1993 Chevrolet Caprice Problems
- Complaints
- 61filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 87,688miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report problems with the horn buttons on the steering wheel, which are hard to locate and repeatedly stop working, and with antilock brakes that behave poorly on rough or wet pavement. Suspension complaints cluster around the front and rear lower control arms, and the reports span a wide mileage range from fairly low mileage up to around 96,000 miles.
- Electrical system
Horn buttons hard to press and stop working
- 10 complaints (16%)
- median 56,344 mi at 11.4 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1995–2004
Complaints describe two small horn buttons on either side of the airbag in the steering wheel that are difficult to locate and press, especially in a hurry. Owners report the horn becoming intermittent and then failing entirely, with buttons slipping out of place or breaking, and several say the buttons or horn contacts were replaced more than once. Some dealers replaced the contacts or switch, while others could not duplicate the problem or declined to repair it, and at least one owner was quoted several hundred dollars for the airbag/horn unit. Reported across a wide mileage and age range, with several owners noting repeated failures over multiple years of ownership.
What to check: Test both horn buttons while parked and again with the wheel turned slightly, and ask whether the horn switch or contacts have been replaced. Expect to budget for the airbag/horn unit if the horn is not working.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The horn buttons are located at each side of the airbag. They are 2 small buttons that are very difficult to depress in emergency situations. The left horn button will slip out of place and go somewhere into the steering wheel. The horn buttons are made out of plastic and very susceptible to breakage even w/little usage.I recently contacted the manuf. But they attributed to wear and tear/age of vehicle. We have replaced the horn buttons 1996, 1997,1999, 2000, and they just went out again. …”
NHTSA complaint #765962, filed 2002-08“Intermittently horn failed to work. Dealership repaired the problem twice, but the consumer was still having problems. The vehicle needed a horn switch replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10099380, filed 2004-12, 87,688 miles - Brakes
ABS poor braking on rough or wet roads
Mentioned in 7 of 31 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the antilock brakes grabbing, pulsing, or failing to stop the vehicle on rough pavement, railroad crossings, and in rain or snow, with owners reporting longer stopping distances and in some cases a collision. Several mention the ABS warning light coming on while driving, and one owner was told by the dealer that wiring running along the frame had rubbed through and shorted. Repairs reported include machined rear drums, new pads and front discs, and a failed ABS sensor. Reported from relatively low mileage (sensor and brake work noted around 21,000 to 27,000 miles) up through older, higher-mileage vehicles.
What to check: Ask whether the ABS light has come on and whether the wiring along the frame has been inspected for chafing. Drive over uneven or gravel surfaces during a test drive and note any pulsing or extended stopping.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While traveling on highway and without prior warning ABS brake light appeared on dashboard. Dealership is aware of problem. Consumer stated that the brake pads were replaced at 21000 miles and front discs replaced at 27000 miles. Also the antilock brake sensor failed at 23000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #8016024, filed 2002-08“The ABS light came on while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealership which informed the owner that the wires that ran from the front to the back along the frame had shorted out circuit. This short was due to the circuit rubbing against the frame. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #8020159, filed 2002-10 - Suspension
Lower control arm cracking or bolt loosening
Mentioned in 4 of 31 sampled complaints
Complaints describe cracking of the rear lower control arm where it attaches to the stabilizer bar, and on the front, a lower control arm bolt and self-locking nut coming loose, in one case tearing the frame. Owners report the front end feeling unstable, as though the wheels might come off, and one notes leaky front shocks were replaced without resolving it. Repairs described include control arm replacement by the dealer. Reports appear from moderate mileage up to about 96,000 miles, on vehicles of varying age.
What to check: Have a shop inspect both front and rear lower control arms, their attachment points, and the frame area around the bolts for cracks, looseness, or rust before buying.
An excerpt from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Location: front lower control arm on driver's side. Problem: nut came off the bolt holding the suspension together causing a 2 rip in the frame. Complaint: vehicle can not be repaired through welding with out some liability and risk. Question: how can this issue be resolved?”
NHTSA complaint #10052494, filed 2004-01, 96,000 miles
Buying note. Check the horn, antilock brakes, lower control arms, and seat belt retractors before purchase, since these are the areas owners most often describe. Verify whether the rear suspension control arm recall work was completed by looking up the VIN with a dealer.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 31 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints for the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice. 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 87,688 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 5 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system15 25%
- Brakes13 21%
- Suspension6 9.8%
- Air bags4 6.6%
- Seat belts4 6.6%
- Body and structure3 4.9%
- Tires3 4.9%
- Vehicle speed control3 4.9%
- Engine cooling2 3.3%
- Fuel system2 3.3%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (2), Exterior lighting (1), Steering (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Horn does not work while driving and could cause an accident or a pedestrian to get hurt. Cause unknown. Dealer notified. Consumer stated the horn buttons are loose in the steering wheel. Horn has been intermittently inoperative. Now it is not working at all. Consumer unplugged the horn because it would go off when turning a corner in either direction. The technician found horn contacts loose and they were broken causing intermittent operation. The contacts were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8013864, filed 2002-07Brakes: “When going over rough terrain, the ABS brakes don't work . The dealer will be notified. Consumer stated while braking over a single set of railroad tracks, the brake pulsated under consumers foot, however vehicle did not stop.”
NHTSA complaint #816816, filed 1997-10Mileage when problems were reported
33% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 25,000 and 96,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caprice · sedan | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1993 Chevrolet Caprice version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caprice RWD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Caprice RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Caprice RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Caprice RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Caprice Wagon RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Caprice Wagon RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 96V020000Jan 31, 1996Suspension › RearCovers: Chevrolet Caprice 1991–1996
The rear lower control arm can crack at the rear stabilizer bar attachment.
Recall details for the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Caprice
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 12 | 7,919 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 6 | 42,260 | 4 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 65 | 59,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 88 | 128,000 | 7 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 146 | 91,000 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 61 | 87,688 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 89 | 118,000 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 131 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 6 | — | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 18 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 12 | — | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 17 | — | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 30 | — | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 7 | 155,000 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 8 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Caprice model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice?
Owners of this model year most often report problems with the horn buttons on the steering wheel, which are hard to locate and repeatedly stop working, and with antilock brakes that behave poorly on rough or wet pavement. The issues reported most often: Horn buttons hard to press and stop working; ABS poor braking on rough or wet roads; Lower control arm cracking or bolt loosening.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice have?
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints for the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 15 complaints (25% of the total), followed by brakes with 13.
Has the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice get?
The EPA rates the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice (Caprice, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1993 Chevrolet Caprice reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 87,688 miles and the middle half falls between 25,000 and 96,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.