1990 Chevrolet Cavalier Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 13%of 55 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier, 13% of the 55 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Hard to start vehicle. Strong smell of fuel. Erratic idle. Engine dies and is difficult to start again. No service engine light. Took to Chevrolet dealer who only replaced the fuel pressure regulator. Could not find any codes in computer. I have replaced several parts which control the idle speed. Gas odor is gone but car still dies at stops and will not idle correctly. Dealer could not give me an answer for the causes. This car has been to 3 different dealerships and none of them can determine the cause.”
NHTSA complaint #760333, filed 2002-04“The coolant fan wont run when need have tio turn the heater on to run fan and temperature ligh comes on sometimed when you first start the car or you can be driving the car and it comes on.”
NHTSA complaint #736785, filed 2000-11“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 1998-08Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 43 | 6% |
| 2002 | 22 | 11% |
| 2001 | 29 | 12% |
| 2000 | 54 | 17% |
| 1999 | 44 | 18% |
| 1998 | 55 | 16% |
| 1997 | 106 | 20% |
| 1996 | 117 | 23% |
| 1995 | 82 | 30% |
| 1994 | 56 | 26% |
| 1993 | 41 | 28% |
| 1992 | 15 | 11% |
| 1991 | 8 | 15% |
| 1990 | 7 | 13% |
| 1989 | 10 | 23% |
| 1986 | 6 | 33% |
| 1984 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 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 28, 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