1996 Chevrolet Beretta problems
The 1996 Chevrolet Beretta has 108 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (26%) concerns brakes. Next are engine (19%) and electrical system (9%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 108 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Brakes 26% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 12 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 12 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What the data shows
Safety-related details: 12 complaints mention a crash; 12 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1996 ranks 3rd most-complained-about out of 7 model years of the Chevrolet Beretta with enough data (67 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 1 safety recall campaign.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
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.
While driving, suddenly engine surged, lunged forward, wheels spun, accelerating out of control, hitting medium strip with front left tire at approx. 30MPH.
When applying the ABS brakes, the pedal went to the floor board and caused vehicle to hit another vehicle in the rear; also, the driver's side air bag deployed and caused burns and injuries to the driver.
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
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.