Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 56 of 503 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 117 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 100 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
58 crash reports10 fire reports44 injury reports
What owners actually said
503 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2000
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury
THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 45 OR 50 WHEN THE RIGHT TIRES HIT THE EDGE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH AND FLIPPED OVER LANDING ON IT'S TOP-SIDE. THE DRIVER SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD NOR DID THE AIR BAG ACTIVATE. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED AND IS STILL HAVING BACK PROBLEMS. SHE WAS SLUNG TOWARD THE PAS…
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THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 45 OR 50 WHEN THE RIGHT TIRES HIT THE EDGE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH AND FLIPPED OVER LANDING ON IT'S TOP-SIDE. THE DRIVER SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD NOR DID THE AIR BAG ACTIVATE. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED AND IS STILL HAVING BACK PROBLEMS. SHE WAS SLUNG TOWARD THE PASSENGER SIDE AND HER SHOULDER HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND HER HEAD HIT THE TOP OF THE CAR.*AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P195/65R15 )
NHTSA ODI #732024
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
CONSUMER NOTICED LIGHT ON THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FLASHING AND STEAM POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, DEALER SAID ENGINE WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE LOWER RADIATOR HOSE, ANOTHER MECHANIC SAYS FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET FAILURE, CONSUMER WANTS REIMBURSEMENT. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #554807
Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2000
Electrical System
IT STALLS IN THE RAIN SOME TIMES IT DOES HARD STARTS RUFF IDEAL SOME THING CALL THE COMPTER CONTROLE MODULE OR SOME THING JUST LIKE THAT L GOT A RECALL NOTICE ON THAT. COULD THAT HAVE SOME THING TO DO WITH IT IT WAS REPLACE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #731321
Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2000
Unknown Or Other
MY QUESTION IS IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT WHAT IS THE RATE OF FATILITY IN A HARDTOP CAR VS A CONVERTIBLE. ANY OTHER DATA THAT YOU COULD PROVIDE ON THE SAFETY OF CONVERTIBLES VS HARDTOPS WOULD BE WELCOMED.
NHTSA ODI #729783
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2000
Electrical SystemCrash
THE HORN DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK. IT HAS CONTRIBUTE TO TWO DIFFERENT ACCIDENTS. THE FIRST WAS WHEN MY CAR BACKED INTO ANOTHER CAVALIER, SAME YEAR, AND SHE INFORMED ME THAT HER HORN WOULD NOT HONK. THE SECOND WAS WHEN A CAR BACKED INTO ME AND I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TOHONK THE HORN TO WORN THE MAN HE WAS ABOUT TO HIT ME AND THE HOR…
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THE HORN DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK. IT HAS CONTRIBUTE TO TWO DIFFERENT ACCIDENTS. THE FIRST WAS WHEN MY CAR BACKED INTO ANOTHER CAVALIER, SAME YEAR, AND SHE INFORMED ME THAT HER HORN WOULD NOT HONK. THE SECOND WAS WHEN A CAR BACKED INTO ME AND I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TOHONK THE HORN TO WORN THE MAN HE WAS ABOUT TO HIT ME AND THE HORN WOULD NOT WORK. THIS HAS CAUSED TWO DIFFERENT ACCIDENTS JUST IN MY CASE. THE HORN WORKS OCCASIONALLY, BUT IT DOESN'T WORK MORE OFTEN THAN IT DOES. THIS COULD REALLY BE A HAZARD.
NHTSA ODI #729724
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2000
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
HORN HASN'T BEEN WORKING SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. FUSE WAS REPLACED, BUT DIDN'T REMEDY THE PROBLEM. DEALER CLAMED THAT IN DIFFERENT WEATHER &TEMPERATURES IT WILL NOT WORK. VEHICLE STALLED ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. DEALER SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY & ALTERNATOR THE 1ST TIME. 2ND TIME DEALER INDICATED FUEL PUMP WENT OUT.CON…
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HORN HASN'T BEEN WORKING SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. FUSE WAS REPLACED, BUT DIDN'T REMEDY THE PROBLEM. DEALER CLAMED THAT IN DIFFERENT WEATHER &TEMPERATURES IT WILL NOT WORK. VEHICLE STALLED ON 2 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. DEALER SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY & ALTERNATOR THE 1ST TIME. 2ND TIME DEALER INDICATED FUEL PUMP WENT OUT.CONSUMER HAD TO COVER THE COST & FELT THAT THEY SHOULD BEEN ABLE TO DETECT THIS WHEN THEY DID THE DIAGNOSTIC READING A MONTH AGO. *AK
NHTSA ODI #868924
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2000
Suspension
CONSUMER CAN HEAR A BUMPING IN REAR DRIVERS SIDE OF VEHICLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #868901
Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2000
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
REAR SEAT BELT GUIDE DETACHED FROM THE SEAT. *MJS
NHTSA ODI #553736
Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2000
Power Train
AT 46K MILES, MY TRANSMISSION PANEL LIGHT STARTED GOING ON AND OFF. AT 53K MILES, A GM DEALER READ A P1887 TCC RELEASE SWITCH CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. AT 58K MILES, THE TRANSMISSION BROKE AT 70 MPH ON I77 NORTH OF CHARLESTON WVA. THE GM DEALERSHIP IN WVA FOUND THAT THE PUMP IN THE TRANSMISSION CAME APART, DAMAGING THE CLUTCH AND…
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AT 46K MILES, MY TRANSMISSION PANEL LIGHT STARTED GOING ON AND OFF. AT 53K MILES, A GM DEALER READ A P1887 TCC RELEASE SWITCH CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. AT 58K MILES, THE TRANSMISSION BROKE AT 70 MPH ON I77 NORTH OF CHARLESTON WVA. THE GM DEALERSHIP IN WVA FOUND THAT THE PUMP IN THE TRANSMISSION CAME APART, DAMAGING THE CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL ASSEMBLY, REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, AND BILLED ME. I CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY SAID I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, TOUGH LUCK, NO OTHER PROBLEMS LIKE THIS HAVE EVER BEEN REPORTED. HOWEVER, I FOUND NUMEROUS IDENTICAL PROBLEMS IN THE NHTSA FILES (SEE NHTSA BULLETIN SB049140). I PRINTED A TSB (SERVICE BULLETIN) FROM A GM DEALER IN OHIO THAT SHOWS THAT THE TRANSMISSION PUMPS INSTALLED ON CAVALIERS BEFORE 6/96 HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PUMP SEAL FAILURES THAT CAN LEAD TO THE TRANSMISSION BURNING UP EVEN THOUGH THE CAR DRIVES LIKE NORMAL. SINCE GM ADMITTED IN THE TSB THAT CARS PRODUCED BEFORE 6/96 (MINE WAS BUILT 4/96) HAD A PUMP PROBLEM, AND THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE CAVALIER TRANSMISSION, I BELIEVE I STILL SHOULD BE REIMBURSED BY GENERAL MOTORS FOR THE COST OF A REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION ON MY CAR. THE COST FROM THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WAS $2,062.70.
NHTSA ODI #726161
Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL. IT WAS AROUND THE ENGINE WHERE A TECHNICIAN BELIEVED THERE WAS A HEAD BLOWN HEAD GASKET.*AK
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. BECAUSE OF CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG'S SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE, AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD OCCUR IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AIR BAGS DEPLOY WITH GREAT FORCE AND CAN SERIOUSLY INJURE UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANTS WHO ARE TOO CLOSE TO THEM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE.
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE INTERIOR LAMPS COMING ON UNEXPECTEDLY COULD STARTLE A DRIVER CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE LAMP CONTROL MODULE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT.
THE FRONT AND/OR REAR HAZARD WARNING LAMPS (FOUR-WAY FLASHERS) DO NOT FLASH WHEN THE HAZARD SWITCH IS ACTIVATED. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THESE LAMPS WERE NOT FLASHING, OTHER VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE AWARE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS STOPPED INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS OR VEHICLE OWNERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER FUNCTION OF THE HAZARD WARNING LAMPS. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD LAMP SWITCH.
THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE COULD HAVE BEEN KINKED DURING ASSEMBLY CAUSING HIGH ACCELERATOR PEDAL EFFORT, STICKING ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE, OR A BROKEN ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE STICKS OR BREAKS, UNWANTED ACCELERATION AND/OR LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL CAN RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4
DP03007 · Unintended Vehicle Acceleration
Opened Oct 14, 2003 · Closed Jan 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other:delivery
ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2003, THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) RECEIVED A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 FROM MR. DONALD FRIEDMAN, PETITIONING THE AGENCY TO OPEN A DEFECT INVESTIGATION INTO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INVOLVING [MODEL YEAR] 1996 AND 1997 GENERAL MOTORS J-CARS.IN SUPPORT OF HIS PETITION, MR. FRIEDMAN CITED A REPORT HE RECEIVED FOR GM SHOWING IT HAD RECEIVED FAR MORE REPORTS OF ALLEGED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FOR THESE MODELS THAN FOR OTHERS.AFTER ASSESSING THE DATA CLAIMED BY THE PETITIONER TO JUSTIFY HIS REQUEST, ODI FOUND NO INDICATION THAT DEFECT TREND RELATED TO THE PETITIONER'S ALLEGATIONS EXISTS AT THIS TIME.THEREFORE, THERE IS NO REASONABLE POSIBILITY THAT AN ORDER CONCERNING THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT WOULD BE ISSUED AS A RESULT OF GRANTING MR. FRIEDMAN'S PETITION.CONSEQUENTLY, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS ANALYSIS, PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE.
PE02001 · Fire In Steering Column Area
Opened Jan 3, 2002 · Closed Mar 15, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
No summary supplied.
EA98001 · Oversensitive Air Bag Deployments
Opened Jan 23, 1998 · Closed Jul 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
There is no summary currently available
PE97041 · Inadvertent Air Bag Deployments
Opened Sep 9, 1997 · Closed Jan 23, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
There is no summary currently available
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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