Chevrolet Nova Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 26 consumer complaints across the 2 model years of the Chevrolet Nova (1987–1988) that have at least 5 complaints. 1987 has the most, with 15. Across all years, the part named most often is transmission and drivetrain (11 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Nova model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 11 | — | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 15 | 209,000 | 0 | 0 | — | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Transmission and drivetrain11 41%
- Seat belts7 26%
- Tires2 7.4%
- Latches, locks and linkages2 7.4%
- Electrical system2 7.4%
- Steering1 3.7%
- Seats1 3.7%
- Other or unknown1 3.7%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1987: “{1}north bound freeway work right lane from, lindon exit to salt lake city. There are several grooves, holes and uneven lanes. I purchased new tires this year, my right front axle is bad as well as the inner and outer tie rods I need new tires again because of the freeway problems. Will you help?”
NHTSA complaint #10142343, filed 2005-11, 209,000 miles1988: “Front wheels locked up and the car stopped suddenly. Resulting in a rearend collision. After the accident the motor would crank and run but the vehicle would not move in any gear. Replace the transaxle.”
NHTSA complaint #9005280, filed 2002-03Other Chevrolet models
19,366 complaintsChevrolet Silverado 1500
18,111 complaintsChevrolet Impala
10,408 complaintsChevrolet Tahoe
10,060 complaintsChevrolet Equinox
9,208 complaintsChevrolet Silverado
8,790 complaintsChevrolet Blazer
8,199 complaintsChevrolet Suburban
8,170 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology