The Chevrolet Nova spans 1985–1988 with 3 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1987, 1988, 1986 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1985, 1986, 1988. It delivers up to 29 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Chevrolet Nova is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1985 to 1988 across multiple generations.
How to read a Chevrolet Nova VIN — every digit explained
Every Chevrolet Nova carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Chevrolet and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Nova.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Nova, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Nova have?
The Chevrolet Nova has 3 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1985–1988. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Chevrolet Nova
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 4 tracked years, the worst years are 1987, 1988, 1986 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1985, 1986, 1988.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 Nova | — | Best | |
| 1986 Nova | Seat Belts | Avoid | |
| 1987 Nova | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 1988 Nova | Power Train | Avoid |
What are the most common Chevrolet Nova problems?
The most-reported Chevrolet Nova problems are Seats (1 reports), Tires (2 reports) and Gasoline (1 reports) — out of 32 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Chevrolet Nova specifications & dimensions
The 1988 Chevrolet Nova measures 167″ long on a 96″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,253 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Chevrolet Nova window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 167″ | 65″ | 53″ | 96″ | 2,253 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Chevrolet Nova cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Nova holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 86 cu ft of passenger volume and 20 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Chevrolet Nova tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Chevrolet Nova get?
The Chevrolet Nova returns up to 29 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,150/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1988 Chevrolet Nova (1.6L 4-cyl) gets 29 mpg combined and costs about $2,150/yr to fuel, emitting 306 g/mi CO₂ — that's about $250 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 Nova | 26 | 33 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 Nova | 25 | 33 | $2,200 | 317 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 Nova | 26 | 33 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 Nova | 26 | 34 | $2,150 | 306 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Nova stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Nova's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Chevrolet Nova have? Power & range
The Chevrolet Nova is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.6L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.6L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Chevrolet Nova cost to own?
A Chevrolet Nova holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used Nova is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Nova loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $10,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Nova ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Chevrolet Nova safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Nova yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Chevrolet Nova last?
A well-maintained Chevrolet Nova typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Chevrolet Nova’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Nova’s VIN free →All Chevrolet Nova model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Chevrolet Nova — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 Nova | 1 recall | — | |
| 1987 Nova | 1 recall | — | |
| 1986 Nova | 1 recall | — | |
| 1985 Nova | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Nova?
By owner-complaint volume, 1987, 1988, 1986 drew the most reports. 1985, 1986, 1988 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Nova have?
3 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1985–1988. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Chevrolet recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Nova get?
Up to 29 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Nova last?
A well-maintained Nova typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Nova reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Nova is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Chevrolet Nova warranty?
New Chevrolet models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Chevrolet dealer.
Where is the Chevrolet Nova made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Nova's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Chevrolet may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Nova weigh?
The Nova's curb weight is around 2,253 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Nova have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.