Most common 1996 Chevrolet Beretta problems
Share of the 72 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Beretta complaints by model year
1996 Chevrolet Beretta recalls (1)
Interior lighting
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."
Remedy: Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.
What 1996 Chevrolet Beretta owners say
Engine & cooling
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.
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.
Brakes
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.
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.
Electrical system
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.
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.
1996 Chevrolet Beretta engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 33 / 26 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Chevrolet Beretta a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the Beretta to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Chevrolet Beretta?
The engine & cooling — 19 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the brakes (17) and electrical system (9).
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Beretta have?
There is 1 recall for the 1996 Chevrolet Beretta, the most recent from February 17, 1998 (interior lighting). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Beretta problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 116,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.