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Chevrolet Caprice Problems

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size sedan that served as a staple of American roads for decades. With 1,824 complaints and 6 deaths recorded, reliability varies considerably by era. The rear-wheel-drive platform earned respect for durability in fleet service. Later B-body models are particularly well-regarded by enthusiasts and former police fleet buyers.

1,824
Total Complaints
13
Total Recalls
22
Model Years
6
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

1995 1994 1992
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1977 1979 1983

Common Problem Categories

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 294
Electrical System 240
Vehicle Speed Control 140
Suspension 128
Engine And Engine Cooling 122

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2014 28 3 0 0 Good
2013 18 4 0 4 Good
2012 0 3 0 0 Good
2011 4 3 0 0 Good
2003 2 0 0 0 Good
1997 6 0 0 2 Good
1996 174 0 2 0 Below Average
1995 222 0 24 0 Avoid
1994 370 0 34 22 Avoid
1993 126 0 18 8 Below Average
1992 266 0 52 2 Avoid
1991 340 0 60 6 Avoid
1990 12 0 2 0 Good
1989 38 0 4 4 Good
1988 32 0 0 2 Good
1987 40 0 0 8 Good
1986 82 0 2 4 Average
1985 16 0 0 0 Good
1984 16 0 2 2 Good
1983 16 0 0 8 Good
1979 12 0 0 2 Good
1977 4 0 0 0 Good

Chevrolet Caprice Years to Avoid

The 1994 model year attracted the most complaints and should be approached with caution. This was the final year of production before a hiatus, and quality control suffered. Six fatalities are associated with the Caprice line. 1993 models also show elevated complaint rates. Electrical problems and engine issues were common in early 1990s examples. The LT1 V8 introduced in 1994 had its own set of Optispark distributor problems.

Best Chevrolet Caprice Years

The 2003 model year Caprice, sold only to fleet customers, represents peak reliability for this nameplate. These later cars benefited from Australian engineering through the Holden partnership. 1995 and earlier civilian models with the LT1 require careful inspection. For classic Caprice buyers, 1987-1990 models with the 350 V8 are proven performers.

Frequently Asked Questions