1996 Chevrolet Beretta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Beretta › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Chevrolet Beretta. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Chevrolet Beretta. Newest first.
Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after january 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. the universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. these vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 101, "controls and displays."
Risk and remedy
Risk
The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.
Owner complaints
72 complaints9 involved a crash10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet beretta. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. the contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in nhtsa campaign number: 07e021000 (fuel system, other). The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet beretta. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. the contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in nhtsa campaign number: 07e021000 (fuel system, other). The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
- Tires › Sidewall
Dt*: the contact stated during a routine maintenance check it was discovered all 4 tires on the vehicle were dry rotting. the inner sidewalls were cracked and dried. the dry rot was more severe on the 2 front tires. all four tires were replaced. the manufacturer was not alerted. the tire brand IS kelly navigator gold, three of the tires had the same tire line pjt217kr3102 and the fourth tire IS pjt217kr3002.
- Vehicle speed control
Accelerator stuck, this was not the first time this has happened. it has happened about 8 times previously. but this time, the accelerator stuck causing the driver to loose control of the vehicle and run off the road and crash into a concrete bucknum, damage done to entire car. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
I have a 1996 beretta Z26 3.1L V6 and every morning when I get up and go to work my back brakes locked up on me untill I get them warmed up. And my ABS light stays on in this car all the times.also sometimes when I hit my brakes I dont have any brakes the first time then I hit them again and they…
I have a 1996 beretta Z26 3.1L V6 and every morning when I get up and go to work my back brakes locked up on me untill I get them warmed up. And my ABS light stays on in this car all the times.also sometimes when I hit my brakes I dont have any brakes the first time then I hit them again and they work I have recently had both front and back brakes replaced and this didnt fix the problem this IS a common problem I found out by surfing and investigating on the web. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
The consumer's vehicle was stopped to make a left turn when he was rear ended by another vehicle and caused the consumer to rear end another vehicle. upon impact, neither of the frontal air bags deployed. the vehicle was towed to the dealership. *ak *sc *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
My 1996 chevrolet beretta has had chronic leaking problems around the lower intake manifold. first it was from various bolts, then from the main gasket even though the car only has 75K miles on it. I called car shops in the area and everyone I spoke to said this was a common problem with the gm…
My 1996 chevrolet beretta has had chronic leaking problems around the lower intake manifold. first it was from various bolts, then from the main gasket even though the car only has 75K miles on it. I called car shops in the area and everyone I spoke to said this was a common problem with the gm 3.1L engines. it's ridiculous that there IS a faulty gasket in these cars that costs about $600-800 to replace, but there IS no recall. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The check engine light illuminated on the dashboard. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
When the brakes were applied, the ABS light illuminated on the dashboard. *jb
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Electrical problem; alternator/ battery battery discharges when a/c or air compressor IS run at full power. Have had alternator replaced (ac delco, new) twice in past week. Entire system has been scanned and no codes are present. Replaced the battery and still experiencing power failure. Able to run heater control on full power, but unable to run a/c or defroster on full power (fan/blower control). *nlm
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Have replace alternator about six times. Makes no difference at to oem, make or delco authorized dealer. Always test good but fails shortly thereafter with necessity to replace battery at times. Heard it was a design problem due to excessive heat but can find no such reference. *nlm
- Structure › Body
The exterior paint on the hood, trunk, and roof shows signs of excessive chipping. the problem IS once a single chip occurs then the paint peels all the way around it. the peeling of the paint IS out of control. it IS ridiculous as this car has been garage kept for 6 out of 7 years.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
3 head gasket failures on this vehicle. 1ST repair was under warranty on 12/16/98 at 27392 miles. 2ND repair was after warranty period, paid by myself, on 2/01 at 62253 miles. both repairs were performed at valley chevrolet service center, 221 conyngham ave, wilkes-barre, pa 18702. head gasket…
3 head gasket failures on this vehicle. 1ST repair was under warranty on 12/16/98 at 27392 miles. 2ND repair was after warranty period, paid by myself, on 2/01 at 62253 miles. both repairs were performed at valley chevrolet service center, 221 conyngham ave, wilkes-barre, pa 18702. head gasket IS now leaking again at 77000 miles and the 1 year warranty on the last repair expired in february of 2002, 3 months ago. I contacted chevrolet corporation, and have a copy of their email response stating they will not take responsibility for this repair. they stated that covered problems occur "early" in the vehicles usage, (the first repair was under the original warranty period) and that this vehicle IS too old and has too many miles for them to take responsiblity at this time.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Headlights keep coming on and off at anytime during the day, there IS no way to turn the lights off. People think I am flashing my headlight at them. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
This has been an ongoing problem since I purchased the vechicle. I took the car back to the dealer and was ttold they "lubed the rotors". the ABS light has been coming on and off recently. today I went to stop and the brakes kept going I had to put on the emergency brake.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Had vehicle in a gm repair shop on three different occasions while under warranty. This IS a intermittent problem dealer could no find anything wrong, because it IS intermittent problem. That problem IS brake pedal goes to floor. (Brake fluid IS full ) this seam to happen after veh. Has set…
Had vehicle in a gm repair shop on three different occasions while under warranty. This IS a intermittent problem dealer could no find anything wrong, because it IS intermittent problem. That problem IS brake pedal goes to floor. (Brake fluid IS full ) this seam to happen after veh. Has set overnight, or driving at hiway speed on a long trip. Finally involved in a rear end collision as listed above. Fortunatly no one hurt this time.this has happened to my self, my wife and my sixtteen year old son. This there IS something wrong and nobody seems to care or really look into this untill some IS killed. I have checked @ askjeeves ? Found 1 accurance of 1996 chev beretta brake failure .w/one injury. So I know that IS out there. Your help much appreciated. Thank you. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Oil should be changed every 3000 miles, I have to add oil every 1000 - 1500 miles, not under warranty anymore, it should not leak after seal was replaced. *Ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
The alternator has gone bad twice so far. once as indicated and also on 12/18/2000, with 75140 miles on vehicle.*ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Tires › Tread/belt
Tread separation of the firestone tires caused the vehicle to begin to shake while driving (general america general p195/70r14). nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Cavaliers/sunfires and S-10 pickups are covered by an extended warranty to 100,000 miles for this common failure. I am told that the beretta IS not *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Consumer has multiple problems with the vehicle. brakes & rotors had to be replaced at 17,495 miles. Dealer said it was normal wear. On october 5TH, the vehicle was in for a lube job, and dealer never detected that head gasket & freeze plug were leaking. consumer took it to a mechanic to be checked. vehicle has now 19,000 miles.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle has intermitent loss of power which can occur at highway speeds. vehicle has been serviced five times; yet, the problem IS recurring. the engine makes a ticking noise, and power drops to about 35 mph. dealer replaced fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel guage, O2 sensor. this time, the dealer…
Vehicle has intermitent loss of power which can occur at highway speeds. vehicle has been serviced five times; yet, the problem IS recurring. the engine makes a ticking noise, and power drops to about 35 mph. dealer replaced fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel guage, O2 sensor. this time, the dealer insists that it must be a clogged catalytic converter. it IS dangerous to lose vehicle power on a major highway, and it IS aggravating to be told by a dealer that the "problem" has been "fixed" for the fifth time."
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine head gasket faliure. engine damage severe. dealer and gm contacted with no results.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
After a length discussion with service manager, bryan radin, today I was told the work was not under warranty due to the space in the repair dates and I would be charge the full rates. Only after I pointed out that my ignition coils have been previously replaced and have a life time warranty a…
After a length discussion with service manager, bryan radin, today I was told the work was not under warranty due to the space in the repair dates and I would be charge the full rates. Only after I pointed out that my ignition coils have been previously replaced and have a life time warranty a deduction in the bill was made. I have been given excuse upon excuse of what the problem could be but I still find myself towing my car back to the dealership weeks later with the same recurring problems.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Vehicle idled at about 3000 rpm for no reason. No engine check light came on, and no faulty codes were detected. Consumer had air control valve replaced, but it did not fix the defect. problem still exists. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Loss of oil (two quarts) every 1000 miles of wear. There are no sign of leakages. Dealer was not contacted. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This 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 unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This 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 unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This 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 the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This 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 unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This 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 unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 10009220Vehicles may set anyone or a combination of front-wheel speed sensor anti-lock brake system codes as intermittent or hard failures. Gm voicemail express.
- 10007816Anti-lock braking system (ABS) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10007293ABS front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10000782Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 634708Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation.
- 620810Subject regarding polymer service pistons.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 619360Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors.
- 615073Some V6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that IS generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not reappear until the next change of oil.
- 604343Some owners may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 601058Vehicles may exhibit a clattering noise at idle speed originating from the timing chain and front cover area.
- 600282Some vehicles may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 54419Comment that the ABS light IS on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history.
- 54418Some vehicles experience difficulties to depress accelerator pedal and/or an accelerator cable separation.
- 54329Complaints that the ABS indicator lamp IS "on".
- 54066Subject pertaining to driveability symptoms due to fuel injector deposits.
- 52935Information concerning engine knock/rattle or tap noise before engine has reached operating temperature or under light load conditions at operating temperature (replace piston and/or rod assemblies). Ak
- 52339Squawk noise coming from front suspension or engine compartment area (install ultra high molecular tape).
- 51302Knock, rattle or tap noise from the engine before the engine has reached operating temperature or under light load conditions at operating temperature knock, rattle or tap noise from the engine before the engine has reached operating temperature or under light load conditions at rature (replace piston and/or rod assemblies).
- 51301Engine miss (replace spark plug wire and ignition coil).
- 51296Intermittent neutral or loss of drive at highway speeds or from fourth gear (replace control valve body assembly).
Every Chevrolet Beretta model year
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