Engine
4.3L 8-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 68 of 88 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
15 complaint records
"DURING VEHICLE OPERATION THE ALTERNATOR HAS GONE BAD ON TWO OCCASIONS, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL AT SPEEDS OVER 40 MPH.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Suspension
14 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE, DEALER DETERMINED THE DRIVER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TIRE WAS TILTED.*JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Steering
13 complaint records1 crash report
"STEERING WHEEL HANDLE BAR BROKE ON ONE SIDE ONE YEAR AGO, THE OTHER SIDE BROKE ON JUNE 28, 99. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. *AK *ML..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA99003 opened Jan 1999 | closed Aug 2000 | Visibility | COOLANT FIRES There is no summary currently available |
| PE98049 opened Sep 1998 | closed Jan 1999 | Visibility | COOLANT FIRES There is no summary currently available |
| EA96022 opened Sep 1996 | closed Apr 1997 | Steering | STEERING WHEEL BREAKAGE There is no summary currently available |
| EA96007 opened May 1996 | closed Dec 1996 | Suspension | REAR WHEEL SEPARATION GM NOTIFIED ODI THAT THEY ARE CONDUCTING A RECALL TO RETORQUE THE WHEEL LUG NUTS ON VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER OF 1995.IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT MOST VEHICLES WILL REQUIRE THE WHEEL LUG NUTS TO BE RETORQUED TO 135 N.M(100 LB. |
| PE96037 opened May 1996 | closed Sep 1996 | Steering | STERRING WHEEL BREAKAGE There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96V245000 | Wheels | THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION DURING ASSEMBLY. | Normally free |
| 96V020000 | Suspension | THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN CRACK AT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENT. | Normally free |
| 96V019000 | Suspension | DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN. | Normally free |
| 96V018000 | Suspension | DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN. | Normally free |
| 95V221000 | Power Train | THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." | Normally free |
| 95V215000 | Air Bags | THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH BOTH THE SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT CAUTION LABEL AND A ROOF RACK CAUTION LABEL INSTALLED ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE SUN VISOR. | Normally free |
| 95V082000 | Vehicle Speed Control | THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS." AT LOW TEMPERATURES, EXCESSIVE FRICTION CAN OCCUR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996025 1996-02-12 | Suspension | 1,942 | NOTE: INCLUDES CAPRICE POLICE SEDANS, TAXI CABS AND SPECIAL SERVICE WAGONS; FLEETWOOD HEARSE AND LIMOUSINE. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT MAY BE LOOSE. |
| 1996026 1996-02-12 | Suspension | 8,627 | NOTE: POLICE SEDANS AND TAXI CABS. THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY CRACK AT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENT AND EVENTUALLY COULD CAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FRACTURE COMPLETELY. |
| 1995211 1995-11-29 | Structure | 2,797 | THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 102 - TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL SEQUENCE. A MISADJUSTED TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE MAY ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE "P"(PARK) POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED. |
| 1995074 1995-04-24 | Engine | 2,978 | Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 124 - Accelerator Control Systems. At low temperatures there may be excessive movement friction in the accelerator pedal assembly. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 19NA273 Dec 2019 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock. | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. |
Show 24 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 020730024A Aug 2005 | Power Train | DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 876527 Dec 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCE ENGINE MISS/ POOR DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOMS. *YC | |
| 9709013202B Sep 1997 | Steering | EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT STEERING COLUMN SNAP OR CLICK NOISE WHEN TURNING. *YC | |
| 9709016114B Sep 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING ENGINE NOISE. *YC | |
| 577126B Apr 1997 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM PUMP BODY (REPLACE BUSHING). *TW | |
| 776513 Apr 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WATER IN AIR PUMP AND/OR DTC P0410, P0412, P1415, P1416, P0100, P0101, P0102 AND DTC 48 (INSTALL AIR PUMP SERVICE KIT). *TW | |
| 9674L60E04A Apr 1997 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM PUMP BODY (REPLACE BUSHING). *TW | |
| 676114A Mar 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE NOISE (INSTALL VALVE STEM OIL SEAL). *TW | |
| 577126A Feb 1997 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM PUMP BODY (REPLACE BUSHING). *TW | |
| 577126R Feb 1997 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM PUMP BODY/REPLACE BUSHING. *TW | |
| 576516A Dec 1996 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MILD SHUTTER OR SAIL-ON BETWEEN 40 TO 60 MPH, STALL IN REVERSE. *TW | |
| 438206A Jun 1995 | Visibility | UNKNOWN | |
| 533205 Jun 1995 | Electrical System | HORN MAY HONK WITHOUT DRIVER ACTIVATION (REPLACING STEERING WHEEL AND SIR MODULE ASSEMBLY). *SD | |
| 577105 Feb 1995 | Power Train | 1-2 UPSHIFT RUN-THROUGH WITH END BUMP AND 2-3 UPSHIFT FLARE. *TW |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Caprice →