1990 Chevrolet Cavalier Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 36%of 55 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier, 36% of the 55 complaints for this model year. 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Consumer had questions about the vehicle starter and the use of a starter not designed for the vehicle. . The starter the consumer purchased from the auto store was said to be incompatible for the consumer's vehicle, however it worked fine.”
NHTSA complaint #10031500, filed 2003-07“While driving horn pad fell out and stuck in steering wheel, froze steering wheel, causing loss of steering control, ripped off differential, speed 30 MPH, nearly caused an accident..”
NHTSA complaint #806150, filed 1996-12Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 211 | 74% |
| 2004 | 185 | 56% |
| 2003 | 106 | 16% |
| 2002 | 35 | 18% |
| 2001 | 56 | 23% |
| 2000 | 69 | 22% |
| 1999 | 47 | 20% |
| 1998 | 66 | 19% |
| 1997 | 107 | 20% |
| 1996 | 100 | 20% |
| 1995 | 59 | 22% |
| 1994 | 23 | 11% |
| 1993 | 26 | 18% |
| 1992 | 21 | 16% |
| 1991 | 17 | 31% |
| 1990 | 20 | 36% |
| 1989 | 6 | 14% |
| 1988 | 3 | 25% |
| 1986 | 5 | 28% |
Other parts of the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsTires
3 complaintsBrakes
2 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 29, 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