1990 Chevrolet Caprice

1990 Chevrolet Caprice

The 1990 Chevrolet Caprice was a popular full-size sedan known for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and classic styling. Engine options included a 4.3L V6, 5.0L V8, 5.7L V8, and 5.7L V8 TBI. Transmission options were a 3-speed automatic (4L60) or a 4-speed automatic (4L60E).

The Caprice was praised for its comfort, ample storage space, and strong performance. However, it was also criticized for its outdated design, poor fuel economy, and limited safety features.

Engine

4.3L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, visible residue on valve covers
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.0L V8

• Distributor Cap and Rotor Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Ignition problems, engine misfiring, hard starting
  • Solution: Replace distributor cap and rotor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.7L V8

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, loss of power, hard starting
  • Solution: Replace fuel injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling, loss of power, knocking sounds
  • Solution: Replace timing chain and related components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.7L V8 TBI

• Throttle Body Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough idle, poor acceleration
  • Solution: Replace throttle body sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

3-Speed Automatic (4L60)

• Transmission Slippage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle loses power or shifts erratically
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle stalls, transmission overheating, shuddering upon acceleration
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic (4L60E)

• Transmission Shift Solenoid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fails to shift properly, harsh shifting
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Fluid Leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking transmission fluid, visible puddles under vehicle
  • Solution: Replace seals or gaskets as needed
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Ball Joint Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Steering wobble, uneven tire wear, clunking noises
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor ride quality, unstable handling, excessive bouncing
  • Solution: Replace shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, flickering lights, electrical system failure
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine fails to start, clicking sounds when starting
  • Solution: Replace or repair starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Panel Deformation:
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors become difficult to open or close, gaps in door alignment
  • Solution: Replace door panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tail Light Housing Moisture Accumulation:
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture in tail light assemblies, condensation
  • Solution: Replace tail light assemblies
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: HVAC system fails to function, airflow issues, temperature control problems
  • Solution: Replace or repair climate control components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cruise Control Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cruise control system not working, intermittent failures
  • Solution: Replace cruise control module or other related components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1990 Chevrolet Caprice had a range of issues, most of which were moderate in terms of severity and cost to repair. Engine problems were common, with intake manifold gasket failures and fuel injector issues being particularly prevalent. Transmission issues included transmission slippage, torque converter failure, and shift solenoid failure. The suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior components also faced various problems. Overall, while the Caprice offered ample space and power, these issues could impact the reliability and overall experience of owning the vehicle.