Recalls (2)
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗INTERIOR SYSTEMS:PASSIVE RESTRAINT:BELTS
- Summary
- THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.
- Consequence
- THE SEAT OCCUPANT FACES INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THEEVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
- Remedy
- INSTALL REINFORCING PLATES ON THE CRACKED SHOULDER BELT GUIDES.
STRUCTURE:DOOR ASSEMBLY:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
- Summary
- FRONT DOOR INTERLOCK STRIKER MAY FAIL, CAUSING DOOR FRAME COLLAPSE AND INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE.
- Consequence
- THE DOOR FRAME WOULD COLLAPSE. VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLYWITH FMVSS 210.
- Remedy
- REPLACE THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT INTERLOCK STRIKER STUDS ON FRONT DOORS.
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (55)
55 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 17 | 30.9% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 14.5% |
| Seats | 7 | 12.7% |
| Seat belts | 5 | 9.1% |
| Service brakes | 5 | 9.1% |
| Steering | 5 | 9.1% |
| Visibility | 5 | 9.1% |
| Power train | 3 | 5.5% |
| Equipment | 2 | 3.6% |
| Fuel system | 2 | 3.6% |
How 1991 compares with other Cavalier years
Best and worst Cavalier years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | 24 | 2 |
| 1988 | 12 | 2 |
| 1989 | 43 | 1 |
| 1990 | 55 | 0 |
| 1991 | 55 | 2 |
| 1992 | 134 | 1 |
| 1993 | 146 | 1 |
| 1994 | 212 | 1 |
| 1995 | 270 | 4 |
| 1996 | 503 | 7 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 25 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,700
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 356 g/mi
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 25 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 32 / 25 | $2,700 | 356 |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl · 3-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | $2,800 | 370 |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl · 3-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | $2,800 | 370 |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | $2,800 | 370 |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl · 3-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | $3,350 | 444 |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | $3,350 | 444 |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl · 3-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | $3,350 | 444 |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | $3,350 | 444 |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl · 3-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | $3,350 | 444 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 1991 Cavalier for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
1991 Chevrolet Cavalier FAQ
How many recalls does the 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns: 92V003000 (seat belt), 91V165000 (structure). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier problems?
Owners filed 55 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (17), Engine and engine cooling (8), Seats (7) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier get?
EPA rates the 2.2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 21 city, 32 highway and 25 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 1991 Cavalier compare with other years?
Among the 1987–1996 Chevrolet Cavalier model years at least five years old, the 1988 drew the fewest complaints (12) and the 1996 the most (503). The 1991 drew 55. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.