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.
Buckle Assembly
419.0%
Lock
314.3%
Drum
314.3%
Gasoline
314.3%
Foundation Components
314.3%
Module
29.5%
Automatic Transmission
29.5%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
14.8%
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.
Mar 1995peak 4Jun 2008
NHTSA investigations into the 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity
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.
PE94048Opened 21 Jun 1994Closed 30 Dec 1994ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SUMMARY:CHEVROLET DEALER SERVICE BULLETIN OUTLINES PROCEDURES FORCORRECTING MISADJUSTED BRAKE LAMP SWITCH.OTHER VEHICLE MANUFACTURERSHAVE TAKEN MORE FORMAL ACTIONS TO CORRECT SIMILAR PROBLEMS.===
Recalls on the 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity
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
95V173000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IN A COLLISON, STRESS CAN CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT PROTECT AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1995165184,500 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 210 - SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGE. VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. DURING LOADING, STRESS COULD CAUSE THE ATTACHMENT METAL TO TEAR AND ALLOW THE ANCHORAGE TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHOR BOLTS WITH NEW SHOULDER BOLTS AND THREAD LOCKING ADHESIVE. NOISE CONTROL PATCHES WILL ALSO BE APPLIED AT EACH ANCHORAGE.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Pittsburgh, PACrash1 injured
TIRES
1989 CHEVY CELEBRITY SUFFERED A TIRE BLOWOUT. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL AND SPUN OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY THEN STRUCK AN EMBANKMENT. *NJ THE CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 19-0473-91 UPDATED 04/15/10
NHTSA complaint #10231793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ithaca, NYCrash1 injured
SEATS
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40-45MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, ALL OF A SUDDEN WAS HIT FROM THE REAR. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED, AND HINGE BROKE ON THE INSIDE, THROWING CONSUMER TO HIS BACK AT AN ANGLE. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #860106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Butler, PAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). MJS
NHTSA complaint #548338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westhamption, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA complaint #977919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlantic, GACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER WAS IN ACCIDENT AND DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT CAME OUT OF THE BUCKLE. TT
NHTSA complaint #974063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FT LEE, NJCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
RECEIVED A SOFT PEDAL, WENT TO FLOOR WITH NO BRAKING EFFECT; CAUSED ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA complaint #971057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Pittsburgh, PACrash1 injured
TIRES
1989 CHEVY CELEBRITY SUFFERED A TIRE BLOWOUT. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL AND SPUN OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY THEN STRUCK AN EMBANKMENT. *NJ THE CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 19-0473-91 UPDATED 04/15/10
NHTSA complaint #10231793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE ROOF RACK HAD SEPARATED WITH TWO BIKES ATTACHED TO IT WHILE IN MOTION, AND HAD FLOWN OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE THIN FABRICATION OF THE HEATER CORE TUBING ALLOWED LEAKAGE INTO THE VEHICLE WHICH CAN CAUSE PROLONGED INHALATION OF TOXIC FUMES, AND THE SENSOR THAT HITS ON THE CAMSHAFT HAS A SMALL MAGNET AFFIXED TO IT WHICH WAS FOUND TO BE PARTIALLY MISSING. MR SCC
NHTSA complaint #10011590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fords, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE ROOF RACK HAD SEPARATED WITH TWO BIKES ATTACHED TO IT WHILE IN MOTION, AND HAD FLOWN OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE THIN FABRICATION OF THE HEATER CORE TUBING ALLOWED LEAKAGE INTO THE VEHICLE WHICH CAN CAUSE PROLONGED INHALATION OF TOXIC FUMES, AND THE SENSOR THAT HITS ON THE CAMSHAFT HAS A SMALL MAGNET AFFIXED TO IT WHICH WAS FOUND TO BE PARTIALLY MISSING. MR SCC
NHTSA complaint #10011590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fords, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
THE ROOF RACK HAD SEPARATED WITH TWO BIKES ATTACHED TO IT WHILE IN MOTION, AND HAD FLOWN OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE THIN FABRICATION OF THE HEATER CORE TUBING ALLOWED LEAKAGE INTO THE VEHICLE WHICH CAN CAUSE PROLONGED INHALATION OF TOXIC FUMES, AND THE SENSOR THAT HITS ON THE CAMSHAFT HAS A SMALL MAGNET AFFIXED TO IT WHICH WAS FOUND TO BE PARTIALLY MISSING. MR SCC
NHTSA complaint #10011590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orangvale, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
DRIVER'S SIDE BUCKLE WOULD NOT LATCH. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, AND WERE UNABLE TO FIND A REPLACEMENT PART. ASKING NHTSA TO ASSIST IN THIS MATTER. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #892329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
TIRES
PE00 048 CONSUMER BOUGHT TWO MICHELIN TIRES FROM SEARS, NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE TIRES WERE DRY ROTTEN, AND MANAGER AT SEARS TOLD HER THAT TIRES WERE NOT ON WARRANTY FOR ROTTEN TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #882814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Klamath Falls, OR
TIRES
THIS TIRE FAILED 3 TIMES, EACH TIME DUE TO STUD PENETRATION. WE PURCHASED THESE TIRES FROM LES SCHWAB IN NOVEMBER OF 2000. THE THREE STUD PENETRATIONS OCCURED ON 2-1-01, 2-7-01 AND 2-8-01. EACH TIME WE TOOK THE TIRE BACK TO LES SCHWAB, THEY PATCHED THE AREA WHERE THE STUD(S) HAD PENETRATED FREE OF CHARGE AS STATED IN THEIR SERVICE WARRANTY AGREEMENT. ON THE THIRD OCCURANCE, WE REPLACED THE TIRE AND RETAINED IT FOR EVIDENCE AND WAS INFORMED BY LES SCHWAB THAT THIS BRAND OF STUDDED TIRE WAS VERY LIKELY TO HAVE A STUD PENETRATION PROBLEM AND THAT THEY WERE DEALING WITH A HIGH VOLUME OF COMPLAINTS. THEY SUGGESTED THAT WE CONTACT AN ATTORNEY AND THE NHTSA DUE TO PROBLEMS THAT WE HAD WITH THE TIRE. THE SECOND OCCURANCE HAPPENED WHILE WE WERE IN ROUTE TO BEND OR. WHICH IS 135 MILES FROM OUR TOWN ON HWY 97 WHICH IS A 55 MPH ZONE. WHEN WE ARRIVED IN BEND ONLY THEN WERE WE INFORMED BY A FELLOW MOTORIST THAT WE HAD A VERY FLAT TIRE. THE THIRD OCCURANCE HAPPENED THAT NIGHT WHILE WE WERE SLEEPING. WE WOKE UP TO FIND THAT OUR TIRE WAS SO FLAT WE WERE UNABLE TO REINFLATE IT WITHOUT THE USE OF "FIX-A-FLAT". THEN WE WENT TO THE LES SCHWAB ON 97, REPLACED THE TIRE AND THE PEOPLE THAT TOOK CARE OF US INFORMED OF THE PROBLEMS IN THE PAST WITH THIS PARTICULAR BRAND AND TYPE OF STUDDED TIRE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: HYJ7WF2 TIRESIZE: P185/75R14)
NHTSA complaint #740753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, NH
TIRES
PURCHASE DATE 3/16/2000 FELT BUMP AND I STOP CAR .TIRE WAS COMPLETELY RIPED APART (THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS LINE ALSO) (DOT NUMBER: U9KA TIRESIZE: P195/75R14)
NHTSA complaint #733461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Park Hills, MO
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WOULD NOT UNLATCH, AND WAS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. SEAT BELT HAD TO BE CUT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM, OWNER WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT. *AK
NHTSA complaint #863683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ithaca, NYCrash1 injured
SEATS
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40-45MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, ALL OF A SUDDEN WAS HIT FROM THE REAR. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED, AND HINGE BROKE ON THE INSIDE, THROWING CONSUMER TO HIS BACK AT AN ANGLE. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #860106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Butler, PAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). MJS
NHTSA complaint #548338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merritt Island, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
FOLLOWING REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR DRUMS, SHOES AND WHEEL CYLINDERS, ONLY MODERATE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE WILL CAUSE THE REAR WHEELS TO LOCK UP AND SKID. IN WET CONDITIONS THE REAR END CAN FISHTAIL LEADING TO POTENTIAL DISASTER. PROBLEM WAS NEVER NOTICED IN PREVIOUS 9 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. THE FRONT DISC BRAKES APPEAR TO BE OPERATING AND THE PEDAL FEEL DOES NOT INDICATE AIR IN THE SYSTEM. THE GARAGE HAS LOOKED AT THE BRAKES ON TWO OCCASIONS AND MADE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS AND REPLACED THE SHOES ONCE (LESS THAN A YEAR), BUT COULD FIND NOTHING ELSE. PLEASE ADVISE.
NHTSA complaint #717107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merritt Island, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
FOLLOWING REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR DRUMS, SHOES AND WHEEL CYLINDERS, ONLY MODERATE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE WILL CAUSE THE REAR WHEELS TO LOCK UP AND SKID. IN WET CONDITIONS THE REAR END CAN FISHTAIL LEADING TO POTENTIAL DISASTER. PROBLEM WAS NEVER NOTICED IN PREVIOUS 9 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. THE FRONT DISC BRAKES APPEAR TO BE OPERATING AND THE PEDAL FEEL DOES NOT INDICATE AIR IN THE SYSTEM. THE GARAGE HAS LOOKED AT THE BRAKES ON TWO OCCASIONS AND MADE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS AND REPLACED THE SHOES ONCE (LESS THAN A YEAR), BUT COULD FIND NOTHING ELSE. PLEASE ADVISE.
NHTSA complaint #717107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merritt Island, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
FOLLOWING REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR DRUMS, SHOES AND WHEEL CYLINDERS, ONLY MODERATE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE WILL CAUSE THE REAR WHEELS TO LOCK UP AND SKID. IN WET CONDITIONS THE REAR END CAN FISHTAIL LEADING TO POTENTIAL DISASTER. PROBLEM WAS NEVER NOTICED IN PREVIOUS 9 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. THE FRONT DISC BRAKES APPEAR TO BE OPERATING AND THE PEDAL FEEL DOES NOT INDICATE AIR IN THE SYSTEM. THE GARAGE HAS LOOKED AT THE BRAKES ON TWO OCCASIONS AND MADE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS AND REPLACED THE SHOES ONCE (LESS THAN A YEAR), BUT COULD FIND NOTHING ELSE. PLEASE ADVISE.
NHTSA complaint #717107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE INFORMATION ON OUR CAR RECEIVED FROM 'WWW.CARFAX.COM' SAYS ABOUT ODOMETER ROLLED BACK BY MORE THAN 80,000MILES. IT LOOKS LIKE THAT WAS DONE BY A DEALER. IT IS EASY TO SEE THAT THE ODOMETER IS REMOVED FROM ITS NORMAL POSITION. WHEN WE BOUGHT THE CAR IT WAS REGISTERED AT NY DMV WITH THE ODOMETER READING 66705. IF THE 'CARFAX' INFORMATION IS CORRECT SOMEBODY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #713242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montross, VA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. WINDSHEILD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #831425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, MA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE WAITING IN STOPPED TRAFFIC, HE CAR SUDDENLY TRIED TO LURCH FORWARD, THE IDLE BEGAN REVVING AS IF I WAS GOING EXTREMELY FAST AND I HAD TO PLACE ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO KEEP THE CAR FROM GOING FORWARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. ONE PERIOD OF IT OCCURED EVERY DAY FROM 11/5/96 TO 11/30/96. ALSO AT TIMES THE ODORMETER HAS SUDDENLY STARTED CLICKING MILES VERY FAST. IN ONE MILE STRETCH 200 MILES WERE ADDED TO THE ODORMETER. THIS STOPPED AFTER COMPLETE STOP.
NHTSA complaint #537150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
FUEL INJECTORS FAILED DUE TO FAULTY WIRING.
NHTSA complaint #530609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frackville, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE STALLS UPON COMING TO A STOP.
NHTSA complaint #518941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Island City, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #603297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Island City, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #603297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berkley, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILED 4 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #513440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
BRAKE FAILURE, IN FOR REPAIR, REPLACED ROTORS AND DISC PADS, LOCKUP DUE FAILURE OF CALIPERS, ALSO THE ADJUSTERS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #808357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BRAKE FAILURE, IN FOR REPAIR, REPLACED ROTORS AND DISC PADS, LOCKUP DUE FAILURE OF CALIPERS, ALSO THE ADJUSTERS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #808357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
BRAKE FAILURE, IN FOR REPAIR, REPLACED ROTORS AND DISC PADS, LOCKUP DUE FAILURE OF CALIPERS, ALSO THE ADJUSTERS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #808357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.