1990 Chevrolet Cavalier Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 4%of 55 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 250,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the brakes of the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier, 4% of the 55 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 250,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Knocking at start up for a good amount of time. When putting on the brake pads the pins wouldn't move to replace the brakes. Had to compress the pins loose with a c-clamp. Also, I've got some kind of leak on the passenger side that's a combination of antifreeze & oil. Which I think is caused from the knocking sound. My brake light & an exclamation point light shows on my dashboard sometimes. My fuel monitor gauge doesn't show the exact amount in tank. Could the listed recall cause my car. To runs out of gas at quarter tank of gas?”
NHTSA complaint #10660986, filed 2014-11, 250,000 miles“Notice engine leaking oil. Brakes failed to stop vehicle when weather was wet. Vehicle kept moving through red light. No ABS. Was told by mechanic that repairs are needed for safety. (relayed phone call).”
NHTSA complaint #826594, filed 1998-08Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 14 | 4% |
| 2003 | 34 | 5% |
| 2002 | 29 | 15% |
| 2001 | 42 | 17% |
| 2000 | 45 | 14% |
| 1999 | 51 | 21% |
| 1998 | 59 | 17% |
| 1997 | 64 | 12% |
| 1996 | 60 | 12% |
| 1995 | 26 | 10% |
| 1994 | 65 | 31% |
| 1993 | 53 | 36% |
| 1992 | 51 | 38% |
| 1991 | 5 | 9% |
| 1990 | 2 | 4% |
| 1989 | 4 | 9% |
| 1988 | 1 | 8% |
| 1987 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTires
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology