Model year guide

1994 Chevrolet caprice

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1994 Chevrolet caprice is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 5 on record.

1994 Chevrolet caprice — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1994 Chevrolet caprice at a glance

Safety recalls10
Owner complaints196
Combined18–19 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1994 Chevrolet caprice recalls 10

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009

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.

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

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.

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E065000 · 17/07/2006

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.

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

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.

Fix: 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.

Suspension:rear NHTSA Campaign #96V020000 · 31/01/1996

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

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

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint NHTSA Campaign #96V019000 · 30/01/1996

DEFECTIVE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED AND CAN LOOSEN.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ATTACHMENT NUTS FOR PROPER TORQUE. IF THE BALL JOINT HAS LOOSENED FROM THE KNUCKLE, BOTH THE BALL JOINT AND THE KNUCKLE WILL BE REPLACED.

Vehicle Speed Control:springs NHTSA Campaign #95V082000 · 24/04/1995

THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FMVSS NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS." AT LOW TEMPERATURES, EXCESSIVE FRICTION CAN OCCUR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting NHTSA Campaign #94V210000 · 25/10/1994

THE FUEL TANK ATTACHMENT STRAP FASTENERS WERE NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE FASTENERS CAN COMPLETELY DETACH, EVENTUALLY ALLOWING THE FUEL TANK TO SAG AND THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK TO STRIKE THE ROADWAY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL RETIGHTEN THE FUEL TANK STRAP FASTENERS.

Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs NHTSA Campaign #94V076000 · 16/04/1994

PAINT ON THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACES CAN ACT AS A SHIM BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND THE ROTOR/DRUM. AS THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, THE WHEEL IMBEDS INTO THE PAINT, LOOSENING THE LUG NUT AND CAUSING A LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD.

Fix: DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACES FOR ALL FOUR WHEELS. ALSO, THE WHEEL STUDS WILL BE INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE AND WILL BE REPLACED AS NECESSARY.

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings NHTSA Campaign #94V049000 · 21/03/1994

THE ENGINE OIL COOLER INLET HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED TOO CLOSE TO THE STEERING GEAR CAUSING CHAFING. THE CHAFING CAN EVENTUALLY WEAR THROUGH THE HOSE'S PROTECTIVE SLEEVE RESULTING IN ENGINE OIL LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1994 Chevrolet caprice common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 196 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

1994 Chevrolet caprice safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1994 Chevrloet Caprice 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1994 Chevrolet caprice MPG & running costs

Combined18–19 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,088
EPA size classLarge Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Passenger volume115 cu ft
Cargo volume55 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$8,438 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1994 Chevrolet caprice costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,440
Fuel only$20,440
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
214.2–217.3 in
Width
77.2–79.5 in
Height
55.9–61.0 in
Wheelbase
116.1 in
Curb weight
3,990–4,471 lb
Front track
61.8–62.2 in
Rear track
62.2–64.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1994 Chevrolet caprice — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 4

COOLANT FIRES Closed

NHTSA #EA99003 · Visibility · opened Jan 1999 · closed Aug 2000

COOLANT FIRES Closed

NHTSA #PE98049 · Visibility · opened Sep 1998 · closed Jan 1999

STEERING WHEEL BREAKAGE Closed

NHTSA #EA96022 · Steering · opened Sep 1996 · closed Apr 1997

STERRING WHEEL BREAKAGE Closed

NHTSA #PE96037 · Steering · opened May 1996 · closed Sep 1996

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 27

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 27.

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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696E · Equipment · Nov 2019

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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696D · Equipment · Sep 2019

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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve th…

Bulletin PIC4696C · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · May 2018

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

Bulletin 130089009 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2013

DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT

Bulletin 020730024A · Power Train · Aug 2005

SERVICE INFORMATION MESSAGE REGARDING 1994 TO 2000 6.5-LITER DIESEL ENGINE ELECTRONIC INJECTION PUMP CORES. *TT

Bulletin 300800 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2000

SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING 1994 TO 2000 6.5-LITER DIESEL ENGINE ELECTRONIC INJECTION PUMP CORES. *TT

Bulletin 300800 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2000

SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING 1994 TO 2000 6.5-LITER DIESEL ENGINES, RPO L49, L56 AND L65 AS IT PERTAINS TO THE ELECTRONIC PUMP. *TT

Bulletin 300800 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2000

INFORMATION REGARDING SWITCHES TO TURN OFF AND ON FRONTAL AIR BAGS FOR PASSENGER CARS AND TRUCKS. *TT

Bulletin 990941004 · Air Bags · Jan 2000

GENERAL MOTORS BEGAN PROVIDING CHILD RESTRAIN SEAT TOP TETHER HARDWARE PACKAGES TO CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED STATES WHO REQUESTED THEM. *TT

Bulletin 990940004 · Seats · Jan 2000

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CAPRICE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 4

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1994 Chevrolet caprice. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Suspension

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. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: BOTH REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND REAR STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENTS WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Transport Canada #1996026 · Feb 1996

Engine

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. In the event of a failure of a throttle return spring the engine speed may not decrease to the level anticipated by the driver when the foot is lifted from the accelerator pedal. Loss of accelerator control…

Transport Canada #1995074 · Apr 1995

Fuel System

THE FUEL TANK ATTACHMENT STRAP FASTENERS ARE BELOW THE SPECIFIED TORQUE. THESE LOOSE FASTENERS COULD, IN TIME, BECOME COMPLETELY DETACHED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE FUEL TANK TO SAG DOWN TO THE POINT OF STRIKING SOMETHING IN THE ROAD OR THE ROAD SURFACE RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK AND AN UNDER-VEHICLE FIRE. CORRECTION: FUEL TANK STRAP FASTENERS WILL BE TORQUED TO THE PROPER SP…

Transport Canada #1994170 · Nov 1994

Engine

On certain vehicles, the engine oil cooler inlet hose may contact the steering gear and wear through. This could allow engine oil to leak onto hot engine components and cause an engine compartment fire. Correction: Oil cooler hose will be repositioned and inspected. If wear is evident, the hose will be replaced.

Transport Canada #1994064 · Mar 1994

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Chevrolet caprice

The Chevrolet Caprice is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet in North America from 1965 through the 1996 model years. All versions of the full-size Chevrolet models reached their peak in 1965, with over a million units sold. It was the most popular car in the U.S. in the 1960s and early 1970s, during a time when its production also included the Biscayne, Bel Air, and Impala trims.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1994 Chevrolet caprice trims & engines on record

Engines
4.3L 8-cyl

1994 Chevrolet caprice vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet caprice model years

1994 Chevrolet caprice — frequently asked questions

Does the 1994 Chevrolet caprice have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 1994 Chevrolet caprice. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Chevrolet caprice?

Across all 196 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, latches/locks/linkages, service brakes.

What is the 1994 Chevrolet caprice safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1994 Chevrolet caprice crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1994 Chevrolet caprice get?

The 1994 Chevrolet caprice has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.