What was the defect of 1990 Chevrolet Beretta Indy Convertible?

The major defect associated with the 1990 Chevrolet Beretta Indy Convertible wasn't a single, easily defined problem, but rather a tendency towards body flex and resulting structural issues. This was largely due to the way the car's convertible top mechanism and reinforcement were designed, which proved insufficient for the stresses of open-top driving.

This manifested in several ways, including:

* Squeaks and rattles: The body flexing led to numerous noises from panels rubbing against each other.

* Poor fit and finish: Gaps between body panels widened or changed over time.

* Alignment issues: The chassis could twist slightly, affecting wheel alignment and potentially handling.

* Leaks: The less rigid body made it more susceptible to leaks around the seals of the convertible top.

It wasn't a catastrophic failure like a sudden engine seizure, but a cumulative effect of compromises made to create a convertible version of the Beretta. Many owners experienced several of these issues, resulting in a significant reduction in the car's overall quality and reliability compared to the hardtop version.