Owners have filed 157 complaints
about the 1994 Chevrolet Corsica with NHTSA between 1995 and 2017.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 52
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Corsica. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22.3% 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 1994 compares with every other Chevrolet Corsica
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.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
337.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
450.0%
150,000+ miles
112.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1994 Chevrolet Corsica 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
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 6May 2017
Recalls on the 1994 Chevrolet Corsica
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
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.
at 168,000 milesLunchburgh, VACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
TL*THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET CORSICA. INTERMITTENTLY, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY RATE OF SPEED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD DETACH. APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS LATER, THE SPOUSE WAS IN A ONE CAR CRASH AND SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES. HIS SON SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY TWELVE TIMES WHILE ACCELERATING OR DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10246588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,490 milesMadison, WICrash10 injured2 killed
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT COLLIDED WITH TWO OTHER VEHICLES. TEN PEOPLE WERE INJURED, AND TWO PEOPLE DIED IN THIS COLLISION. ENGINEERS FOUND A STRUCTURAL FAILURE IN THE REAR AXLE. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTROL ARM TO SEPARATE. CONSUMER WAS INCARCERATED DUE TO THE FATALITIES.
NHTSA complaint #10071809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesDubuque, IACrash3 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
SPONTANEOUS ACCELERATION OF MY DAUGHTER'S 1994 CHEVROLET CORSICA RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF CORSICA, DAMAGE AND INJURY TO MY DAUGHTER AND (2) DRIVERS OF OTHER VEHICLES STRUCK BY THE CORSICA.
NHTSA complaint #10041729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DCCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, FLIPPED OVER THREE TIMES, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10015842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, ILCrashFire1 killed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
HAD STARTED TO TURN A CORNER, AND WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKES, VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER AND BURST INTO FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. POSSIBLE INDICATION WAS FIRE IN STEERING. DRIVER DIED. POLICE REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #8004993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lemont, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TURN SIGNALS ACTIVATED, SMOKE CAME FROM STEERING COLUMN. TURN SIGNAL ERRATIC, NOT SHUTTING OFF. THEN ON NEXT SLIGHT TURN OF WHEEL, TURN SIGNALS ACTIVATED THEMSELVES IN DIRECTION OF TURN. ODOR OF BURNING FROM STEERING COLUMN.
NHTSA complaint #9003552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 56,000 milesDardenne Prairie, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10983598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesLunchburgh, VACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
TL*THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET CORSICA. INTERMITTENTLY, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY RATE OF SPEED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD DETACH. APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS LATER, THE SPOUSE WAS IN A ONE CAR CRASH AND SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES. HIS SON SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY TWELVE TIMES WHILE ACCELERATING OR DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10246588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,900 milesColumbia Heights, MN
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
THE 2 BOLTS HOLDING THE FRONT STABILIZER BAR IN PLACE BROKE APART DUE TO RUST. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE BUT I WASN'T GOING THAT FAST SO I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10160481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAlpine, NY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED SHOULDER AND LAP BELTS ARE CONNECTED TO THE DOOR, NOT TO THE FLOOR. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF HER CAR WITH THE SEAT BELT ON. THE CONSUMER DOES NOT FEEL SHE SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT WITH THE SEAT BELT ON. SHE FEELS THIS IS A DEFECT IN DESIGN ONLY.*AK
NHTSA complaint #10134898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia Heights, MN
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE. *BF THE CONSUMER IS QUESTIONING WHEATHER OR NOT HIS VEHICLE WAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE LOWER BALL JOINT. THE RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE DID NOT PERTAIN TO THE PROBLEM CONSUMER WAS HAVING WITH HIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10095189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cotton Plant, AR
STRUCTURE
PAINT PEALING FROM THE HOOD AND TOP OF CAR. 1994 CHEVROLET CORSICA 4 DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10082721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesShirley, NY
TIRES:SIDEWALL
ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO I PURCHASED 4 GOODYEAR REGETTA TIRES.SO FAR I HAD TO REPLACE 2 OF THEM DUE TO CRACKING ON THE SIDEWALL.SHORTLY I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE OTHER 2.I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ANY OTHER TIRES I HAVE EVER OWNED.THIS IS VERY UNUSAL THAT THIS SHOULD HAPPED TO TIRES.BUT,I HAD PEOPLE TELL ME ITS COMMEN WITH THE REGETTA BRAND.
NHTSA complaint #10078519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,490 milesMadison, WICrash10 injured2 killed
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT COLLIDED WITH TWO OTHER VEHICLES. TEN PEOPLE WERE INJURED, AND TWO PEOPLE DIED IN THIS COLLISION. ENGINEERS FOUND A STRUCTURAL FAILURE IN THE REAR AXLE. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTROL ARM TO SEPARATE. CONSUMER WAS INCARCERATED DUE TO THE FATALITIES.
NHTSA complaint #10071809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Hood, TX
STRUCTURE
THE PAINT ON MY 94 CORSICA IS COMING OFF IN SHEETS. POSSIBLY DUE TO FAULTY PRIMER.
NHTSA complaint #10053175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSergeant Bluff, IA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ON MY 1994 CHEVY CORSICA IS LEAKING. I HAD THE CAR TO THE SHOP LAST WEEK AND HAD THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THE GM 3.1L ENGINES. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH I CAUGHT MINE BEFORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS OCCURED, IT IS STILL A VERY COSTLY REPAIR. THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO WEREN'T AS FORTUNATE AS ME, AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEIR ENGINES. EVEN THE OWNER OF THE LOCAL SMALL TOWN REPAIR SHOP HERE SAID THAT THIS IS A COMMON. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO SPEND UPWARDS OF $500 TO GET THIS FIXED, THAT MAY NOT BE MUCH FOR A GOVERNMENT AGENCY SUCH AS YOURSELVES, BUT IT IS FOR MY FAMILY. MY HOPE IS THAT YOU TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION FROM WHAT I HAVE WRITTEN TO YOU, AND THE HUNDREDS OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, AND MAKE GM DO A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. IT IS A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM, AND A VERY COMMON ONE TO SAY THE LEAST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. ERIC GENGLER.
NHTSA complaint #10052789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ames, IA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 5 MPH DRIVER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE AND VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. CONSUMER STOPPED VEHICLE AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE FRONT END. THE WELD BROKE ON THE RIGHT SIDE, SEPARATING THE FRONT CONTROL ARM FROM THE SUSPENSION. THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT PER MANUFACTURER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED.
NHTSA complaint #10044391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesDubuque, IACrash3 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
SPONTANEOUS ACCELERATION OF MY DAUGHTER'S 1994 CHEVROLET CORSICA RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF CORSICA, DAMAGE AND INJURY TO MY DAUGHTER AND (2) DRIVERS OF OTHER VEHICLES STRUCK BY THE CORSICA.
NHTSA complaint #10041729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corcoran, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
FRONT PASSANGER SEATBELT SPRING BROKE FRONT DRIVER SEATBELT SOMTIMES COMES UNDONE.
NHTSA complaint #10036669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS TYPE OF MAJOR EXPENSIVE FAILURE SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING WITH A VEHICLE WITH LOW MILEAGE. I CONTACTED CHEVROLET (GM REQUEST # G01479570). THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I AM NOT UNHAPPY WITH QUALITY OF THIS AUTOMOBILE, BUT NOT HAPPY WITH THE SERVICE AND RESPONSE FROM CHEVROLET FOR NOT WILLING TO HELP. IS THIS HAPPENING WITH OTHER VEHICLES MAKE AND TYPE.**** DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*****731233. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10006348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DCCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, FLIPPED OVER THREE TIMES, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10015842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brownsmills, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OIL PAN LEAKED OIL, ROOF BRACE INSIDE BENT, AND THE SEAL OUTSIDE COWL BELOW FRONT WINDSHIELD LEAKED WATER FROM OUTSIDE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10009448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brownsmills, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
OIL PAN LEAKED OIL, ROOF BRACE INSIDE BENT, AND THE SEAL OUTSIDE COWL BELOW FRONT WINDSHIELD LEAKED WATER FROM OUTSIDE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10009448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brownsmills, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
OIL PAN LEAKED OIL, ROOF BRACE INSIDE BENT, AND THE SEAL OUTSIDE COWL BELOW FRONT WINDSHIELD LEAKED WATER FROM OUTSIDE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10009448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elmira, NY
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING PUMP IS BROKE, THE HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING OIL. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. AS WE SPOKE JUST ONE RECALL NHTSA#6818-93-V-157-3000 SEP-16-1993 THE SUSPENSION SUPORT ASSEMBLIES. THE AFECTED TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN MOVE SUSTANTIALLY FROM ITS DESIGNED POSITION AND STEERING CONTROL CAN BE SEVERELY IMPARED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. PH
NHTSA complaint #8024036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reedsport, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY LET GO, AND VEHICLE JERKS FORWARD. CONTACTED DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #8015582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, MO
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AREA, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, AND THE BLINKER SWITCH WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTINOUS SMOKE WAS POSSIBILY DUE TO FRESH OIL ON NEW WIRES.
NHTSA complaint #785936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AREA, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, AND THE BLINKER SWITCH WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTINOUS SMOKE WAS POSSIBILY DUE TO FRESH OIL ON NEW WIRES.
NHTSA complaint #785936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, MO
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AREA, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, AND THE BLINKER SWITCH WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTINOUS SMOKE WAS POSSIBILY DUE TO FRESH OIL ON NEW WIRES.
NHTSA complaint #785936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AREA, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, AND THE BLINKER SWITCH WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTINOUS SMOKE WAS POSSIBILY DUE TO FRESH OIL ON NEW WIRES.
NHTSA complaint #785936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, ILCrashFire1 killed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
HAD STARTED TO TURN A CORNER, AND WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKES, VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER AND BURST INTO FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. POSSIBLE INDICATION WAS FIRE IN STEERING. DRIVER DIED. POLICE REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #8004993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.