1989 Chevrolet Celebrity Problems
- Complaints
- 39filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- 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
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.8L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity. The part named most often is brakes, with 7 complaints (18% of the total), followed by electrical system (6) and engine cooling (5). Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
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.
- Brakes7 18%
- Electrical system6 15%
- Engine cooling5 13%
- Seat belts5 13%
- Body and structure4 10%
- Tires4 10%
- Seats2 5.1%
- Vehicle speed control2 5.1%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Fuel system (1), Interior lighting (1), Other or unknown (1), Steering (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Following replacement of the rear drums, shoes and wheel cylinders, only moderate brake pedal pressure will cause the rear wheels to lock up and skid. In wet conditions the rear end can fishtail leading to potential disaster. Problem was never noticed in previous 9 years of ownership. The front disc brakes appear to be operating and the pedal feel does not indicate air in the system. The garage has looked at the brakes on two occasions and made minor adjustments and replaced the shoes once (less than a year), but could find nothing else. Please advise.”
NHTSA complaint #717107, filed 2000-01Seat belts: “Driver's side buckle would not latch. Dealer and manufacturer were notified, and were unable to find a replacement part. Asking NHTSA to assist in this matter. Feel free to provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #892329, filed 2001-07Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Celebrity FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Celebrity FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Celebrity Wagon FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Celebrity Wagon FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
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
- 95V173000Sep 15, 1995Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Chevrolet Celebrity 1989–1990, Buick Century 1989–1996, Oldsmobile Ciera 1989–1990, 1994–1996 +2 more
These vehicles were assembled with rear outboard safety belt anchorages that may not withstand the required load. This does not comply with fmvss no.210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Recall details for the 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE89117Brake lamp switchClosed · Apr 12, 1989
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Celebrity
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 7 | 201,000 | 2 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 39 | — | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 39 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 44 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 33 | 191,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 15 | — | 2 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 8 | — | 3 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Celebrity model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity have?
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 7 complaints (18% of the total), followed by electrical system with 6.
Has the 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity 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 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity (Celebrity, 2.8L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
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. 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.