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U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Chevrolet CAVALIER problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

540 owner complaints analyzed

7 distinct recall campaigns

84,101 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: . 88 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline is the most frequently named component, appearing in 47 of 540 complaints (8.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior9016.7%
Braking behavior8615.9%
Engine operation417.6%
Electrical and battery issues234.3%
Fuel system concerns163.0%
Transmission and shifting122.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
47
Air Bags:Frontal
43
Steering:Rack And Pinion
35
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
32
Air Bags
30
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
30
Unknown Or Other
26
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
24
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline47
Air Bags:Frontal43
Steering:Rack And Pinion35
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch32
Air Bags30
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip30
Unknown Or Other26
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine24

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 47; Air Bags:Frontal: 43; Steering:Rack And Pinion: 35; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 32; Air Bags: 30; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 30; Unknown Or Other: 26; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 24

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
9
25,000 to 49,999
5
50,000 to 74,999
19
75,000 to 99,999
22
100,000 to 149,999
26
150,000 and above
7
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0009
25,000 to 49,9995
50,000 to 74,99919
75,000 to 99,99922
100,000 to 149,99926
150,000 and above7

Under 25,000: 9; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 19; 75,000 to 99,999: 22; 100,000 to 149,999: 26; 150,000 and above: 7

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (26). 452 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1996
1
1997
33
1998
82
1999
77
2000
53
2001
52
2002
69
2003
81
2004
26
2005
19
2006
8
2007
6
2008
9
2009
4
2011
4
2012
3
2013
1
2014
7
2015
2
2016
3
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19961
199733
199882
199977
200053
200152
200269
200381
200426
200519
20068
20076
20089
20094
20114
20123
20131
20147
20152
20163

1996: 1; 1997: 33; 1998: 82; 1999: 77; 2000: 53; 2001: 52; 2002: 69; 2003: 81; 2004: 26; 2005: 19; 2006: 8; 2007: 6; 2008: 9; 2009: 4; 2011: 4; 2012: 3; 2013: 1; 2014: 7; 2015: 2; 2016: 3

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 90 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 86 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 41 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10000231 · 2002-12-18 (December 18, 2002)

WHEN YOU DRIVE IT THE STEERING WHEEL WOBBLES AND YOU CAN FEEL IT IN YOUR FEET LIKE FRONT END IS LOOSE

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10000231 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10002202 · 2003-01-07 (January 7, 2003)

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RACK OPINION HAS GONE BAD CAUSING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS. TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002202 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10005609 · 2003-02-10 (February 10, 2003)

TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP TO SEE WHY ABS BRAKE LIGHT STAYED ON. THEY FOUND THE BEARINGS HAD FALLEN OUT OF ABS BOX. THE MECHANIC STATED IT WAS A SEALED UNIT AND HE DID NOT KNOW HOW THE BEARINGS FELL OUT. ABS SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10005609 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10006618 · 2003-02-05 (February 5, 2003)

FRONT BRAKE PAD AND ROTOR HAS BEEN CHANGED FOUR TIMES. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. PH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10006618 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10002699 · 2003-01-14 (January 14, 2003)

I HAVE 1997 CHEVROLET, CAVALIER WHICH I TOOK DELIVERY ON JULY 28, 1997. THE CAR IS NOW UNDRIVEABLE. I WENT ON LINE TO THE GENERAL MOTORS RECALL LIST AND LOCATED A RECALL FOR CARS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, AND OCTOBER 31, 1997. THE RECALL INVOLVES THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE POWER STEERING GEAR MAY SEPARATE, PERMITTING MOVEMENT OF THE PINION SHAFT. REPORT INDICATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THERE HAVE BEEN 15 REPORT OF CRASHES AND THREE INJURIES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE CONDITION, BUT NO FATAL INJURIES. I CALLED GENERAL MOTORS, DESCRI…

Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10002699 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10004003 · 2003-01-16 (January 16, 2003)

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD IT TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START. WHEN VEHICLE DOES FINALLY START IT WILL CONTINUOUSLY STALL. IF STARTED SUCCESSFULLY VEHICLE HAS AN EXCESSIVELY ROUGH IDLE. PH THE VEHICLE DID NOT START IN COLD WEATHER, THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD DIDN'T LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS COLD START FOLLOWED BY A HARD RESTARTING AND HIGH OIL PRESSURE RELATED TO THE OIL PRESSURE PUMP IN THE ENGINE. TSB#7761-09B. SCC

Owner-reported narrative. 23,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10004003 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10001881 · 2003-01-02 (January 2, 2003)

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEM WITH AN ELECTRICAL FIRE ON THE VEHICLE. ALSO STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT ON WHEN THIS HAPPENED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CALL THE CONSUMER BUT NOTHING WAS DONE. TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001881 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10007326 · 2003-03-07 (March 7, 2003)

ELECTRICAL WIRES HAD BLOWN UNDER THE DASH BOARD. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS IT RELATED TO THE ELECTRICAL RECALL. WARNING LIGHTS ON SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE. IT TOOK THREE TRIPS TO DEALER BEFORE DEALER FOUND SHORT UNDER DASH. A FEW WEEKS LATER VEHICLE HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED. RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR ELECTRICAL IGNITION. WHEN AIR CONDITIONER WAS SERVICED, MECHANIC FOUND CIRCUITS SUPPLYING POWER TO THE COMPRESSOR HAD BLOWN. MECHANIC TRACED WIRES UNDER DASH AND FOUND WIRES HAD MELTED AND SHORTENED OUT. HE REPAIRED WHAT HE COULD AND T…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10007326 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10038534 · 2003-09-09 (September 9, 2003)

O-RING INJECTOR LEAKED GAS, AND GAS FUMES ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE O-RINGS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 36,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10038534 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10049236 · 2003-12-05 (December 5, 2003)

CAR SMELLS LIKE GAS ALL THE TIME. WAS TOLD HAVE TWO LEAKS IN FUEL INJECTOR. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10049236 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10009896 · 2003-03-25 (March 25, 2003)

THE ENGINE OVERHEATED, AND STALLED. THE SPARK PLUGS MELTED. THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THE HEAD WARPED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE INTERNAL EXHAUST HEAT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RELAY SWITCH, REMOVED THE HEAD AND RESURFACED. THE ELECTRIC FANS DON'T TURN ON. THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THE FAN RELAY, ECT SENSOR, AND FUSIBLE LINK SHORTED(REMOVED REPLACED). THE VEHICLE HAD SURGED AND DIED OUT. THE SENSOR CONNECTOR CLIP BROKEN AND WAS REPLACED. THE CONSOLE UNDER THE RADIO HAD CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START, DUE TO MULTIPLE DTC PLUGS FOULED. THE VACUUM LIN…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10009896 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10172770 · 2006-11-06 (November 6, 2006)

1997 CHEVY CAVALIER WAS MOVED AND PARK NEXT TO ANOTHER CAR. IT WAS BROUGHT TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE BRAKES AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK. AS THE DRIVER WAS GETTING OUT OF THE CAR, THE CAR START MOVING FORWARD, ROLLED DOWN A HILL A CRASHED INTO TREES, TOTALING THE CAR. THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION LEVEL WAS STILL IN PARK. THE DRIVER WAS SLIGHT INJURED ON THE ARM AS THE CAR HIT HIM WHILE GETTING OUT OF THE CAR. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 25 miles reported. Look up ODI 10172770 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

540 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

16.3%Usable mileage88 / 540 records
79.1%Valid incident date427 / 540 records
100.0%Valid filing date540 / 540 records
78.9%Ordered incident and filing dates426 / 540 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.5%
ODI 482157

PROBLEM W/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSES DOOR LOCKS TO CLICK/DOME AND ABS LIGHT TO COME ON/HEATER TO FAIL, ALSO CAUSES STARTING PROBLEMS. *AW

Look up ODI 482157 at NHTSA ↗

41.5%
ODI 10247351 · 48,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. LATER THAT DAY, THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE THERMOSTAT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MECHANIC CLAIMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE AND MADE T…

Look up ODI 10247351 at NHTSA ↗

112.2%
ODI 10025397

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. WHILE ACCELERATING ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD LIT UP - THE CAR SHUT OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER IN TIME AND I WAS NOT DRIVING THAT FAST. ALSO I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY WITHOUT HITTING ANYONE.

Look up ODI 10025397 at NHTSA ↗

152.8%
ODI 10009896

THE ENGINE OVERHEATED, AND STALLED. THE SPARK PLUGS MELTED. THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THE HEAD WARPED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE INTERNAL EXHAUST HEAT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RELAY SWITCH, REMOVED THE HEAD AND RESURFACED. THE ELECTRIC FANS DON'T TURN ON. THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THE FAN RELAY, ECT SENSOR, AND FUSIBLE LINK SHORTED(REMOVED REPLACED). THE VEHICLE HAD SURGED AND DIED OUT. THE SENSOR CONNECTOR CLIP BROKEN AND WAS REPLACED. THE CONSOLE UNDER THE RADIO HAD CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START, DUE TO MULTIPLE DTC PLUGS FOULED. THE VACUUM LIN…

Look up ODI 10009896 at NHTSA ↗

123.5%
ODI 10020329

WHILE DRIVING IN WARM WEATHER THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS ALLOWED TO SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTED UP AGAIN. *NLM

Look up ODI 10020329 at NHTSA ↗

145.8%
ODI 10006813

WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IN SPRINGFIELD MO., I ONLY HAD 8 MILES ON THE CAR WHEN I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. I LIVE IN ROLLA WHICH IS ONLY 110 MILES AT THE MOST. I DROVE STRAIGHT HOME AND THE MILEAGE SHOWED 265 MILES, TWICE THE MILEAGE. ALSO, THE CAR SHAKES AND GRINDS WHEN STARTING. THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THAT WAS WHEN IT HAD LESS THAN 1000 MILES. FUEL LINES OR SOMETHING SMELLS HEAVY WITH GAS. MY CAR EATS GAS MORE THAN MY ASTRO VAN. THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. I HAVE PUT THREE COOLING SYSTEMS IN THIS CAR THEY SAID WAS WRONG. FUSES KEEP BU…

Look up ODI 10006813 at NHTSA ↗

227.0%
ODI 10003383 · 53,000 mi

MY CAR BEGUN CUTTING OFF WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON OR ABOUT THIS DATE. I TOOK IT TO THE CHEVY DEALER ON 11/27/02 AND THEY CHANGED THE FUEL LINE. ON 12/02/02 IT WAS STILL CUTTING OF SO I TOOK IT BACK. THIS TIME THEY CHANGED THE WIRES, PLUGS, AND 02 SENSERS. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT IT IS NOW 01/25/03 AND MY CAR IS STILL CUTTING OFF. I HAVE BEEN TO THIS DEALERSHIP (SIR WALTER CHEVROLET - RALEIGH NC) SEVENTEEN TIMES. THEY HAVE CHANGED SEVERAL MAJOR PARTS.( CRANK SHAFT SENSOR, 2 CATYLIC CONVERTERS, MODULES, AND OTHER PARTS. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND…

Look up ODI 10003383 at NHTSA ↗

2610.7%
ODI 10000452 · 44,896 mi

CIGARETTE LIGHTER SHOOTING SPARKS, BLOWING FUSES, DAMAGED CELL PHONE CHARGER

Look up ODI 10000452 at NHTSA ↗

2010.2%
ODI 10010217

COMPRESSOR NEVER WORKED WHEN THE CAR WAS BOUGHT. LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL CONTINUALLY SHORTED OUT, A WIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DRIVER SIDE FRONT WINDOW MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED.*JB

Look up ODI 10010217 at NHTSA ↗

578.4%
ODI 10039926

THE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK. THE MECHANIC FROM THE DEALER SHIP NOTED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SOCKET WAS MELTED. FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH

Look up ODI 10039926 at NHTSA ↗

10933.0%
ODI 10104706 · 1,000 mi

ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH 2004 CHEVY CAVALIER. WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OF PURCHASE (PURCHASED NEW) CAR HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT HAVE GOTTEN WORSE OVER THE YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE AT TIMES, PRE-SET RADIO STATIONS CHANGE AT TIMES, AND INTERIOR LIGHT WILL TURN ON AND OFF BY ITSELF AT TIMES. *NM

Look up ODI 10104706 at NHTSA ↗

14149.1%
ODI 10168174

ABOUT A WEEK AFTER BUYING THE CAR, MY BREAK LIGHT COMES ON AND MY BRAKES STARTED GRINDING AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE, I TOOK THE CAR IN AND HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED AND WAS ALSO TOLD I PROBABLY HAD AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT FROM THE DIAGNOSTICS TEST. ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER I HAD TO GO BACK WITH SAME PROBLEM. NOW, AS IN TODAY, 6 MONTHS LATER, THE SAME THING IS GOING ON. NOW I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR HAVING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AGAIN. *NM

Look up ODI 10168174 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
11.8%
ODI 843023

WHILE TRAVELING THE BRAKES WOULD MAKE A LOUD NOISE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMANTION. *AK

Look up ODI 843023 at NHTSA ↗

3828.4%
ODI 10101990

THE CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE ABS LIGHT WHICH COST $700.00. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER A SECOND TIME BECAUSE THE LIGHT WOULD REMAIN ON. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT IT WOULD AGAIN COST HIM $ BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED. *AK *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10101990 at NHTSA ↗

2718.5%
ODI 480365

THERMOSTAT REPLACED DUE TO LOW TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING. *SKD

Look up ODI 480365 at NHTSA ↗

4320.3%
ODI 10091902 · 38,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ABS LIGHT LLUMINATED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10091902 at NHTSA ↗

165.9%
ODI 517607

ABS BRAKES FAILED THREE TIMES, ONCE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURIES. *AK

Look up ODI 517607 at NHTSA ↗

357.0%
ODI 509353

COMPUTER FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL; ALSO ABS BRAKES GRIND/REPLACED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *AK

Look up ODI 509353 at NHTSA ↗

305.6%
ODI 10146874

I HEARD OF A RECENT RECALL CONCERNING THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM ON GM VEHICLES. IT SOUNDS LIKE WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY SON''S 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT BELOW 10 MILES PER HOUR, FOR NO REASON THE ABS SYSTEM KICKED IN MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP SAFELY. I HAD TO PULL THE FUSE AND BY-PASS THE SYSTEM TO MAKE THE CAR SAFE TO DRIVE AGAIN. *NM

Look up ODI 10146874 at NHTSA ↗

339.6%
ODI 10019937 · 28,250 mi

WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE ABS FAILED. *NLM THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. *JB

Look up ODI 10019937 at NHTSA ↗

2510.4%
ODI 10013805 · 64,000 mi

FRONT BRAKES LOCKING AT LOW SPEEDS DUE TO ABS FAILURE. CAR WAS TAKEN TO GM DEALERSHIP, THE FIRST MECHANIC SAID FRONT ROTORS MIGHT BE WARPED. I REPLACED FRONT BRAKES AND INSTALLED NEW ROTORS AND PROBLEM WAS STILL THERE. WENT BACK TO DEALERSHIP THEN THEY ADVISED ME THAT SINCE MY TIRES WERE NOT ALL THE SAME BRAND THAT WAS THE PROBLEM....NEW TIRES DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. CAR IS NOT KICKING ANY CODES OUT TO THE COMPUTER AND NO ABS LIGHT IS ON. DEALER SPOKE TO GM TECH'S AND AT THAT POINT REPLACED BOTH FRONT ABS WIRING HARNESSES. PROBLEM STILL …

Look up ODI 10013805 at NHTSA ↗

154.8%
ODI 10039847

WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW A SPEED, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND IT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE VEHICLE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. *PH THE ABS SENSOR HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE. *SCC *JB

Look up ODI 10039847 at NHTSA ↗

72.9%
ODI 744761

I KEEP TAKING MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH MY WINDSHIELD FOGGING UP, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT RAINS AND THE DEFOGGER DOES NOT HELP; I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A SQUELING NOISE IN MY TIRES, AND MY STEERING COLUMN, STEERING COLUMN MAKES A HIGH PITCHED SOUND WHEN IN REVERSE; MY DRIVERS WINDOW HAS LOCKED UP ON ME TWICE; WHEN I FIRST TOOK THE CAR TO BE CHECKED FOR MY TIRES THEY SAID THE MANUFACTURE DID NOT INSTALL THE NUTS AND BOLTS CORRECTLY AND THE SAME WITH MY STEERING COLUMN AND THEY SAID THEY WERE FIX BUT THEY ARE NOT!!!!! ; …

Look up ODI 744761 at NHTSA ↗

63.1%
ODI 10004308

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THERE IS A GRINDING AND A FLAPPING NOISE. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PH *TT

Look up ODI 10004308 at NHTSA ↗

30.4%
ODI 10024326

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, ACCOMPANIED BY A GRINDING NOISE. *AK. ALSO THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WAS REPLACED PH. *JB

Look up ODI 10024326 at NHTSA ↗

10.3%
ODI 10141475 · 48,540 mi

IN RAINY CONDITIONS, MY CAVALIER DOES NOT SEEM TO STOP WELL AND THE ABS IS OVERACTIVE. PUDDLES, WET ROADS, RAIN, AND SNOW SEEM TO HAVE ADVERSE EFFECTS ON MY STOPPING ABILITIES. IN TWO DIFFERENT RAIN STORMS I HAVE ALMOST HIT A POSSUM, A COP, A TREE LIMB, OTHER CARS, AND MISSED AN INTERSECTION; NON OF WHICH HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH SPEEDING. THE LACK OF STOPPING ABILITY IS DANGEROUS TO ME AND OTHERS DRIVING AROUND ME. MY CAR IS SCHEDULED FOR A DIAGNOSTICS CHECK TO FIND OUT WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR ANYM…

Look up ODI 10141475 at NHTSA ↗

10.3%
ODI 10130500 · 129,800 mi

DT: 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. SOMETIMES THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT ALLOW THE CONSUMER TO TURN IT TOWARD THE LEFT. THIS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4 TIMES. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED AT AN INTERSECTION, WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STEER VEHICLE SAFELY TO THE CURB. SHE WAS DRIVING AROUND 20-30 MPH. SOMETIMES THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND TURNED OFF BY ITSELF. THE FIRST TIME THE STEERING PROBLEM OCCURRED WAS ON 7-25-05 ,AND THE LAST TIME WAS ON 7-27-05. THERE WERE NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AT …

Look up ODI 10130500 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
59.1%
ODI 513877

HEAD GASKETS LEAK.

Look up ODI 513877 at NHTSA ↗

53.7%
ODI 10062742 · 114,000 mi

I OWN A 1992 CHEVY CAVALIER. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEATER CORE 3 TIMES. ONCE A YEAR EVERY YEAR SINCE 2001. I AM REQUESTING A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE DUE TO THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK THAT I OR ANYONE ELSE SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE A HEATER CORE/ BLOWN HEAD GASKET ONCE A YEAR. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU OR CHEVY ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND VERY VERY COSTLY. I BELIEVE THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS INCURRED AND TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I LOVE MY CAR AND TAKE VERY G…

Look up ODI 10062742 at NHTSA ↗

1510.3%
ODI 501261

REPLACED ENGINE OIL FILTER.

Look up ODI 501261 at NHTSA ↗

3516.5%
ODI 10039409

HEAD GASKET LEAKING NEEDED REPLACED IN1998 AT 43445, THEN STARTED LEAKING IN 2002 AT 74847.

Look up ODI 10039409 at NHTSA ↗

4918.1%
ODI 10005109 · 54,771 mi

SERVICE DUE TO COOLANT LEAKAGE BECAUSE OF A FAULTY HEAD GASKET ON MY 1995 CHEVY CAVALIER WAS NOT COVERED BY DEALER DESPITE SERVICE BULLETIN #98054 AND #98054A AND THE FACT THAT MY VEHICLE HAD 54,771 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. *JB

Look up ODI 10005109 at NHTSA ↗

458.9%
ODI 10014686

THE HEAD GASKET FAILED. *JB

Look up ODI 10014686 at NHTSA ↗

244.4%
ODI 10020932 · 51,000 mi

1997 CAVALIER=HEAD GASKET BECAME WARPED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED=$900. THERMOSTAT REPLACED 3 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE, WATER PUMP REPLACED TWICE. CAR RETURNED TO DEALER EVERY THREE TO SIX MONTHS FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM INVOLVING OVERHEATING AND COOLANT LEAKS. PROBLEM CONTINUALLY REOCCURS, EVEN AFTER IT HAS BEEN DEEMED FINALLY REPAIRED. *AK

Look up ODI 10020932 at NHTSA ↗

123.5%
ODI 10012130

THE HEAD GASKET LEAKED ANTI FREEZE, AND THE OIL PAN LEAKED OIL. *JB

Look up ODI 10012130 at NHTSA ↗

114.6%
ODI 10008325 · 61,200 mi

VALVE COVER GASKET AND HEAD GASKET BOTH FAULTY ON ENGINE AT ONLY 60,000 MILES. THIS IS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT YET I HAVE NOT FOUND ANY RECALLS. CHEVROLET FAILS TO ADMIT TO THESE FAILURES, AND WILL NOT ASSIST. IN SAME NEIGHBORHOOD, THREE OTHER CAVALIER OWNERS HAVE REPLACED HEAD GASKETS AND CHEVROLET DOES NOTHING.*JB

Look up ODI 10008325 at NHTSA ↗

154.8%
ODI 10002601

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHIC CAUSED LOSS OF POWER STEERING. PLEASE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*JB

Look up ODI 10002601 at NHTSA ↗

124.9%
ODI 10018591

OIL FALLS ONTO EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD WHEN CHANGING THE FILTER, THE HEAT SHIELD IS LIKE A METAL MESH COVERING THE EXHAUST PIPE. ALWAYS BEING TOLD TO LET IT BURN OFF. NOT GOOD FOR PEOPLE WITH BREATHING DIFFICULTIES. *NLM

Look up ODI 10018591 at NHTSA ↗

84.1%
ODI 10025959 · 5,424 mi

ENGINE AND VEHICLE SPEED SOMETIMES, BUT INTERMITTENTLY, DO NOT RESPOND TO DRIVER CONTROL - VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN. WHEN THAT HAPPENS, HAD TO RIDE BRAKES TO CONTROL SPEED. THIS HAPPENED FIVE TIMES WITH INCREASING SEVERITY OVER A PERIOD OF TIME - ON THE SIXTH TIME THE VEHICLE REACHED 60MPH WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR BEING TOUCHED. REVIEW OF ODI COMPLIANTS SHOWS AN INCREASING NUMBER OF SIMILAR RELATED COMPLAINTS ON THIS MODEL WITH AGE. HAD PURCHASED CAR TO GIVE TO MY NEWLY LICENSED DAUGHTER, WHO, DUE TO LACK OF EXPERIENCE, WAS INITIALLY U…

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101.5%
ODI 10037447

I WAS INFORMED BY A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AT CHEVROLET ON 9/5/03 THAT MY VEHICLE WAS COVERED FOR HEAD GASKET REPAIR UNDER A "SPECIAL POLICY" RECALL. AT THE URGING OF THIS CUSTOMER SERVICE REP FROM CHEVROLET, BRUCE MITCHELL, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. I WAS NOTIFIED BY THEIR SERVICE DEPT. THAT THIS "SPECIAL POLICY" EXPIRED 7/03 AND THAT IT WOULD COST OVER $1,400 TO FIX ALL OF THE DAMAGES INCLUDING THE HEAD GASKET. I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP NOT TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. I CALLED CHEVROLET AND SPOKE WITH THE SAME CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESEN…

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72.1%
ODI 10108873 · 12,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND WAITED A WHILE THEN STARTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE CAUSE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10108873 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel System, Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.7%
ODI 10071278

MAJOR FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE'S WATER-RESISTANT ENVELOPE: SERIOUS WATER LEAK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FROM THE FIREWALL, RESULTING IN RUST AND SEVERE DAMAGE TO CARPET, MOLD AND MILDEW IN CARPET AND UNDERLAY, AND UNPLEASANT ODOURS

Look up ODI 10071278 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.4%
ODI 720483

AT APPROX. 35-40 MPH THE CAR BOGGS, LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO RUN OUT OF GAS. HAD IT TESTED AT BRAEGER CHEVROLET AND THEIR COMPUTER WAS UNABLE TO DETECT ANYTHING EVEN THOUGH THE MECHANIC COULD FEEL IT. I BELIEVE THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NO SOLUTIONS HAVE BEEN FOUND. I FEEL THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH MY 2 YOUNG CHILDREN IN IT AS I NEVER KNOW IF IT WILL DIE OR NOT WHILE I AM DRIVING IT.

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20.4%
ODI 10005013

WHEN CAR FUEL TANK IS READING BELOW 1/4 TANK, CAR WILL NOT START. CAR BACKFIRES, WHILE TRYING TO START AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING WITH THIS SINCE I [URCHASED THE CAR IN 1997. EVERYTIME THAT I TAKE THE CAR IN, I AM BEING TOLD IT IS ALWAYS SOMETHING DIFFERENT. THIS ITEM DEFINATELY NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT CUASE I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY NUMEROUS CHEVY CAVELIER OWNERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM.

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30.6%
ODI 10070754 · 48,000 mi

THE FUEL PUMP OVERHEATS WHEN IDLING AND IT WENT OUT. (NOISILY, IT SOUNDED LIKE A DENTIST'S DRILL) BEFORE GOING OUT I TOOK IT IN FOR A DIAGNOSTIC BECAUSE THE CAR WAS PUMPING GAS FUMES INTO THE CAB AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. BECAUSE IT IS IN THE GAS TANK IT COST ME OVER $700 TO REPLACE.

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10.3%
ODI 700824

THE CAVALIER WAS DRIVEN TO WORK BY MY DAUGHTER ON 11-09-98. SHE PARKED THE CAR AND LOCKED IT AND WENT TO WORK AT THE AFTER SCHOOL DAY CARE FOR THE YMCA. ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER, A PARENT ENTERED AND ASKED WHO OWNED THE CAVALIER BECAUSE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM IT'S ENGINE. BY THE TIME MY DAUGHTER RAN OUTSIDE THE CAR HAD BURST INTO FLAMES. THE SCHOOL CUSTODIANS TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS BUT THEY WERE ONLY SUCCESSFUL IN PUTTING OUT THE FLAMES THAT RAN FROM MY CAR TO 2 OTHERS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THEY DETERMI…

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31.3%
ODI 10006813

WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IN SPRINGFIELD MO., I ONLY HAD 8 MILES ON THE CAR WHEN I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. I LIVE IN ROLLA WHICH IS ONLY 110 MILES AT THE MOST. I DROVE STRAIGHT HOME AND THE MILEAGE SHOWED 265 MILES, TWICE THE MILEAGE. ALSO, THE CAR SHAKES AND GRINDS WHEN STARTING. THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THAT WAS WHEN IT HAD LESS THAN 1000 MILES. FUEL LINES OR SOMETHING SMELLS HEAVY WITH GAS. MY CAR EATS GAS MORE THAN MY ASTRO VAN. THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. I HAVE PUT THREE COOLING SYSTEMS IN THIS CAR THEY SAID WAS WRONG. FUSES KEEP BU…

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72.2%
ODI 10023516

WHEN I PURCHASED MY USED 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER IN APRIL 2003 ABOUT 1 MONTH I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS. AFTER PUTTING GAS IN MY CAR I WOULD DRIVE A LITTLE AND THEN THE GAS GAUGE WOULD GO DOWN TO APPEAR THAT THE CAR WAS ALMOST EMPTY BUT IT WASN'T. WHILE DRIVING ONE DAY THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF IT HAD GAS IN IT I HAD JUST PUT GAS IN IT BUT THE GAUGE DROPPED TO APPEAR TO BE ALMOST EMPTY. I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED TO THE SHOP I WAS TOLD MY FUEL INJECTION WENT OUT. NOT EVEN A MONTH AFTER THAT MY CAR STALLED AT A RED LIGHT AND MY TEMPERATURE G…

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124.9%
ODI 10015921 · 27,000 mi

THE VEHICLES FUEL GAUGE DID NOT INDICATE THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. *NLM FUEL GAUGE INDICATED 1/4 TANK OF GAS WHEN ACTUALLY THE TANK WAS EMPTY WHICH LEFT THE CONSUMER STRANDED ON 3 OCCASIONS. THE FUEL TANK SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT

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21.0%
ODI 10279492 · 60,000 mi

MY 2002 CHEVY LOOKS LIKE IT NEEDS A FUEL PUMP. 3YEARS AGO I HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THE TOW SAID IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP AND I HAD THE FUEL FILTER CHANGED NOW SINCE THEN IT RAN OK. I STILL EXPERIENCED HESITATION BUT AFTER HEARING THE COMPLAINS. I WANT TO ADD MY CONCERN. *TR

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19328.5%
ODI 10083543 · 700 mi

VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER.*MR THE VEHICLE TAIL LIGHT SHORTED OUT THREE TIMES THEN THE CIRCUIT SHORTED OUT. THE GAS GAUGE WOULD FLUCTUATE. COLD STARTS. THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE AT STOP LIGHT OR STALL OUT COMPLETELY. THE DRIVER' S SIDE SPEAKER BLEW. THE CD PLAYER WOULD EJECT THE CD WHILE IT WAS PLAYING. THE RPM GAUGE BOUNCED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE ALTERNATOR MADE NOISE. *NM

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82.4%
ODI 10073471 · 100 mi

A STRONG FUEL ODOR ENTERED THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE VENTS WERE USED. THIS ODOR CAUSED NAUSEA AND HEADACHES TO ANY ONE RIDING IN THE VEHICLE. AT ANY TEMPERATURE, THE VEHICLE TOOK A VERY LONG TIME TO CRANK UP. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND BOGGED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WOULD EVENTUALLY PICK UP SPEED AND ACT AS IF NOTHING EVER HAPPENED. THESE PROBLEMS OCCURRED EIGHT TIMES. *AK THERE WAS RATTLE IN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR PANEL DUE TO THE REGULATOR, THERE WAS ALSO AN INTERMITTENT NOISE ON THE PASSE…

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82.8%
ODI 10232763 · 64,000 mi

FUEL PUMP. *TR

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Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
11.8%
ODI 979698

THE FUEL PUMP GOES OUT IN THE COLD WEATHER. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

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10.7%
ODI 486945

CLUTCH FAILED. *SKD

Look up ODI 486945 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

20.7%
ODI 888581

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE.*AK WHILE ON FREEWAY VEHICLE STALLED.*JB

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61.2%
ODI 10023976 · 39,500 mi

FUEL PUMP SEAL DISINTEGRATED. COST $1,081.00 (INCLUDING 3 DAY CAR RENTAL). EARLIER THIS YEAR THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE STEERING COLUMN AND I WOUND UP PAYING AN ADDITIONAL $600 FOR OTHER DEFECTS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. THINK THAT THIS AND MANY ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS ON THIS CAR CONSTITUTE IT BEING A LEMON. MORE THAN 5 RECALLS IN 7 YEARS. *NLM

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40.7%
ODI 10106554 · 96,000 mi

HEAD GASKET REPLACED @27000 MILES, FUEL PUMP @ 30000 AND AGAIN AT 96000 MILES. BRAKES REPLACED 2X A YEAR FOR 5 YEARS. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOESN'T SEAL PROPERLY. FAN ONLY WORKS ON SPEED 3 OR 4. *NM

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20.6%
ODI 10034508

PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S FUEL PUMP.*MR THE VEHICLE BLEW FUSES AND DIDN'T START UNTIL IT SAT AND COOLED OFF WHICH WAS DUE TO THE BAG FULE PUMP. *PH

Look up ODI 10034508 at NHTSA ↗

20.8%
ODI 744749

FUEL PUMP FAILED ON EXPRESSWAY DRIVING. ENGINE ABRUPTLY DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. CAR WAS PUSHED TO SHOULDER OF EXPRESSWAY AND TOWED TO DEALER WHO REPLACED FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY AND SENDER MODULE. *AK

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154.8%
ODI 10020358 · 9,775 mi

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHICH WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP. THE OLD FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED WITH A REDESIGNED FUEL PUMP. *JB *CB *JB

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104.1%
ODI 10047625

MY CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT(2001 Z24 CAVALIER) HAS GIVEN ME PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM. PISTON RODS FAILING, FUEL PUMP LEAKING, CRANKSHAFT FAILURE, GEAR BOX BENT CAUSING ME TO ONLY START CAR IN NEUTRAL AND CAN'T PARK ON HILLS. ALSO... VALVES HAVE BROKEN NUMEROUS TIMES, ENGINE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN, FUEL GAUGE WAS BROKEN, POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKING, SUNROOF SHATTERED ON ME... EVERYTHING HAS BROKEN ON THIS BRAND NEW CAR I BOUGHT. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT HELP ME EVEN UNDER WARRANTY... I GOT A LEMON AND THEY WANT ME TO KEEP IT. SO MANY PROBLEMS I CANT…

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73.6%
ODI 10049686 · 10,000 mi

FRONT ROTORS WARPED PREMATURELY, ABOUT EVERY 10000 MILES. GRINDING NOISE HEARD AT LOW SPEEDS, WHETHER IN GEAR OR COASTING & NOT BRAKE RELATED. PREMATURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE, CAUSING ENGINE TO SHUT OFF. *AK

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16223.9%
ODI 10017411 · 10,000 mi

THE VEHICLES FUEL PUMP SYSTEM HAD A HIGH PITCH FREQUENCY (DRAWING TO MUCH POWER). THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE FUEL GAUGE IS ALSO INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *NLM

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
11.8%
ODI 809899

OWNER STATES THAT AFTER 45 MINUTES WHEN THE CAR WAS LEFT AFTER IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN VEHICE BLEW UP, CAUSING A MELT DOWN, FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *AK

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43.0%
ODI 486945

CLUTCH FAILED. *SKD

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128.2%
ODI 488417

AIR INTAKE REPLACED. *SD

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83.8%
ODI 504276

ENGINE MAKES RAPPING NOISE.

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186.7%
ODI 10021261 · 81,134 mi

NUMBER ONE PISTON ROD BROKE WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BLOW AND A BASEBALL SIZE HOLE IN THE OIL PAN. ENTIRE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT

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408.0%
ODI 10051139 · 100 mi

I PURCHASED A 1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER LS FROM ADVANCED CARE CARE INC IN ORLANDO FLORIDA 9-23-03 THIS CAR IS A LEMON. LIST OF PROBLEMS WITH IT (WAS SOLD TO ME TELLING ME NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT ). *AK PROBLEMS IVE PAID TO FIX SO FAR ENGINE REPLACED HEAD JOB (BLOWN HEAD GASKET) 02 SENSOR TWICE ECM COMPUTER TWICE COIL PACK- 3 TIMES ICM 5 TIMES ENGINE STRUT TRANSMOUNT FRONT ENGINE MOUNT BRAKES ROTORS MAIN ROD BEARINGS CATALYTIC CONVERTOR THEY ARE NOW SAYING IT NEEDS ANOTHER ENGINE THAT THE CRANKSHAFT IS BAD , IT IS POU…

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478.7%
ODI 10005305 · 162,800 mi

WHEN FIRST STARTED STRONG GAS FUMES IN CAR; THEN HESITATION/STALLING WHILE DRIVING, HAS GONE DEAD TWO TIMES; ROUGH IDLING.

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205.8%
ODI 541547

VEHICLE OWNED FOR 7 MONTHS. DOES NOT IDLE SMOOTHLY AND SKIPS. DOES NOT SHIFT EASILY.

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177.1%
ODI 10030292

TIMING TENSIONER KEEPS GOING OUT ON CAR. HAS BEEN REPAIRED 3 TIMES. *AK

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175.4%
ODI 10086323 · 8,000 mi

GROWL / MOAN TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE ON HEAVY ACCELERATION WHEN MAKING A SHARP LEFT HAND TURN. *AK

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72.9%
ODI 8003141

ENGINE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS OF 50+ MPH. WHEN ENGINE STALLS ALL POWER ASSIST FEATURES, I.E., POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES FAIL TO OPERATE. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE SIX TIMES AND CANNOT DETERMINE CAUSE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK

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21.0%
ODI 10162718 · 56,000 mi

WE WERE TOLD THE CAR WAS INSPECTED BEFORE WE BOUGHT IT! HEAD LIGHT OUT OF ADJUSTMENT BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS NOT WORKING ENGINE STARED RUNNING ROUGH FEW HOURS AFTER WE DROVE OFF A CD WAS FOUND STUCK IN THE PLAYER DOOR NEEDED ALIGNMENT PARKING BRAKES NOT WORKING RIGHT. *NM

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10.1%
ODI 10202906 · 55,000 mi

CAR STALLS INTERMITTENTLY, USUALLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THIS IS EITHER WITH THE CLUTCH ENGAGED OR WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. THE IDLE DIPS TO ABOUT 500RPM, FLUCTUATES, AND EITHER GOES BACK UP TO 900RPM OR STALLS THE CAR. RESTARTS ARE HARD. THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000 MILES. IT HAS HAPPENED FREQUENTLY FOR THE PAST SIX MONTHS. SOME DAYS IT'S FINE, AND OTHERS IT STALLS EVERY TIME YOU COME TO A STOP LIGHT. *TR

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
11.8%
ODI 828224

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN HE SUFFERED A HEART ATTACK. VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER THE GURDRAIL. THE CONSUMER'S AIR BAG DRIVER SIDE DID NOT DEPLOY, AND CONSUMER WAS KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT. *AK

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.7%
ODI 886896

VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD-ON BY MOTORCYCLE WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35-40 MPH. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, AND CONSUMER WAS BADLY INJURED. *AK

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41.9%
ODI 545439

VEHICLE DESIGNED WITHOUT DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG. *YC

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176.3%
ODI 10097179

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONSUMER COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

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479.3%
ODI 10015837

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *JB

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438.0%
ODI 10005257 · 52,000 mi

VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER CAUSING INJURIES AND TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE.

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226.4%
ODI 10019309

THE VEHICLE HIT A POT HOLE AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *JB

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187.5%
ODI 10048210 · 108,000 mi

WHILE MAKING A TURN AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED A BROKEN STERNUM AND WAS HOSPITALIZED.*AK *CB *JB

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103.2%
ODI 10018203

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *NLM

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114.5%
ODI 10001248

VEHICLE DID NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AS IS. *JB

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63.1%
ODI 10003279 · 4,721 mi

DURING FIRST SNOW IN DEC 02, THE ABS IN MY 2MO OLD CAR ACTIVATED FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE NORMAL PEDAL VIBS OCCURED, BUT THERE WAS A PATTERNED PINGING OF A SPRING AT THE PEDALS LOCATION. ALL BRAKING POWER WAS LOST DURING THIS, AND I HAD TO RUN A RED LIGHT BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP, EVEN AFTER PRESSING THE BRAKE AGAIN, WITH THE SAME EFFECT (THIS ALSO OCCURED WHILE PULLING INTO MY GARAGE ON A DRY SURFACE, SO I HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO KEEP FROM RUNNING INTO THE BACK WALL). I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY CHECKED IT TWICE ON …

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121.8%
ODI 10031509

CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK

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30.9%
ODI 10094963 · 7,126 mi

VEHICLE T-BONED AT 45 MPH AND FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT AIR BAG SENSOR WAS LOCATED INSIDE THE FRONT SEAT BELTS.*AK

Look up ODI 10094963 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.2%
ODI 10330604

SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER JUST STOPPED WORKING,AND I WAS TOLD MY THROTTLE CABLE IS JUST BARELY HANGING ON. *TR

Look up ODI 10330604 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.4%
ODI 10159941

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DEC. 1998, AND A LITTLE OVER A YEAR LATER, THE ODOMETER STOPPED WORKING. HALF OF THE NUMBERS SHOW, AND IT IS DIFFERENT EVERY TIME I START THE ENGINE. I CANNOT TELL HOW MANY MILES ARE ON MY VEHICLE, AND MY GAS GAUGE MOVES BACK AND FORTH FROM FULL TO EMPTY... I HAVE A RELATIVE WHO IS A MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT IS A COMPUTER CHIP THAT IS FAULTY. I CONTACTED A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT! *JB

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10.3%
ODI 10161953 · 50,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC OF THE DASHBOAD WAS COMING APART AND VERY LOOSE. THIS ISSUE HAS PROGRESSIVELY WORSEN. ONCE WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH A GOOD SIZE CHUNK OF THE DASHBOARD CAME OFF.*AK

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10.4%
ODI 10194886

I BOUGHT A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVILIER ON JANUARY 2007 USED AT 71,000 MILES IN MARCH MY CAR BROKE DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY WITH 1/4 TANK OF GAS, NEVER THOUGHT ANYTHING OF IT UNTIL IT BROKE DOWN AGAIN NEAR MY HOME, AND I REALIZED THE GAUGE WAS READING WRONG. I HAD TO USE THE TRIP SETTING TO ENSURE I DIDN'T RUN OUT OF GAS. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND SPENT $500 ON A NEW FUEL PUMP , THE MAN SAID THE SENSOR IN THE PUMP WAS OUT AND THE WIRES WERE DAMAGED. NOW, I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE ODOMETER THAT SEEMS TO BE SCRAMBLING UNLESS I PUSH ON THE COVER, I…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

314.6%
ODI 10208892 · 99,000 mi

THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY IT CAN SAY THAT I AM GOING 90 WHEN I AM GOING ONLY 35 ALSO THE HEAT GAUGE NEXT TO IT WILL GO WAY OVER INTO THE SPEEDOMETER AREA WHICH THEN THEY HIT EACH OTHER WHICH CAUSES THEM TO NOT WORK PROPERLY ALSO THE GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK RIGHT EITHER WHEN I GET LOW ENOUGH FOR THE CHECK GAUGE LIGHT TO COME ON IT WILL START GOING UP SAYING THAT I HAVE A HALF TANK OF GAS EVEN THOUGH I KNOW THAT I DO NOT. *TR

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6720.3%
ODI 10187680

CLUSTER IN DASH FAILED, NO GAUGES WORK. *AK

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6924.0%
ODI 10212702 · 60,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE SPEEDOMETER BECAME ERRATIC AND THEN FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE AND REPAIR WERE HER RESPONSIBILITY. SHE PAID $346.00 FOR THE REPAIR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,900 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 01/17/08 *BF UPDATED 01/17/08 *TR

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Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineToo few reports for a range136,324 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10005305 · 162,800 mi

WHEN FIRST STARTED STRONG GAS FUMES IN CAR; THEN HESITATION/STALLING WHILE DRIVING, HAS GONE DEAD TWO TIMES; ROUGH IDLING.

Look up ODI 10005305 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10018317 · 109,848 mi

MY MOTHER HAS A 1997 CAVALIER WHICH SHE BOUGHT USED. SINCE SHE HAS HAD THE VEHICLE THERE HAS BEEN TWO RECALLS AND UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON MY PART I FOUND ON YOUR SITE 5 MORE TOTALING 7 IN ALL. SHE BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUGUST OF 2001. WHEN THE CAR REACHED 109,000 THE OIL PUMP WENT OUT AND SHE HAD TO SPEND 3,000 DOLLARS TO GET ANOTHER ENGINE PUT IN, AND SHE DON'T EVEN HAVE THE CAR PAID OFF. WITH THESE NEWER CARS 109,000 IS NOTHING AND EVEN IN THE OLDER VEHICLES I HAVE NEVER HAD AN OIL PUMP GO OUT WITH THAT LITTLE BIT OF MILES ON THE ENGINE. I…

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Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range61,000 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10005257 · 52,000 mi

VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER CAUSING INJURIES AND TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 10005257 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10013973 · 3,000 mi

INADVERTENT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT KILLED DRIVER BY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. WHILE TRAVELING THE SPEED LIMIT IN THE CENTER LANE OF THE INTERSTATE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR SLID SIDEWAYS THROUGH THE MEDIAN AND WAS STRUCK ON THE BROADSIDE BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC KILLING THE DRIVER AND INJURING THREE OCCUPANTS OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW THREE MONTHS EARLIER AND HAD BEEN DRIVEN LESS THAN 3000 MILES. *JB THIS VEHICLE WAS …

Look up ODI 10013973 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10051959 · 70,000 mi

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM

Look up ODI 10051959 at NHTSA ↗

Steering:Rack And Pinion65,750–86,326 mi82,578 mi10
ODI 10002699 · 80,000 mi

I HAVE 1997 CHEVROLET, CAVALIER WHICH I TOOK DELIVERY ON JULY 28, 1997. THE CAR IS NOW UNDRIVEABLE. I WENT ON LINE TO THE GENERAL MOTORS RECALL LIST AND LOCATED A RECALL FOR CARS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, AND OCTOBER 31, 1997. THE RECALL INVOLVES THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE POWER STEERING GEAR MAY SEPARATE, PERMITTING MOVEMENT OF THE PINION SHAFT. REPORT INDICATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THERE HAVE BEEN 15 REPORT OF CRASHES AND THREE INJURIES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE CONDITION, BUT NO FATAL INJURIES. I CALLED GENERAL MOTORS, DESCRI…

Look up ODI 10002699 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10005257 · 52,000 mi

VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER CAUSING INJURIES AND TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 10005257 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10011714 · 84,304 mi

NAR 3-11-03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM CHEVROLET ABOUT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY. UPON ARRIVAL THE CONSUMER FOUND REPAIRS MADE ON THE VEHICLE THAT WERE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND IS NOW ASKING TO BE REIMBURSED BY CHEVROLET. *CB *JB

Look up ODI 10011714 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Ignition:SwitchToo few reports for a range118,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10038751 · 125,000 mi

MY IGNITION SWITCH RECALL IS A PROBLEM AND THE RECALL NOTICE SAYS THAT THE INTERNAL PARTS OS THE SWITCH WILL MELT IF HELD TOO LONG IN THE START POSITION AND I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY SWITCH. I TOOK IT OFF AND APART AND FOUND THAT THE INTERNAL PARTS WERE MELTED AS IT SAYS IN THE NOTICE. MY NOTICE SAYS THAT THEY WERE TO TEST AND REPLACE THE SWITCH IF NECESSARY AS WELL AS PUT THE ADDITION TO THE CIRCUIT AND I DID NOT GET A NEW SWITCH PLEASE ADVISE AS WHAT TO DO. ALL I WOULD LIKE IS MY SWITCH REPLACED. I CALLED THE CHEVROLET 800 CUSTOMER SERVICE…

Look up ODI 10038751 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10044834 · 78,633 mi

WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH STUCK. RECALL 02V070000 REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, BUT PROBLEM STILL RECURRED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING THE BEARING HUB PRODUCED A GRINDING NOISE ON THE LEFT SIDE. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED BY THE MECHANIC. *AK

Look up ODI 10044834 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10136553 · 112,000 mi

DT RECALL 00V053000 WAS ISSUED CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM THE RETURN AND THE FEED LINE. THE RETURN LINE STARTED LEAKING FIRST AND THEN A MONTH LATER, THE FEED LINE STARTED LEAKING. NOTICED IT ON JULY 29, 2005 THIS IS WHEN THE RETURN METAL FITTING WAS LEAKING AND THE RETURN STARTED LEAKING ON AUGUST 29, 2005. CONTACTED THE DEALER, THE PART THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED, INCLUDING THE WHOLE UNIT, AND WITH LABOR WOULD COST $600.00 OR $700.00. ALSO, IGNITION SWITCH RECALL 02…

Look up ODI 10136553 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags101,000–125,500 mi111,000 mi6
ODI 10069314 · 50,000 mi

RACK AND PINION STEERING WENT OUT- WAS LATER A RECALL. HEAD GASKET CRACKED LEAKING OIL AND ANTIFREEZE. AIRBAG RECALL.

Look up ODI 10069314 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10136553 · 112,000 mi

DT RECALL 00V053000 WAS ISSUED CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM THE RETURN AND THE FEED LINE. THE RETURN LINE STARTED LEAKING FIRST AND THEN A MONTH LATER, THE FEED LINE STARTED LEAKING. NOTICED IT ON JULY 29, 2005 THIS IS WHEN THE RETURN METAL FITTING WAS LEAKING AND THE RETURN STARTED LEAKING ON AUGUST 29, 2005. CONTACTED THE DEALER, THE PART THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED, INCLUDING THE WHOLE UNIT, AND WITH LABOR WOULD COST $600.00 OR $700.00. ALSO, IGNITION SWITCH RECALL 02…

Look up ODI 10136553 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10191556 · 110,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WAS SNOW ON THE ROAD. DESPITE THE LOW IMPACT OF THE CRASH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE IS RECALL # 98V146000 (AIR BAGS) FOR THIS FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE CONTACT FELT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 110,000. UPDATED 08/28/07. *JB

Look up ODI 10191556 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range105,502 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10032348 · 105,502 mi

VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED OR INSURED FOR ROAD SAFETY DUE TO SAFETY DEFECTS.*MR VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT BEFORE PURCHASE AND WAS NOT REPORTED. *TS

Look up ODI 10032348 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10093926 · 42,000 mi

CAR SMELLS LIKE GAS IN WARM AND HOT WEATHER, SMELL COMES IN THROUGH THE VENT SYSTEM. CHEVY MED-VED IN ARVADA COLORADO CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM, BUT REPLACED THE EXHAUST GAS CANISTER, STATING IT WAS SATURATED WITH GAS, CAR STILL HAS THE SAME SMELL AFTER THIS REPLACEMENT. MANY OTHER REPAIR SHOPS REFERRED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH I TOOK THE CAR TO. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD IF FUMES OF GAS ARE EXISTENT-THIS IS MY CONCERN, NOT TO MENTION THE SMELL THAT COMES IN THE CAR IS NOT OF CLEAN AIR-MY SECOND CONCERN. SUMMARY …

Look up ODI 10093926 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10838740 · 162,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY HORN STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT ANY KIND OF INDICATOR!! 3 TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING !! MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! WAS UNABLE WARN CAR BACKING OUT AND HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID ACCIDENT! REPLACED FUSE 3 TIMES!! SOMEONE MAY DIE AS A RESULT OF THIS MALFUNCTION!! NEVER RECEIVED ANY KIND OF NOTICE FROM DEALERSHIP/ MANUFACTURE REGARDING THIS ISSUE! UPON GOOGLING FOUND MANY ARE EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM!! A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR DEATH MAY RESULT BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT!!!PLEASE,PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM !!!!!! ALSO THE GAGE LIGHTS TEN…

Look up ODI 10838740 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range90,497 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10020932 · 51,000 mi

1997 CAVALIER=HEAD GASKET BECAME WARPED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED=$900. THERMOSTAT REPLACED 3 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE, WATER PUMP REPLACED TWICE. CAR RETURNED TO DEALER EVERY THREE TO SIX MONTHS FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM INVOLVING OVERHEATING AND COOLANT LEAKS. PROBLEM CONTINUALLY REOCCURS, EVEN AFTER IT HAS BEEN DEEMED FINALLY REPAIRED. *AK

Look up ODI 10020932 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10023332 · 84,993 mi

I HAVE A 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. IT ONLY HAD LESS THEN EIGHTY FIVE THOUSAND MILES ON IT AND THE ENGINE BLEW UP .I WAS TOLD THE REASON WHY WAS BECAUSE IT HAD A DEFECTIVE ROD IN IT. I HAVE ALL THE PARTS ECT YOU CAN SEE THERE'S A DEFECT IN THE METAL IT GOES ALL THE WAY THREW THE ROD. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT SUCH A NEW CAR WOULD BLOW UP . I TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF THAT CAR I HAD TO FIX SOME THINGS THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP IS A JOKE OUT HERE THEY ARE WORTHLESS THY MISTREATED ME TOO. I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO OR SOMEO…

Look up ODI 10023332 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10064364 · 103,000 mi

HEAD GASKET BROKE. LOOKING AT $2,600 TO FIX, EVEN THOUGH LOW MILES. *AK

Look up ODI 10064364 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 282 reports

2004: 82 complaints · 2005: 42 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2004265282
2005152742
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
200432316
200528403

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineAir Bags:FrontalSteering:Rack And PinionElectrical System:Ignition:SwitchAir BagsService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipUnknown Or OtherEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline—00
1
ODI 831790

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BUCKS AT ONE POINT AS IF IT LACKS GAS AND IT ALSO STALLS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER RECIEVED RECALL TO REPLACED PCM. PCM REPLACED 4 TIMES HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXIST. CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. *TT

Look up ODI 831790 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 847355

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE MOTOR. ALSO, WHEN VEHICLE IS IN PARK THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE, AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL IS SOFT AND HARD. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SENSOR WITHIN THE BRAKE. *AK

Look up ODI 847355 at NHTSA ↗

3
ODI 711251

WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FROM THE DATE THAT IT WAS PURCHASED. THE BRAKE ROTOR PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN WORKED ON SEVERAL TIMES, AND IT WILL STOP FOR A WHILE, BUT WILL CONTINUE TO WORSEN WITH TIME. THE ABS LIGHT AND LOW COOLANT LIGHT HAVE BEEN ON AND OFF FOR OVER AND YEAR AND WE WERE TOLD THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THEM FIXED, THE SOUND FROM THE EXHAUST, POSSIBLY THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR AND AGAIN, WE WERE TOLD WE NEEDED TO REPLACE IT, THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN ENGINE IS SOUNDING…

Look up ODI 711251 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8019079

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON , VEHCILE STARTED TO SHAKE AND STALLED OUT. ENGINE HAD BLOWN.*AK

Look up ODI 8019079 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 886472

VEHICLE STALLS WHEN FIRST STARTING UP. TAKES A FEW TIMES BEFORE VEHICLE WILL STAY RUNNING. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND ETS LIGHT HAVE BEEN ON. DEALER CANNOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 886472 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 541805

ROTORS FAILED CAUSING VIBRATION.

Look up ODI 541805 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 542730

ENGINE FAILED.

Look up ODI 542730 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal0—
1
ODI 10005257 · 52,000 mi

VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER CAUSING INJURIES AND TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 10005257 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Steering:Rack And Pinion0
1
ODI 10005257 · 52,000 mi

VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER CAUSING INJURIES AND TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 10005257 at NHTSA ↗

—00
1
ODI 740034

DEFECT 1: ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. ABS WOULD NO LONGER ACTIVATE WHILE LIGHT WAS ON. DEFECT 2: ALTERNATOR--WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC, RUSH HOUR. HAD PREVIOUSLY ASKED DEALER TO CHECK, BUT THEY CLAIMED IT WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. DEFECT 3: RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY--WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER ALTERNATOR, WHILE DRIVING IN THE DEALERSHIP PARKING LOT. DEFECT 4: TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER--TECHNICIAN SAID THIS CAUSED MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE--GEARS, HEAD, ETC. DEFECT 5: HORN--HAS WORKED SPORADICALLY, A…

Look up ODI 740034 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 740034

DEFECT 1: ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. ABS WOULD NO LONGER ACTIVATE WHILE LIGHT WAS ON. DEFECT 2: ALTERNATOR--WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC, RUSH HOUR. HAD PREVIOUSLY ASKED DEALER TO CHECK, BUT THEY CLAIMED IT WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. DEFECT 3: RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY--WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER ALTERNATOR, WHILE DRIVING IN THE DEALERSHIP PARKING LOT. DEFECT 4: TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER--TECHNICIAN SAID THIS CAUSED MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE--GEARS, HEAD, ETC. DEFECT 5: HORN--HAS WORKED SPORADICALLY, A…

Look up ODI 740034 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
1
ODI 831790

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BUCKS AT ONE POINT AS IF IT LACKS GAS AND IT ALSO STALLS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER RECIEVED RECALL TO REPLACED PCM. PCM REPLACED 4 TIMES HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXIST. CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. *TT

Look up ODI 831790 at NHTSA ↗

00—
1
ODI 10136553 · 112,000 mi

DT RECALL 00V053000 WAS ISSUED CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM THE RETURN AND THE FEED LINE. THE RETURN LINE STARTED LEAKING FIRST AND THEN A MONTH LATER, THE FEED LINE STARTED LEAKING. NOTICED IT ON JULY 29, 2005 THIS IS WHEN THE RETURN METAL FITTING WAS LEAKING AND THE RETURN STARTED LEAKING ON AUGUST 29, 2005. CONTACTED THE DEALER, THE PART THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED, INCLUDING THE WHOLE UNIT, AND WITH LABOR WOULD COST $600.00 OR $700.00. ALSO, IGNITION SWITCH RECALL 02…

Look up ODI 10136553 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 781283

FRONT BRAKE PADS/ROTOR WORE OUT, CAUSING VIBRATION WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. ALSO DEALER REPLACED ENGINE MOUNTS/IGNITION SWITCH. BRAKE LINE WAS FOUND RUBBING AGAINST AXLE SHAFT AND WAS FIXED. IN ADDITION, FRONT END SHAKES/VIBRATES.

Look up ODI 781283 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags000
1
ODI 10136553 · 112,000 mi

DT RECALL 00V053000 WAS ISSUED CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM THE RETURN AND THE FEED LINE. THE RETURN LINE STARTED LEAKING FIRST AND THEN A MONTH LATER, THE FEED LINE STARTED LEAKING. NOTICED IT ON JULY 29, 2005 THIS IS WHEN THE RETURN METAL FITTING WAS LEAKING AND THE RETURN STARTED LEAKING ON AUGUST 29, 2005. CONTACTED THE DEALER, THE PART THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED, INCLUDING THE WHOLE UNIT, AND WITH LABOR WOULD COST $600.00 OR $700.00. ALSO, IGNITION SWITCH RECALL 02…

Look up ODI 10136553 at NHTSA ↗

—000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
1
ODI 847355

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE MOTOR. ALSO, WHEN VEHICLE IS IN PARK THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE, AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL IS SOFT AND HARD. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SENSOR WITHIN THE BRAKE. *AK

Look up ODI 847355 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 740034

DEFECT 1: ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. ABS WOULD NO LONGER ACTIVATE WHILE LIGHT WAS ON. DEFECT 2: ALTERNATOR--WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC, RUSH HOUR. HAD PREVIOUSLY ASKED DEALER TO CHECK, BUT THEY CLAIMED IT WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. DEFECT 3: RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY--WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER ALTERNATOR, WHILE DRIVING IN THE DEALERSHIP PARKING LOT. DEFECT 4: TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER--TECHNICIAN SAID THIS CAUSED MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE--GEARS, HEAD, ETC. DEFECT 5: HORN--HAS WORKED SPORADICALLY, A…

Look up ODI 740034 at NHTSA ↗

00—0
1
ODI 740034

DEFECT 1: ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. ABS WOULD NO LONGER ACTIVATE WHILE LIGHT WAS ON. DEFECT 2: ALTERNATOR--WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC, RUSH HOUR. HAD PREVIOUSLY ASKED DEALER TO CHECK, BUT THEY CLAIMED IT WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. DEFECT 3: RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY--WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER ALTERNATOR, WHILE DRIVING IN THE DEALERSHIP PARKING LOT. DEFECT 4: TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER--TECHNICIAN SAID THIS CAUSED MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE--GEARS, HEAD, ETC. DEFECT 5: HORN--HAS WORKED SPORADICALLY, A…

Look up ODI 740034 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
3
ODI 711251

WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FROM THE DATE THAT IT WAS PURCHASED. THE BRAKE ROTOR PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN WORKED ON SEVERAL TIMES, AND IT WILL STOP FOR A WHILE, BUT WILL CONTINUE TO WORSEN WITH TIME. THE ABS LIGHT AND LOW COOLANT LIGHT HAVE BEEN ON AND OFF FOR OVER AND YEAR AND WE WERE TOLD THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THEM FIXED, THE SOUND FROM THE EXHAUST, POSSIBLY THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR AND AGAIN, WE WERE TOLD WE NEEDED TO REPLACE IT, THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN ENGINE IS SOUNDING…

Look up ODI 711251 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8019079

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON , VEHCILE STARTED TO SHAKE AND STALLED OUT. ENGINE HAD BLOWN.*AK

Look up ODI 8019079 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 886472

VEHICLE STALLS WHEN FIRST STARTING UP. TAKES A FEW TIMES BEFORE VEHICLE WILL STAY RUNNING. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND ETS LIGHT HAVE BEEN ON. DEALER CANNOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 886472 at NHTSA ↗

00000—
1
ODI 703023

ON MAY 29 1998 MY CARS ETS/ ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, AND I TOOK IT TO A CHEVROLET DEALER TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE NUMBER 2 ENGINE CYLINDER MISFIRING, AND THEY TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS I WAS BACK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS TIME THE CALLED THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANT FOR HELP, AND THEY DID THIS ANOTHER TIME AS THEY DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I THEN MOVE TO FT. POLK LA. AS I AM IN THE MILITARY. ON 1 JAN 9, THE SAME PROBLEM STARTED UP AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY DID THE SAME THING THE OTHER S…

Look up ODI 703023 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
ODI 541805

ROTORS FAILED CAUSING VIBRATION.

Look up ODI 541805 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 542730

ENGINE FAILED.

Look up ODI 542730 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 740034

DEFECT 1: ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. ABS WOULD NO LONGER ACTIVATE WHILE LIGHT WAS ON. DEFECT 2: ALTERNATOR--WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC, RUSH HOUR. HAD PREVIOUSLY ASKED DEALER TO CHECK, BUT THEY CLAIMED IT WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. DEFECT 3: RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY--WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER ALTERNATOR, WHILE DRIVING IN THE DEALERSHIP PARKING LOT. DEFECT 4: TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER--TECHNICIAN SAID THIS CAUSED MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE--GEARS, HEAD, ETC. DEFECT 5: HORN--HAS WORKED SPORADICALLY, A…

Look up ODI 740034 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 781283

FRONT BRAKE PADS/ROTOR WORE OUT, CAUSING VIBRATION WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. ALSO DEALER REPLACED ENGINE MOUNTS/IGNITION SWITCH. BRAKE LINE WAS FOUND RUBBING AGAINST AXLE SHAFT AND WAS FIXED. IN ADDITION, FRONT END SHAKES/VIBRATES.

Look up ODI 781283 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 740034

DEFECT 1: ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. ABS WOULD NO LONGER ACTIVATE WHILE LIGHT WAS ON. DEFECT 2: ALTERNATOR--WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC, RUSH HOUR. HAD PREVIOUSLY ASKED DEALER TO CHECK, BUT THEY CLAIMED IT WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. DEFECT 3: RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY--WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER ALTERNATOR, WHILE DRIVING IN THE DEALERSHIP PARKING LOT. DEFECT 4: TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER--TECHNICIAN SAID THIS CAUSED MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE--GEARS, HEAD, ETC. DEFECT 5: HORN--HAS WORKED SPORADICALLY, A…

Look up ODI 740034 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 703023

ON MAY 29 1998 MY CARS ETS/ ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, AND I TOOK IT TO A CHEVROLET DEALER TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE NUMBER 2 ENGINE CYLINDER MISFIRING, AND THEY TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS I WAS BACK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS TIME THE CALLED THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANT FOR HELP, AND THEY DID THIS ANOTHER TIME AS THEY DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I THEN MOVE TO FT. POLK LA. AS I AM IN THE MILITARY. ON 1 JAN 9, THE SAME PROBLEM STARTED UP AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY DID THE SAME THING THE OTHER S…

Look up ODI 703023 at NHTSA ↗

—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

7 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

44 mentions · 8.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 100,000 mi (8 usable records).

ODI 10002699 · 80,000 mi

I HAVE 1997 CHEVROLET, CAVALIER WHICH I TOOK DELIVERY ON JULY 28, 1997. THE CAR IS NOW UNDRIVEABLE. I WENT ON LINE TO THE GENERAL MOTORS RECALL LIST AND LOCATED A RECALL FOR CARS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, AND OCTOBER 31, 1997. THE RECALL INVOLVES THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE POWER STEERING GEAR MAY SEPARATE, PERMITTING MOVEMENT OF THE PINION SHAFT. REPORT INDICATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THERE HAVE BEEN 15 REPORT OF CRASHES AND THREE INJURIES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE CONDITION, BUT NO FATAL INJURIES. I CALLED GENERAL MOTORS, DESCRI…

Look up ODI 10002699 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10004003 · 23,000 mi

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD IT TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START. WHEN VEHICLE DOES FINALLY START IT WILL CONTINUOUSLY STALL. IF STARTED SUCCESSFULLY VEHICLE HAS AN EXCESSIVELY ROUGH IDLE. PH THE VEHICLE DID NOT START IN COLD WEATHER, THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD DIDN'T LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS COLD START FOLLOWED BY A HARD RESTARTING AND HIGH OIL PRESSURE RELATED TO THE OIL PRESSURE PUMP IN THE ENGINE. TSB#7761-09B. SCC

Look up ODI 10004003 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10004081 · 50,000 mi

INTERMITTENTLY IF VEHICLE STARTS , IT WILL STALL. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY HIGH OIL PRESSURE IN THE ENGINE. PH

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

31 mentions · 5.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 82,003 mi (8 usable records).

ODI 10002202

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RACK OPINION HAS GONE BAD CAUSING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS. TS

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ODI 10002699 · 80,000 mi

I HAVE 1997 CHEVROLET, CAVALIER WHICH I TOOK DELIVERY ON JULY 28, 1997. THE CAR IS NOW UNDRIVEABLE. I WENT ON LINE TO THE GENERAL MOTORS RECALL LIST AND LOCATED A RECALL FOR CARS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, AND OCTOBER 31, 1997. THE RECALL INVOLVES THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE POWER STEERING GEAR MAY SEPARATE, PERMITTING MOVEMENT OF THE PINION SHAFT. REPORT INDICATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THERE HAVE BEEN 15 REPORT OF CRASHES AND THREE INJURIES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE CONDITION, BUT NO FATAL INJURIES. I CALLED GENERAL MOTORS, DESCRI…

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ODI 10007195

THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TWO WEEKS LATER CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE WHICH DESCRIBED THE SAME INCIDENT WHICH HAD OCCURRED.*JB PH

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

12 mentions · 2.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 72,622 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10145214 · 164,900 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED H THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED. WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH HE TURNED ON THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 60 MPH. THE CONTACT TRIED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL SEVERAL TIMES BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH SHOULD MANUALLY TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. HOWEVER, THESE ATTEMPTS WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. AS A RESULT, HE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN HE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE REVVED HIGH. HE TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WA…

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ODI 10189550 · 72,622 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72622 ,AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72632. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE CONTACT RELEASED THE FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING. AFTER PHYSICALLY LIFTING THE PEDAL UP WITH THE SHOE THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED FOR ABOUT 9 MILES. HOWEVER, AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKE A FEW TIMES THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPED WORKING. SHE GOT OFF THE FREEWAY AND MADE IT TO DEALER WHERE SHE LEFT THE VEHICLE. …

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ODI 10420729 · 65,300 mi

SOLD MY 1997 CHEV. CAVALIER TO A 17 YEAR OLD GIRL. HER DAD TOOK CAR FOR TEST DRIVE BEFORE CASH PURCHASE. HE WENT 200 FEET DOWN THE STREET THEN BACKED UP INTO MY DRIVEWAY. HE SAID BRAKE WARNING LITE CAME ON AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. WE SAW BRAKE FLUID POURING FROM UNDER CAR. THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND BLEW OUT. I TOOK THE CAR TO TUFFY AUTO CENTER AND THEY SPLICED NEW BRAKE LINES TO FIX. I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THAT PLAIN STEEL LINES WERE ROUTED UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND EXPOSED TO ALL KINDS OF CORROSIVE ELEMENTS. WE WERE ALL THANKFUL THAT THE …

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

8 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 112,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10007326

ELECTRICAL WIRES HAD BLOWN UNDER THE DASH BOARD. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS IT RELATED TO THE ELECTRICAL RECALL. WARNING LIGHTS ON SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE. IT TOOK THREE TRIPS TO DEALER BEFORE DEALER FOUND SHORT UNDER DASH. A FEW WEEKS LATER VEHICLE HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED. RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR ELECTRICAL IGNITION. WHEN AIR CONDITIONER WAS SERVICED, MECHANIC FOUND CIRCUITS SUPPLYING POWER TO THE COMPRESSOR HAD BLOWN. MECHANIC TRACED WIRES UNDER DASH AND FOUND WIRES HAD MELTED AND SHORTENED OUT. HE REPAIRED WHAT HE COULD AND T…

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ODI 10136553 · 112,000 mi

DT RECALL 00V053000 WAS ISSUED CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM THE RETURN AND THE FEED LINE. THE RETURN LINE STARTED LEAKING FIRST AND THEN A MONTH LATER, THE FEED LINE STARTED LEAKING. NOTICED IT ON JULY 29, 2005 THIS IS WHEN THE RETURN METAL FITTING WAS LEAKING AND THE RETURN STARTED LEAKING ON AUGUST 29, 2005. CONTACTED THE DEALER, THE PART THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED, INCLUDING THE WHOLE UNIT, AND WITH LABOR WOULD COST $600.00 OR $700.00. ALSO, IGNITION SWITCH RECALL 02…

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ODI 716914

IN DECEMBER 1999, I EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL AND THE LOW ENGINE COOLANT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I ASSUMED THE THERMOSTAT WAS FAILING AND HAD A LOCAL SERVICE STATION REPLACE IT AND FLUSH THE RADIATOR. SEVERAL DAYS LATER THE LOW ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. UPON INSPECTION, I HAD LOST SOME COOLANT AND EXPERIENCED THE SMELL OF HOT COOLANT WHICH I ATTRIBUTED TO THE RECENT RADIATOR FLUSH. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SERVICE STATION AND THE COOLANT SYSTEM WAS PRESSURE TESTED TO CHECK…

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

7 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 565313

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE FAILS TO START. CONSUMER IS AWARE OF RECALL 02V070000 RELATING TO NO START CONDITION. HOWEVER, DEALER CANNOT PERFORM RECALL REPAIRS DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT VEHICLE MAY CATCH FIRE. *TT

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ODI 704923

NOVEMBER 13, 1998 CAR WOULD NOT START IN MORNING. CALLED FOR SERVICE, ABLE TO GET CAR STARTED BEFORE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED. TOOK CAR IN TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, CHARGED $70 AND SENT HOME. FEBRUARY 1999, IGNITION FAILED TWO MORNINGS IN A ROW, AGAIN PROBLEM CLEARED UP BEFORE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED. DEALER UNABLE TO GIVE ANY FURTHER EXPLANATION. FEBRUARY, 1999 HORN CEASED FUNCTIONING, CHECKED FUSES ALL SEEM OK. SCHEDULED TO TAKE CAR IN FOR SERVICE IN EARLY APRIL. *AK

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ODI 764152

ABOUT 1-2 MONTHS AGO MY WIFE TRIED TO START THE CAR AND SHE SAID THAT ALL OF THE SYSTEMS(I.E. WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES, INTERIOR WARNING LIGHTS, ETC.) STARTED GOING OFF ALL AT ONCE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD'T PUSH IN, THERE WAS A LOUD BUXXING NOISE, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. EVER SINCE WE HAVE HAD TO TRY SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD START AND THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHEN WE ARE DRIVING ALONG (SPEED DOESN'T SEEM TO PLAY A ROLE) AND THE CAR WILL REACT IN A SIMILAR MANNER AND STOP RUNNING. AFTER THIS HAPPENS, IT CAN TAKE US…

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

6 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10029139

WHEN MY CAR FIRST STARTED ACTING UP, THE STEERING WOULD KIND OF HANG WHEN TURING TO THE LEFT. I AM NOT A MECHANIC SO I THOUGHT IT WAS THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT. I CHANGED THE POWER STEERING PUMP WHICH HELPED IT SOME. ABOUT TWO DAYS LATER MY FRIEND AND I WERE GOING TO SCHOOL, WHILE GOING AROUND A CURVE TO THE LEFT, THE STEERING WHEEL HUNG AGAIN. I THOUGHT IT WOULD STRAIGHTEN BACK OUT BUT I WAS WRONG. THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED TO THE RIGHT SENDING US OFF THE ROAD RIGHT INTO A TREE AT ABOUT 30 M\P\H. MY FRIEND SUFFERED AN INJURY TO HIS HI…

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ODI 713850

HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH CAR - AT 20,000 - THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES AND MACHINED ROTORS, AFTER I REQUESTED THEY BE CHECKED DUE TO SQUEAKING. SERVICE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. AT 30,000 - THE BATTERY FAILED ON CAR WHILE PARKED. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND REPLACED BATTERY. DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY BATTERY CELL. SERVICE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. AT 40,000 MILES, HORN HAS FAILED. CURRENTLY NEGOTIATING WITH DEALER TO REPLACE WITHOUT COST. HAVE ALWAYS HAD ABS PROBLEMS - CAR WILL BUCK AND JERK UNDER CERTAIN WET PAV…

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ODI 717749

HORN: HAS NEVER WORKED FROM THE TIME THE CAR WAS RECEIVED. HAVE HAD THE DEALER FIX IT 3 TIMES BUT IT STILL DOESN'T WORK. HEATER FAN: FAILED DURING THE WINTER OF 1997. PAST WARRANTY PERIOD?? HAVE NOT GOTTEN IT FIXED YET. ENGINE PROBLEM: STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AFTER THE CAR HAS WARMED UP, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP. WILL HESITATE AND JERK WHILE DRIVING IT. HAVE REPLACED: SPARK PLUG WIRES, PLUGS, FUEL FILTER, FUEL PUMP AND HAVE HAD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CHECKED. PROBLEM IS NOT RESOLVED. UNABLE TO DRIVE IT MORE THAN 2 MILES. …

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

4 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 63,099 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10018799 · 84,197 mi

AFTER HAVING MY 97 CHEVROLET CAVALIER FIXED AS PER THE RECALL I GOT IT BACK AND SMELLED GAS WHEN DRIVING IT HOME,TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. WHO DID THE WORK AND THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID ONE OF THE FUEL INJECTORS WAS LEAKING,AND THAT IT WASN'T DUE TO THE RECENT REPAIR WORK THEY DID,THE HEAD MECHANIC SHAWN SAID IT WAS THE MAIN PROBLEM WITH THE CAVALIERS,IF IT IS COMMON TO THIS TYPE OF CAR SHOULD THEY HAVE TRIED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? *NLM

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ODI 10093926 · 42,000 mi

CAR SMELLS LIKE GAS IN WARM AND HOT WEATHER, SMELL COMES IN THROUGH THE VENT SYSTEM. CHEVY MED-VED IN ARVADA COLORADO CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM, BUT REPLACED THE EXHAUST GAS CANISTER, STATING IT WAS SATURATED WITH GAS, CAR STILL HAS THE SAME SMELL AFTER THIS REPLACEMENT. MANY OTHER REPAIR SHOPS REFERRED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH I TOOK THE CAR TO. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD IF FUMES OF GAS ARE EXISTENT-THIS IS MY CONCERN, NOT TO MENTION THE SMELL THAT COMES IN THE CAR IS NOT OF CLEAN AIR-MY SECOND CONCERN. SUMMARY …

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ODI 10138841

CONSUMERS FUEL LINE LEAKED AND WAS REPAIRED. A FEW DAYS LATE IT DEVELOPED ANOTHER PIN HOLE LEAK. *TS THE CONSUMER SMELLED FUEL WHILE DRIVING. HE LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE RETURN FUEL LINE RUNNING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR WAS LEAKING ONTO THE MUFFLER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHERE IT WAS TEMPORARILY FIXED. ABOUT A MONTH LATER THE FULE LINE RNNING UP THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A PIN HOLE LEAK. *NM

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Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b