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1989 Chevrolet Caprice Classic

The 1989 Chevrolet Caprice Classic is a 170-hp 5.0-liter V8 with a 4-speed automatic overdrive and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $16,095 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 170 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The Caprice measures 212.0 inches long on a 115.9-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,713 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeWagon
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$16,095 ($42,184 *)
Engine
Engine Type5.0L (305 cid) Chevrolet OHV V8 (L03), TBI
Displacement5 L
Horsepower170 hp
Torque255 lb-ft
Injection TypeThrottle body fuel injection (TBI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRear-wheel drive
Transmission
Transmission4-speed automatic overdrive
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway23 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Dimensions & Weight
Length212 in
Width75 in
Height56 in
Wheelbase115.9 in
Curb Weight3,713 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39 in
Headroom Rear37 in
Legroom Front42 in
Legroom Rear39 in
Shoulder Room Front60 in
Shoulder Room Rear60 in
Hip Room Front55 in
Hip Room Rear55 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1989 Chevrolet CAPRICE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Oct 24, 2007 · EQUIPMENT

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

NHTSA campaign 07E088000

May 19, 2006 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

NHTSA campaign 06E043000

19 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1989 Chevrolet CAPRICE

Owner Complaints

19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1989 Chevrolet CAPRICE (2 mention a crash, 2 a fire). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Seat Belts4
Fuel System2
Gasoline2
Hydraulic2
Service Brakes2
Structure2
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Feb 4, 2017 · Unknown Or Other
“I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CUT OFF I LOSS POWER THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. I BELIEVE THIS WAS DUE TO AN IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOME IN MACON…”
Sep 29, 2009 · Tires
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. THE CONTACT PURCHASED FOUR TIRES FROM A GOODYEAR TIRE COMPANY. THE TIRES HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. THE TIRE BRAND IS GOODYEAR…”
Oct 19, 2004 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKE LINES RUSTED. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKE PEDAL PROCEEDED TO THE FLOOR AND BRAKE FLUID CAME OUT OF THE BRAKE LINE. NO IMPACT REPORTED. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKE…”
May 9, 2002 · Seat Belts
“DRIVER SEATBELT LATCH WON'T LOCK.*AK”
Mar 19, 2001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“FRONT DISC BRAKE PAD BONDING TO BRAKE PAD BACKING PLATE FAILED CAUSING PAD TO FAIL IN SHEAR.*AK”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1989 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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