVELOP LEAKS.
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 CAPRICE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V096000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Summary: PLASTIC FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLIES MAY DEVELOP LEAKS.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: REPLACE PLASTIC ASSEMBLY WITH METAL FUEL FILTER AND BRACKET.
Notes: SYSTEM: PLASTIC FUEL FILTER.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE AND TAXI MODEL PASSENGER CARS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1990 Chevrolet Caprice owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seat belts (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2), Wheels / tires (1), Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (6)
03/10/2003 · Seat belts
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS WERE ANCHORED TO THE DOOR, IF THE DOOR OPENED, THE PASSENGER WAS NOT SECURE. *JB
03/07/2003 · Seat belts
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS WERE ATTACHED TO THE DOOR. CONSUMER STATED IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO OCCUR AND THE DOOR OPENED, THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER MAY FALL OUT.*JB
12/21/2000 · Wheels / tires
WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH LEFT FRONT RIM, BROKEN FROM CENTER AND WHEEL DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FALL DOWN ON ITS LEFT HUD. IT DAMAGED LEFT FENDER. UNABLE TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER AT THIS TIME. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DTAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
10/28/1998 · Electrical system
WHEN DRIVING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE VEHICLE DIES OUT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. *AK
08/29/1997 · Vehicle Speed Control · crash
WHILE PUTTING VEHICLE IN REVERSE, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CONSUMER WAS STANDING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER CRASHING INTO A CEMENT POLE, CONSUMER HAS BEEN IN PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PAIN AND NUMBNESS IN THE NECK AND LEFT HAND, 2 PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC
02/28/1997 · Vehicle Speed Control
ENGINE IDLES HIGH, WHEN CAR IS PUT INTO DRIVE IT ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN. *AK