Owners have filed 111 complaints
about the 1995 Chevrolet Caprice with NHTSA between 1995 and 2010.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 5 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 — 60
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Caprice. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 79
15.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1995 compares with every other Chevrolet Caprice
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.
75,000 – 99,999 miles
433.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
541.7%
150,000+ miles
325.0%
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.
Feb 1995peak 8Apr 2010
NHTSA investigations into the 1995 Chevrolet Caprice
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA99003Opened 13 Jan 1999Closed 17 Aug 2000VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
COOLANT FIRES
PE98049Opened 4 Sep 1998Closed 13 Jan 1999VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
EA96007Opened 31 May 1996Closed 24 Dec 1996SUSPENSION
REAR WHEEL SEPARATION
GM NOTIFIED ODI THAT THEY ARE CONDUCTING A RECALL TO RETORQUE THE WHEEL LUG NUTS ON VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER OF 1995.IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT MOST VEHICLES WILL REQUIRE THE WHEEL LUG NUTS TO BE RETORQUED TO 135 N.M(100 LB. FT.).CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD ALL FOUR OF THEIR TIRES AND WHEELS ROTATED SHOULD HAVE PROPERLY TORQUED LUG NUTS.HOWEVER, GM IS OFFERING CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR TIRES AND WHEELS ROTATED THE OPTION OF RETURNING TO THEIR DEALER FOR THIS REPAIR OR COMPLETING AND RETURNING AN OWNER REPLY CARD INCLUDED WITH THEIR RECALL NOTICE.THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS CLOSED...
PE96037Opened 16 May 1996Closed 24 Sep 1996STEERING
STERRING WHEEL BREAKAGE
Recalls on the 1995 Chevrolet Caprice
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
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E065000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
96V245000
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS CAUSING THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
96V020000
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN CRACK AT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENT.
Risk: 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.
96V019000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.
Risk: IF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT LOOSENS, FATIGUES AND SEPARATES FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION KNUCKLE, IT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
96V018000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.
Risk: THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN LOOSEN, FATIGUE, AND SEPARATE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION KNUCKLE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19960268,627 units in Canada
Suspension
NOTE: POLICE SEDANS AND TAXI CABS. THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY CRACK AT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENT AND EVENTUALLY COULD CAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FRACTURE COMPLETELY. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: BOTH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENTS WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recall 19960251,942 units in Canada
Suspension
NOTE: INCLUDES CAPRICE POLICE SEDANS, TAXI CABS AND SPECIAL SERVICE WAGONS; FLEETWOOD HEARSE AND LIMOUSINE. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT MAY BE LOOSE. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT TO LOOSEN, FATIGUE AND SEPARATE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION KNUCKLE. IF SEPARATION WERE TO OCCUR WITH THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WILL BE INSPECTED FOR PROPER TORQUE. IF THE BALL JOINT HAS LOOSENED FROM THE KNUCKLE, BOTH THE BALL JOINT AND KNUCKLE WILL BE REPLACED.
Recall 19952112,797 units in Canada
Structure
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 102 - TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL SEQUENCE. A MISADJUSTED TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE MAY ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE "P"(PARK) POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED. IN THE EVENT OF THIS CONDITION OCCURRING, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL FROM ITS PARKED POSITION AND CAUSE POTENTIAL DAMAGE AND/OR INJURY. CORRECTION: SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE SYSTEM WILL BE ADJUSTED.
Recall 19950742,978 units in Canada
Engine
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 124 - Accelerator Control Systems. At low temperatures there may be excessive movement friction in the accelerator pedal assembly. In the event of a failure of a throttle return spring the engine speed may not decrease to the level anticipated by the driver when the foot is lifted from the accelerator pedal. Loss of accelerator control could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Accelerator pedal assembly will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 168,000 milesLanham, MDCrash1 injured
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
I WAS DRIVING A 1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE AND WAS STOPPED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY. I WAS HIT IN THE REAR BY A CAR GOING 50 MPH WHO DID NOT SEE THAT I WAS STOPPED. THE DRIVERS SEAT COLLAPSED INTO THE RECLINED POSITION AND THREW ME INTO THE REAR SEAT. MY SEAT BELT WAS ON AND LIMITED MY MOVEMENT. IN ADDITION, I PULLED ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND BROKE IT AT THE 10 O'CLOCK AND PARTIALLY SEPERATED AT THE 2 O'CLOCK POSITIONS. THE FAILURE OF THE SEAT CAUSED INJURY TO MYSELF WITH NO SUPPORT TO MY NECK AND HEAD. MY QUESTION IS: IS THE SEAT DESIGNED TO SUPPORT MY WEIGHT (6'0, 194 LBS.) UNDER THESE CONDITIONS OR IS IT DESIGNED TO COLLASPE AS IT DID ALLOWING ME TO COME UNSECURRED FROM THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM? SECONDLY, WAS THERE A SAFETY RECALL, SERVICE BULLETIN, OR DEFECT INVESTIGATION ON THIS VEHICLE? I EXAMINED YOUR WEB SITE AND FOUND NO INDICATION OR REPORT ON THIS SITUATION. I APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #10063683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesLanham, MDCrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
I WAS DRIVING A 1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE AND WAS STOPPED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY. I WAS HIT IN THE REAR BY A CAR GOING 50 MPH WHO DID NOT SEE THAT I WAS STOPPED. THE DRIVERS SEAT COLLAPSED INTO THE RECLINED POSITION AND THREW ME INTO THE REAR SEAT. MY SEAT BELT WAS ON AND LIMITED MY MOVEMENT. IN ADDITION, I PULLED ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND BROKE IT AT THE 10 O'CLOCK AND PARTIALLY SEPERATED AT THE 2 O'CLOCK POSITIONS. THE FAILURE OF THE SEAT CAUSED INJURY TO MYSELF WITH NO SUPPORT TO MY NECK AND HEAD. MY QUESTION IS: IS THE SEAT DESIGNED TO SUPPORT MY WEIGHT (6'0, 194 LBS.) UNDER THESE CONDITIONS OR IS IT DESIGNED TO COLLASPE AS IT DID ALLOWING ME TO COME UNSECURRED FROM THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM? SECONDLY, WAS THERE A SAFETY RECALL, SERVICE BULLETIN, OR DEFECT INVESTIGATION ON THIS VEHICLE? I EXAMINED YOUR WEB SITE AND FOUND NO INDICATION OR REPORT ON THIS SITUATION. I APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #10063683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Jeffe, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DURING VEHICLE COLLISION NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG RESULTING IN INJURY TO CONSUMER DUE TO FAILURE. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
NHTSA complaint #513857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alamogordo, NMCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AFTER WIFE PARKED AUTOMOBILE AND GOT OUT-THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARD IN A SEMI-CIRCLE, RESULTING IN HITTING A BRICK WALL. DRIVER WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #831042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Great Neck, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS DURING HEAD ON COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #525280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Temple, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #487868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Bessemer City, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. CONSUMER STATES REJECTION FOR TRADE UNDER THE CASH FOR CLUNKER PROGRAM. CONSUMER REQUEST MONEY FOR TRADE IN. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE MPG RATING HAD BEEN REVISED AND SHE DIDN'T KNOW.
NHTSA complaint #10314272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, MS
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAME PAST THE STOP LINE AT A RAILROAD TRACK, SAW TRAIN WAS APPROACHING AND TRIED TO BACK UP.....NO REVERSE!!! NO PRIOR WARNING OR SIGNS OF DEFECTS.....HAD TO GET OUT AND PUSH VEHICLE OFF OF TRACKS TO PREVENT A CATASTROPHIC COLLISION. TOOK TO A NUMBER OF TRANSMISSION SHOPS AND FOUND OUT THAT GM ISSUED A NUMBER OF SERVICE BULLETINS REGARDING THE REACTION SHELL FAILURE ISSUE BUT THEY NEVER TOOK RESPONSIBILITY TO ISSUE A RECALL......THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THE NO REVERSE PROBLEM DUE TO THE REACTION SUN SHELL FAILING.......GM SHOULD STILL ISSUE A RECALL!!!!!! DOES IT HAVE TO TAKE A LOSS OF LIFE TO HAVE A RECALL ISSUED? THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT.....
NHTSA complaint #10264407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesSacramento, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO MAKE A LEFT HAND U-TURN, HE CAN FEEL THE RIGHT TIRE ROLLING OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP, BUT NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10240590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,820 milesChesterfield, VA
TIRES:VALVE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A FAINT "POOF" SOUND. SHE PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. SHE HAD JUST PURCHASED FOUR NEW VALVE STEMS AND HAD FOUR NEW TIRES INSTALLED, MOUNTED, AND BALANCED FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. SHE CALLED AAA AND THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND VALVE STEM FAILURE HE HAD ENCOUNTERED IN LESS THEN A WEEK. HE REPLACED THE TIRE WITH A SPARE. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE AND PARKED THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 107,820. UPDATED 06/30/08 *BF UPDATED 06/30/08
NHTSA complaint #10231485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A 1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE AND RECENTLY WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR NOTICED THAT IT WOULD NOT START. I JUMPED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO RUN BUT ONCE I TURNED IT OFF WAS UNABLE TO RE-START THE CAR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE BATTERY WAS LEAKING AROUND THE POSITIVE TERMINAL CONNECTION. THE BATTERY WAS A AC DELCO 78-6YR BATTERY WITH SIDE-MOUNT TERMINALS. WHEN I REMOVED THE BATTERY FROM THE CAR I COULD SEE THAT IT HAD BEEN LEAKING AND CONTINUED TO LEAK ACID ALL OVER THE BATTERY TRAY AND MY GARAGE FLOOR. WHEN I WENT TO A LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER (HARBOR CHEVROLET OF LONG BEACH) THEY OFFERED ME NOT HELP BECAUSE I NO LONGER HAD THE RECEIPT AND HAD NOT PURCHASED THE BATTERY FROM THEM. I THOUGHT THIS WAS NOT RIGHT SINCE THE BATTERY WAS LESS THAN SIX YEARS OLD AND HAD THE REGISTRATION CODES CLEARLY VISIBLE ON THE TOP OF THE BATTERY CASE. MY CAR WAS DAMAGED BY THE LEAKY BATTER AND I HAD TO BUY A NEW BATTERY (OF COURSE NOT AN AC DELCO PRODUCT) WHICH SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THE CASE SINCE THE BATTERY SHOULD STILL HAVE BEEN UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10228234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. THE VEHICLE HAS PEP BOYS FUTURA, SIZE P235/70R15 TIRES. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. HE DISCOVERED A BULGE ON THE TREAD OF THE TIRE AT 14,000 MILES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A TIRE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE TIRE. APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT FELT A VIBRATION AND DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE HAD A BULGE AT 16,000 MILES. THE REAR TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000. UPDATED 12/12/07
NHTSA complaint #10207621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesDarien, IL
SUSPENSION:REAR
I HAVE A 1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. MY REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM (PASSENGER SIDE) BROKE WHILE DRIVING. THANKFULLY, IT HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED AND NEAR MY HOME. THE CONTROL ARM BROKE ALL THE WAY THROUGH, RIGHT AT THE STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENT... EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL 96V020000. THE PART THAT BROKE IS UNDER RECALL, ID 96V020000. I GAVE THE CHEVROLET DEALER THIS INFORMATION AND THEY "COULD NOT FIND" THE RECALL. I ALSO CALLED AND EMAILED CHEVROLET, ESSENTIALLY GETTING THE SAME RESPONSE --IGNORANCE. MY COMPLAINT IS I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR MYSELF, DESPITE THIS BEING A REPAIR OF A RECALLED PART. HERE IS THE RECALL INFO, AS FOUND ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE: MAKE / MODELS : MODEL/BUILD YEARS: CHEVROLET / CAPRICE 1991-1996 MANUFACTURER : GENERAL MOTORS CORP. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 96V020000 MFR'S REPORT DATE : JAN 25, 1996 COMPONENT: SUSPENSION:REAR POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED : 154214 SUMMARY: THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN CRACK AT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENT. CONSEQUENCE: 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. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENTS. NOTES: SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; SINGLE AXLE; REAR; CONTROL ARM. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE (SEO 9C1) VEHICLES AND TAXI CABS (SEO 9C6). NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
NHTSA complaint #10198544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesDarien, IL
EQUIPMENT
I HAVE A 1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. MY REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM (PASSENGER SIDE) BROKE WHILE DRIVING. THANKFULLY, IT HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED AND NEAR MY HOME. THE CONTROL ARM BROKE ALL THE WAY THROUGH, RIGHT AT THE STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENT... EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL 96V020000. THE PART THAT BROKE IS UNDER RECALL, ID 96V020000. I GAVE THE CHEVROLET DEALER THIS INFORMATION AND THEY "COULD NOT FIND" THE RECALL. I ALSO CALLED AND EMAILED CHEVROLET, ESSENTIALLY GETTING THE SAME RESPONSE --IGNORANCE. MY COMPLAINT IS I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR MYSELF, DESPITE THIS BEING A REPAIR OF A RECALLED PART. HERE IS THE RECALL INFO, AS FOUND ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE: MAKE / MODELS : MODEL/BUILD YEARS: CHEVROLET / CAPRICE 1991-1996 MANUFACTURER : GENERAL MOTORS CORP. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 96V020000 MFR'S REPORT DATE : JAN 25, 1996 COMPONENT: SUSPENSION:REAR POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED : 154214 SUMMARY: THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN CRACK AT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENT. CONSEQUENCE: 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. REMEDY: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENTS. NOTES: SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; SINGLE AXLE; REAR; CONTROL ARM. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE (SEO 9C1) VEHICLES AND TAXI CABS (SEO 9C6). NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
NHTSA complaint #10198544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesBartow, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. CHEVROLET STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 95V221000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS LEAKING AND THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE OCCASIONALLY, WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE POWERTRAIN AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
NHTSA complaint #10197855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesBartow, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. CHEVROLET STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 95V221000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS LEAKING AND THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE OCCASIONALLY, WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE POWERTRAIN AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
NHTSA complaint #10197855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesBartow, FL
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. CHEVROLET STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 95V221000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS LEAKING AND THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE OCCASIONALLY, WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE POWERTRAIN AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
NHTSA complaint #10197855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesGlen Allen, VA
SEAT BELTS
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED. THE SPRINGS POPPED OUT OF THE PLASTIC, CAUSING THE SPRING TO NO LONGER HOLD TENSION. *AK THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NO LONGER HOLD THE BELT TENSIONER TO ADJUST TO THE DRIVER'S BODY. THE SEAT BELTS RETRACTOR SPRING HAD BROKEN THROUGH THE PLASTIC RETAINER, WHICH CAUSED THE BELT TO STAY PERMANENTLY IN THE FULL EXTENDED POSITION. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10075757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesLanham, MDCrash1 injured
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
I WAS DRIVING A 1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE AND WAS STOPPED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY. I WAS HIT IN THE REAR BY A CAR GOING 50 MPH WHO DID NOT SEE THAT I WAS STOPPED. THE DRIVERS SEAT COLLAPSED INTO THE RECLINED POSITION AND THREW ME INTO THE REAR SEAT. MY SEAT BELT WAS ON AND LIMITED MY MOVEMENT. IN ADDITION, I PULLED ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND BROKE IT AT THE 10 O'CLOCK AND PARTIALLY SEPERATED AT THE 2 O'CLOCK POSITIONS. THE FAILURE OF THE SEAT CAUSED INJURY TO MYSELF WITH NO SUPPORT TO MY NECK AND HEAD. MY QUESTION IS: IS THE SEAT DESIGNED TO SUPPORT MY WEIGHT (6'0, 194 LBS.) UNDER THESE CONDITIONS OR IS IT DESIGNED TO COLLASPE AS IT DID ALLOWING ME TO COME UNSECURRED FROM THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM? SECONDLY, WAS THERE A SAFETY RECALL, SERVICE BULLETIN, OR DEFECT INVESTIGATION ON THIS VEHICLE? I EXAMINED YOUR WEB SITE AND FOUND NO INDICATION OR REPORT ON THIS SITUATION. I APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #10063683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesLanham, MDCrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
I WAS DRIVING A 1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE AND WAS STOPPED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY. I WAS HIT IN THE REAR BY A CAR GOING 50 MPH WHO DID NOT SEE THAT I WAS STOPPED. THE DRIVERS SEAT COLLAPSED INTO THE RECLINED POSITION AND THREW ME INTO THE REAR SEAT. MY SEAT BELT WAS ON AND LIMITED MY MOVEMENT. IN ADDITION, I PULLED ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND BROKE IT AT THE 10 O'CLOCK AND PARTIALLY SEPERATED AT THE 2 O'CLOCK POSITIONS. THE FAILURE OF THE SEAT CAUSED INJURY TO MYSELF WITH NO SUPPORT TO MY NECK AND HEAD. MY QUESTION IS: IS THE SEAT DESIGNED TO SUPPORT MY WEIGHT (6'0, 194 LBS.) UNDER THESE CONDITIONS OR IS IT DESIGNED TO COLLASPE AS IT DID ALLOWING ME TO COME UNSECURRED FROM THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM? SECONDLY, WAS THERE A SAFETY RECALL, SERVICE BULLETIN, OR DEFECT INVESTIGATION ON THIS VEHICLE? I EXAMINED YOUR WEB SITE AND FOUND NO INDICATION OR REPORT ON THIS SITUATION. I APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE ON THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #10063683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesParadise, CA
WHEELS
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL FELL OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED.
NHTSA complaint #10044694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Inverness, IL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
RECALL #96 V 018 000/ GM LOWER CONTROL ARM: WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND MAKING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THERE WOULD BE A KNOCKING OR BANGING SOUND. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER ON ONE OCCASION AND THEY TIGHTEN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUT. NOW THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED AGAIN. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL AT THAT TIME. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS ISSUE AND FILL OUT THE REMAINING QUESTIONNAIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10032436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansing, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NHTSA#95-V-221-000; THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." CONSUMER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10022831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Webster, MA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT BACK INTO POSITION AND IT COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TO BE DEFECTIVE IN THE EVENT OF AND ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *MR THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT HAS FAILED AND IS UNABLE TO BE USED. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8020356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goldens Bridge, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALL COMPLETE, SHUT OFF, STARTER AGAIN , SHUT OFF, DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #8019932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Charlotte, FL
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
4 OF THE VEHICLES POWER WINDOWS HAVE COME OFF THE TRACK AT DIFFERENT TIMES.*AK *NLM
NHTSA complaint #8017351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FL
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
STEERING WHEEL COLLAPSED (BROKE OFF) AT THE TWO HORIZONTAL POINTS - - 3 O'CLOCK AND 9 O'CLOCK POINTS AT A ROUTINE "ROCKING" AT A STOP. NOT AN EMERGENCY STOP OR SUDDEN STOP; JUST A ROUTINE STOP AT A LIGHT. I HAD NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN IN ANY VEHICLE UNLESS INVOLVED IN A CRASH, MUCH LESS FROM A FRAIL MAN AS MYSELF WHO DOES NOT POSSESS SUPERHUMAN POWERS. I ASKED MECHANICS IF THEY HAD EVER SEEN THIS OCCUR AND THE ANSWER WAS NEGATIVE. I CONTACTED KELLY CHEVROLET (HALLANDALE, FL) AND THEY ALSO TOLD ME TO NEVER HAVE SEEN THIS HAPPEN, UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN CRASH. SINCE THEN I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND HAVE RECEIVED NOTHING BUT RUN-AROUNDS. THEY ASSIGNED IT CASE NO. 1-21646074, THEN, THEY GOT IT MIXED UP WITH SOMEONE ELSE'S CASE BY THE NAME OF FENNIMORE. I REPLIED TO THEM TO CORRECT THE NAME ERROR AND PROVIDE THEM WITH FURTHER INFO AND I RECEIVED TWO REPLIES FROM TWO DIFFERENT REPRESENTATIVES WITHIN 3 HOURS OF EACH OTHER. THE FIRST ONE, A MS. NEJDI, WHO SAID TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH THE ORIGINAL REPRESENTATIVE (A MS. WEIR, WHOM HAD DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, OTHER THAN MIX ME UP WITH A MR. FENNIMORE). THE SECOND RESPONSE CAME FROM THE ORIGINAL REPRESENTATIVE (MS. WEIR, ADDRESSING ME AS MR. FENNIMORE, AGAIN). SHE SAID IN THIS EMAIL THE CASE HAD BEEN CLOSED DUE TO MY LACK OF RESPONSE. IN FACT, I HAD RESPONDED AND EVEN ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT HER ERROR OF THE NAME AND SAID CORRECTION WAS ACKNOWLEDGED BY MS. NEJDI, AS PREVOUSLY STATED HEREIN. THE DISTURBING PART ABOUT THIS IS GM'S FAILURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. A STEERING WHEEL SHOULD NOT COLLAPSE AT A ROUTINE STOP REGARDLESS OF THE AGE OR MILEAGE OF THE CAR WITHOUT BEING INVOLVED IN A CRASH. GM IS ACTING TOTALLY INCOMPETENT IN HANDLING THE COMPLAINT AS WELL AS IRRESPONSIBLE BY IGNORING A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE SAVED EACH EMAIL TO AND FROM GM TO PROVE THEIR DISREGARD FOR SAFETY AND MISHANDLING OF THE MATTER. I WOULD APPRECIATE THE NTHSA'S INVOLVEMENT IN THIS CASE.
NHTSA complaint #765704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roscommon, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING BRAKES THERE IS A FULL THROTTLE AND THERE WILL BE NO BRAKING. DEALER CONTACTED. HAD PART REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM REOCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #8016408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roscommon, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING BRAKES THERE IS A FULL THROTTLE AND THERE WILL BE NO BRAKING. DEALER CONTACTED. HAD PART REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM REOCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #8016408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loge, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
WINDOWS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, ALSO WHEN TAKING A LOOK AT VEHICLE THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM DOOR. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
NHTSA complaint #8015604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loge, IL
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
WINDOWS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, ALSO WHEN TAKING A LOOK AT VEHICLE THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM DOOR. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
NHTSA complaint #8015604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.