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1991 Chevrolet Caprice Base

The 1991 Chevrolet Caprice Base is a 170-hp 5.0-liter V8 with a 4-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $18,410 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 24 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The Caprice measures 214.1 inches long on a 115.9-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,909 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeWagon
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$18,410 ($43,930 *)
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 (4L60)
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway24 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Dimensions & Weight
Length214.1 in
Width77 in
Height56.7 in
Wheelbase115.9 in
Curb Weight3,909 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.3 in
Headroom Rear38.1 in
Legroom Front42.2 in
Legroom Rear39 in
Shoulder Room Front63.4 in
Shoulder Room Rear63.4 in
Hip Room Front57 in
Hip Room Rear57 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 1991 Chevrolet Caprice 4-DR.

Recalls

10 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1991 Chevrolet CAPRICE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

May 11, 2009 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

NHTSA campaign 09E025000

Apr 7, 2009 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

NHTSA campaign 09E012000

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

Jul 17, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

NHTSA campaign 06E065000

Mar 23, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

NHTSA campaign 06E026000

Jan 31, 1996 · SUSPENSION:REAR

THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN CRACK AT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENT.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN BE AGGRAVATED BY THE SEVERE DUTY CYCLE OF THESE VEHICLES AND EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FRACTURE COMPLETELY CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENTS.

NHTSA campaign 96V020000

Feb 9, 1993 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEQ 9C1 POLICE CARS IN CORROSION AREAS OF THE US AND CANADA ONLY. NOTE: VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEWJERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, AND WISCONSIN. A ELECTRICAL GROUND-OUT CONDITION MAY EXIST BETWEEN THE 12 VOLT JUNCTION BLOCK AND THE METAL INNER FENDER SKIRT.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A MELTED JUNCTION BLOCK, SMOKE,AND BURNED UNDERHOOD WIRING RESULTING IN A DISABLED VEHICLE OR A VEHICLE FIRE.THIS CONDITION CAN OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION OR WHILE THE VEHICLEIS PARKED AND THE IGNITION IS IN THE "OFF" POSITION.

Remedy: INSTALL A SHIELDING INSULATOR UNDER THE JUNCTION BLOCK.

NHTSA campaign 93V018000

Jul 1, 1992 · SEAT BELTS

THE SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP PLASTIC COVERING MAY CRACK AND EXPOSE THE STEEL SUB-PLATE.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE EXPOSED STEELSUB-PLATE CAN CUT THE SAFETY BELT WEBBING RESULTING IN INCREASED POSSIBILITYAND/OR SEVERITY OF INJURY TO THE AFFECTED SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy: INSTALL NEW SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS.

NHTSA campaign 92V094000

Jun 24, 1992 · WHEELS

THE STEEL WHEELS EXHIBIT FATIGUE CRACKING AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE WHEEL LUG NUT MOUNTING SURFACE DUE TO WHEEL BENDING CAUSED BY FREQUENT MISUSE OF TIRE MOUNTING EQUIPMENT, LUG NUT OVERTORQUING, AND THE UNUSUAL OPERATING CONDITIONS EXPERIENCED BY POLICE VEHICLES.

Consequence: THE CRACKING CAN CAUSE WHEEL FRACTURING AND SUBSEQUENTSEPARATION FROM THE AXLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE WHEELS WITH REDESIGNED STEEL WHEELS.

NHTSA campaign 92V089000

Oct 29, 1991 · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES CAN CORRODE, CAUSING A HIGH LATCH RELEASE EFFORT AND POSSIBLY PREVENTING THE HOOD FROM LATCHING PROPERLY WHEN IT IS CLOSED.

Consequence: IF THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED, ANDTHE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH WAS ALSO NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN AND CONTACT THEWINDSHIELD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, REDUCING THE FORWARD VISION AREA OFTHE DRIVER AND RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: INSTALL A NEW SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA campaign 91V186000

140 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1991 Chevrolet CAPRICE

Owner Complaints

140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1991 Chevrolet CAPRICE (24 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 12 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Service Brakes34
Hydraulic33
Vehicle Speed Control19
Electrical System16
Fuel System12
Gasoline12
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 12, 2017 · Electrical System, Unknown Or Other
“CPSC: THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL HORN BUTTONS ON THE 91-93 CHEVY CAPRICE, HORN BUTTONS ARE DEFECTIVE AND DON'T WORK! *BF UPDATED 10/16/2017*JS”
Dec 28, 2013 · Exterior Lighting
“I AM TIRED OF PASSING VEHICLES ON A TWO LANE BLACKTOP IN THE RAIN THAT HAVE HEADLIGHTS BADLY POSITIONED OR TOO BRIGHT. ARE YOU NOT SUPPOSE TO TEST NEW VEHICLES FOR COMPLIANCE. ALL THIS NEW STUFF ONLY…”
Apr 13, 2010 · Engine And Engine Cooling Fire
“1991 CHEVROLET CAPRICE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND WAS DRIVING IT HOME. HE FURTHER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD OVERHEATED…”
Aug 27, 2009 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“WHITE SMOKE IS COMING OUT OF THE EX SYSTEM. I RECENTLY HAD A OIL CHANGE AND TUNE-UP. *TR”
Jul 6, 2007 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND ACCELERATING, THE VEHICLE MADE A TAPPING NOISE. AFTER CHECKING THE OIL, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CREAM COLORED FOAM ON THE GAUGE…”

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 1991 CHEVROLET CAPRICE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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