TroubleAtlas Score
CHEVROLET BERETTA (1987–1996) — Verified Specs, Fluids & OBD2
Built 1987–1996 · all production years covered on this single page
2.2L I4 • Gasoline
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Chevrolet Beretta (1987–1996) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost8.3
Parts & repairability3.6
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & support3.6
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Chevrolet Beretta (1987–1996) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Chevrolet Beretta (1987–1996) uses ACDelco dexos1 5W-30 engine oil. Its battery is group 75 (BCI), rated at 525A cold-cranking amps. It is powered by a 2.2L I4 engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT
Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.
Related codes: P0217
Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT
ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.
Related codes: P0522
Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT
Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.
Related codes: P0524
Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT
Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.
Related codes: P0606
Throttle actuatorFREQUENT
Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.
Related codes: P2100
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
1.0h
€70 – €90
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.2h
€84 – €108
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.5h
€35 – €45
ABS Module
Difficulty: Medium
1.5h
€105 – €135
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)
Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.
Brakes8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Module | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Pump | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Brake Booster | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
| Brake Booster Check Valve | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
Cooling8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Bypass Pipe | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Coolant Flush | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| Coolant Reservoir | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Engine Oil Cooler | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag - Side | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Alternator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Alternator Belt | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Amplifier | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Antenna | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
Engine8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Camshaft Position Sensor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Camshaft R&R | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Connecting Rod Bearings | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Crankshaft R&R | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cylinder Head R&R | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Cylinder Head Resurface | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Engine Mount - Front | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
Exhaust8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Injection Check Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Catalytic Converter - California | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Universal | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Downpipe | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| EGR Cooler | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EGR Tube | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EGR Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Fuel system8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Canister | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EVAP Purge Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EVAP Vent Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Fuel Cap | 0.3h | € 13–€ 22 |
| Fuel Filler Neck | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
| Fuel Filter | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Fuel Filter - In-Tank | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Fuel Injector - Single | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Clutch Coil | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| AC Compressor | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor Clutch | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Condenser | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Evaporator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Idler Arm | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Power Steering Fluid Flush | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Power Steering Gear Box | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Power Steering Hose - High Pressure | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
Transmission8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Cable | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Clutch Disc | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Clutch Kit | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Clutch Master Cylinder | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Clutch Slave Cylinder | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Flywheel Resurface | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Kickdown Cable | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Neutral Safety Switch | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (17)
NHTSA 91V206000
Seat Belts
Date: 26/11/1991
THE FRONT SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS MAY HAVE REDUCED SENSITIVITY OF THE LOCK-UP FEATURE AND WOULD NOT FUNCTION IN A SUDDEN DECELERATION OR CRASH.
NHTSA 92V185000
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Date: 24/12/1992
THE SERVICE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH BECOMES INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA 93V157000
Suspension › Front
Date: 24/09/1993
THE SUSPENSION SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES DO NOT MEET GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION'S SPECIFICATION FOR WELD INTEGRITY AND THE AFFECTED WELD CAN FAIL CAUSING THE FRONT OF THE CONTROL ARM TO SEPARATE FROM THE SUSPENSION SUPPORT ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA 88V039000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Date: 23/03/1988
SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ADJUSTED RESULTING IN LATCH BECOMING BENT.
NHTSA 89V087000
Seats
Date: 22/05/1989
THE FRONT SEAT FRAME ASSEMBLY MAY CONTAIN AN IMPROPER, MISSING AND/OR MISLOCATED WELD THAT COULD FRACTURE.
NHTSA 94V176000
Structure › Body › Door
Date: 20/09/1994
THE REINFORCEMENT PANEL THAT SERVES AS A LIFTPOINT FOR THE FRAME WAS OMITTED FROM THE RIGHT SIDE ROCKER ASSEMBLY OF THE FRAME THE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
NHTSA 91V135000
Structure › Body › Hood
Date: 19/08/1991
SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ADJUSTED AND COULD BECOME BENT. THIS WILL LEAD TO A CONDITION WHERE FULL PRIMARY LATCH ENGAGEMENT IS NOT ATTAINED.
NHTSA 06E043000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 19/05/2006
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 LI…
NHTSA 89V225000
Structure › Body › Door › Hinge And Attachments
Date: 18/12/1989
A DOOR HINGE (UPPER OR LOWER) MAY BREAK WHILE OPENING OR CLOSING THE DOOR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO REPOSITION AND CLOSE PROPERLY.
NHTSA 98V027000
Interior Lighting
Date: 17/02/1998
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."
NHTSA 86V165000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Date: 15/12/1986
SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE DUE TO CONTACT WITH SUPPORT BRACKET AND/OR THE PRIMARY LATCH RETURN SPRING. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THIS OCCURS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MO…
NHTSA 07E021000
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices
Date: 12/03/2007
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.
NHTSA 91V083000
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Date: 10/06/1991
NUT ATTACHING STEERING WHEEL MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TIGHTENED DURING INSTALLATION.
NHTSA 89V034000
Seat Belts
Date: 10/03/1989
FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATES MAY NOT ENGAGE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES.
NHTSA 87V062000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Date: 07/05/1987
LOSS OF SKID PLATE COULD LEAD TO DISENGAGEMENT OF BOTH SECONDARY AND PRIMARY HOOD LATCHES.
NHTSA 88V189000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 06/12/1988
A FUEL TANK LEAK COULD OCCUR DUE TO SMALL CREASES ON THE TANK UNDERSIDE CRACKING DURING PRESSURE CYCLING WHICH OCCURS DURING NORMAL OPERATION.
NHTSA 90V065000
Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Date: 05/04/1990
OWNER'S MANUALS WERE PRINTED WITH REAR CENTER SEAT BELT INFORMATION OMITTED.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0441
EVAP Incorrect Purge Flow
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0507
Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Powertrain
P0174
System Too Lean Bank 2
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P1884
powertrain
LOWP1875
powertrain
MODERATEP1870
powertrain
HIGHP1860
powertrain
MODERATEP1812
powertrain
CRITICALP1810
powertrain
HIGHP1632
powertrain
HIGHP1629
powertrain
HIGHP1626
powertrain
HIGHP1599
powertrain
MODERATEP1554
powertrain
MODERATEP1517
powertrain
HIGHP1515
powertrain
HIGHP1514
powertrain
HIGHP1483
powertrain
HIGHP1404
powertrain
MODERATEP1380
powertrain
MODERATEP1370
powertrain
MODERATEP1258
powertrain
CRITICALP1190
powertrain
MODERATE
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
554 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Chevrolet Beretta across model years 1987–1996. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
62 crash reports 31 fires 53 injuries 8 deaths
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199593
Model year 199488
Model year 199672
Model year 198863
Model year 198954
Model year 199254
Model year 199150
Model year 199039
Most reported components (all years)
Service Brakes132
Hydraulic128
Electrical System84
Engine And Engine Cooling65
Structure47
Seat Belts35
Sample reports
VEHICLE FIRE. (MY 1994)
THE TEMPATURE WAS BELOW FREEZING AND THE DOOR HANDLE ON THE OUTSIDE CRACKED AND ONE CAN NO LONGER ENTER THE VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. *AK (MY 1993)
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK (MY 1990)
ENGINE GASKETS ARE DEFECTIVE. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL BULLETINS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM BUT NEVER A RECALL. THERE IS A REPLACEMENT PART FOR THE DEFECTIVE GASKETS. (MY 1992)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1987–1996.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Chevrolet Beretta have any safety recalls?
Yes — 17 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Chevrolet Beretta?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Chevrolet Beretta?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Chevrolet Beretta?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are electrical problems common on the Chevrolet Beretta?
Yes — 70 of 437 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “ELECTRICAL SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT PRIOR TO RECALL (91V-206). *AK…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are steering problems common on the Chevrolet Beretta?
Yes — 89 of 437 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the steering. One owner reported: “THE WHEEL RIMS ARE CRACKED, THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED. *AK…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are brakes problems common on the Chevrolet Beretta?
Yes — 120 of 437 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the brakes. One owner reported: “STALLS GOING AROUND CORNERS, WHEN YOU PUT THE BRAKE ON IT STAHLS, BUT DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME. ALSO DOES IT IN REVERSE.…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What is the right battery for the Chevrolet Beretta (1987–1996)?
The battery specified for the Chevrolet Beretta (1987–1996) is group 75 (BCI), with a cold cranking rating of 525A. See the Battery section on this page for the main cross-references between brands.
What engine oil should I use on the Chevrolet Beretta (1987–1996)?
The engine oil specification for the Chevrolet Beretta (1987–1996) is ACDelco dexos1 5W-30. Always use the viscosity grade approved by the manufacturer: a different oil can reduce engine protection and void the warranty. Check the change interval in the Maintenance section.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Chevrolet Beretta (1987–1996)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Chevrolet Beretta (1987–1996) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Chevrolet Beretta (1987–1996) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Considering buying a Chevrolet Beretta (1987–1996)? Use this guide to check expected maintenance costs, the most reported fault codes and parts availability on the market. Real data, zero commercial estimates.