Owners have filed 129 complaints
about the 1994 Chevrolet Beretta with NHTSA between 1995 and 2013.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 62
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Beretta. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 88
17.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 21
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1994 compares with every other Chevrolet Beretta
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
112.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
112.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
562.5%
150,000+ miles
112.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 14Sep 2013
Recalls on the 1994 Chevrolet Beretta
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
94V176000
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
THE REINFORCEMENT PANEL THAT SERVES AS A LIFTPOINT FOR THE FRAME WAS OMITTED FROM THE RIGHT SIDE ROCKER ASSEMBLY OF THE FRAME THE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE MISSING REINFORCEMENT PANEL REDUCES THE PROTECTION OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION.
93V157000
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THE SUSPENSION SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES DO NOT MEET GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION'S SPECIFICATION FOR WELD INTEGRITY AND THE AFFECTED WELD CAN FAIL CAUSING THE FRONT OF THE CONTROL ARM TO SEPARATE FROM THE SUSPENSION SUPPORT ASSEMBLY.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE AFFECTED TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN MOVESUBSTANTIALLY FROM ITS DESIGNED POSITION AND STEERING CONTROL CAN BE SEVERELYIMPAIRED WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Norwalk, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1994 CHEVY BERETTA CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY DRIVE 2 MPH. *KB (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #10209420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Navarre, OHCrash3 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT: TOTALED VEHICLE, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, AND AFTER HITTING THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE KEEP GOING STRAIGHT AND HIT AN EMBANKMENT. NOT SURE IF SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ABS SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10125524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parma, OHCrash
TIRES
FRONT PASSENGER TIRE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE.*MR IN THE ACCIDENT, THE DOOR WAS DENTED AND ALL THE LUG NUTS WERE MISSING AND THREE OUT OF FIVE BOLTS WERE MISSING.*CB
NHTSA complaint #10051912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parma, OHCrash
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
FRONT PASSENGER TIRE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE.*MR IN THE ACCIDENT, THE DOOR WAS DENTED AND ALL THE LUG NUTS WERE MISSING AND THREE OUT OF FIVE BOLTS WERE MISSING.*CB
NHTSA complaint #10051912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, FLFire
INTERIOR LIGHTING
ENTIRE INTERIOR OF CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES DUE TO FAULTY WIRING OR A SHORT IN THE DOME LIGHT INSIDE THE CAR AS PER THE FIRE INSPECTORS REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #742128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
ENTIRE INTERIOR OF CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES DUE TO FAULTY WIRING OR A SHORT IN THE DOME LIGHT INSIDE THE CAR AS PER THE FIRE INSPECTORS REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #742128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 117,000 milesLucedale, MS
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET BERETTA WITH KUMHO SOLUS TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AS THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE TIRE SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM . THE TIRE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #10543147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,000 milesLucedale, MS
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A SET OF CORNELL 1000 TIRES, LINE SIZE: P185/75R14, WHICH WERE BEING UTILIZED ON A 1999 CHEVROLET BERETTA. WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEGUN TO VIBRATE ABNORMALLY. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BELTS ON ALL FOUR TIRES WERE SEPARATED. THE TIRES WERE TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 9,000.
NHTSA complaint #10450287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwalk, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1994 CHEVY BERETTA CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY DRIVE 2 MPH. *KB (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #10209420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesBAY Village, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE SUSPENSION. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 93V157000, REGARDING THE SUSPENSION FRONT. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10156699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Navarre, OHCrash3 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT: TOTALED VEHICLE, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, AND AFTER HITTING THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE KEEP GOING STRAIGHT AND HIT AN EMBANKMENT. NOT SURE IF SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ABS SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10125524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesStrykersville, NY
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
THE FRONT SEAT RELEASE LATCH DID NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. *JB THE BRAKE LIGHT MOUNTED ON THE WIND DEFLECTOR FAILED. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE MELTED AND CRACKED.
NHTSA complaint #10101573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesStrykersville, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
THE FRONT SEAT RELEASE LATCH DID NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. *JB THE BRAKE LIGHT MOUNTED ON THE WIND DEFLECTOR FAILED. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE MELTED AND CRACKED.
NHTSA complaint #10101573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesStrykersville, NY
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
THE FRONT SEAT RELEASE LATCH DID NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. *JB THE BRAKE LIGHT MOUNTED ON THE WIND DEFLECTOR FAILED. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE MELTED AND CRACKED.
NHTSA complaint #10101573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesCleveland, OH
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10063284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT ALTERNATOR FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10059703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parma, OHCrash
TIRES
FRONT PASSENGER TIRE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE.*MR IN THE ACCIDENT, THE DOOR WAS DENTED AND ALL THE LUG NUTS WERE MISSING AND THREE OUT OF FIVE BOLTS WERE MISSING.*CB
NHTSA complaint #10051912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parma, OHCrash
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
FRONT PASSENGER TIRE SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE.*MR IN THE ACCIDENT, THE DOOR WAS DENTED AND ALL THE LUG NUTS WERE MISSING AND THREE OUT OF FIVE BOLTS WERE MISSING.*CB
NHTSA complaint #10051912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesLebanon, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, AND VEHICLE CONTINUES ON BEFORE COMING TO A VERY JERKY STOP. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10023308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cooperstown, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR AND ROTOR DISTORTION NEEDS REPLACING AT APPOX EVERY 11000MI. FRONT BRAKE DESIGN TOO SMALL FOR THIS VEHICLE. DT
NHTSA complaint #769155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainedge, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN BRAKING THE CARE DOES NOT STOP. IT ACTUALLY JUMPS, ESPECIALLY IN THE RAIN. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS, THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 1994. COULD THERE BE A DEFECT?
NHTSA complaint #766422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tennyson, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GO TO THE FLOOR, AND VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE ON BEFORE STOPPING INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8016857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springhill, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL LIFT FRAME DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH DOOR. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8002470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, FLFire
INTERIOR LIGHTING
ENTIRE INTERIOR OF CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES DUE TO FAULTY WIRING OR A SHORT IN THE DOME LIGHT INSIDE THE CAR AS PER THE FIRE INSPECTORS REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #742128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
ENTIRE INTERIOR OF CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES DUE TO FAULTY WIRING OR A SHORT IN THE DOME LIGHT INSIDE THE CAR AS PER THE FIRE INSPECTORS REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #742128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
CAR WAS SQUAWKING AND VIBRATING ESPECIALLY WHEN BRAKE IS APPLIED. I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. HE TOLD ME THAT LOWER CONTROL ARMS IS BADLY WORN OUT AND THE GMC SHOULD REPLACE IT FREE SINCE IT IS THE MOST SAFETY PART OF THE CAR. SO I CALLED GMC CONSUMER SECTION AND TALKED TO ONE ADVISER MS. GLORIA. (REF.#03027319) SHE INSISTED THAT GM WILL NOT COVER IT. I BELIEVE IT AS UNFAIR AND MUST BE COVERED. EARLIER I MADE A REPORT TO NHTSA (ODI-740067) SINCE IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE I TOOK THE CAR TO LES STANFORD CHEVROLET IN DEARBORN MI AND GOT BOTH THE CONTROL ARMS REPAIRED. THEY CHARGED ME ABOUT 650.00 DOLLARS.(TEL# 313-565 6000) WILL YOU PLEASE HELP ME FOR GM TO REFUND THE MONEY.
NHTSA complaint #740309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
CAR VIBRATES VERY BADLY ON APPLYING BRAKE. THUMBING NOISE FROM FRONT WHEELS. SQUAWKING NOISE. MECHANIC TOLD IT IS FROM LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM T WELDING AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MANUFACTURER WILL FIX THE PROBLEM FREE. REFER: CAMPAIGN 94CO3 & NHTSA 93V157000 (SEEMS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM).
NHTSA complaint #740067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delaware, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
HIGH/LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT SELECTOR ON TURN SIGNAL SWITCH INOPERATIVE. LEFT TURN SIGNAL SOMETIMES CLICKS VERY RAPIDLY AND DOES NOT ACTUALLY FLASH AND SMOKE COMES OUT FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AROUND THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER. STEERING COLUMN IS QUITE HOT TO THE TOUCH AROUND THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER WHEN THIS OCCURS. PROBLEM IS WORSE/MORE FREQUENT WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS RUNNING.
NHTSA complaint #739118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lock Haven, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE TRAVELING VEHICLE WOULD LEAK ANIT-FREEZE. CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE ANTI-FREEZE ONCE A WEEK TO KEEP COOLENT DOWN. TECHNICIAN STATED HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #877823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, CT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
CONSUMER CAN NOT CHANGE TO HIGH OR LOW BEAM WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #877400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DE Ridder, LA
SEATS
DRIVER SEAT CAME WITH VEHICLE CROOKED FROM FACTORY. BRACKET OR BRACE THAT THE SEAT FRAME SITS ON BROKE.PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #869344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.