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: 88 of 540 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.
Electrical System. Review the 107 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Steering. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
70 crash reports25 fire reports60 injury reports
What owners actually said
540 reports
80,000 miles · Jan 14, 2003
Steering
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 MOV…
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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, DESCRIBED TO THEM THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, WHICH I HAD TO HAVE TOWED TO MY HOUSE. I GAVE THEM MY VIN # AND THE REPLY I GOT WAS THAT I AM NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. I HAVE RECALLS FOR MINOR REPAIRS BUT I AM NOT ON THIS RECALL LIST. I AM A BIT DISTURBED WITH THIS REPLY. MY VEHICLE WAS BUILT WITHIN THE TIME FRAME OF WHICH WAS DESCRIBED. DUE TO THIS PROBLEM I WAS NEARLY IN A FATAL ACCIDENT. I WAS TOLD TO HAVE THE REPAIRS DONE AND THEN IF MY CAR FELL UNDER THE RECALL I COULD FIGHT TO BE REIMBURSED. SO WHAT THEIR TRYING TO TELL ME IS DRIVE THE CAR, WHICH CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT THIS POINT, GET IN AN ACCIDENT THEN THEY DON'T HAVE TO PUT ME THE RECALL LIST BECAUSE THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED. THIS IS A VERY POOR WAY OF TAKING CARE OF A PERSON'S LIFE WHEN THEY KNOW THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. MEANWHILE WE HAVE NO MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION FOR WORK. I FIRST HEARD ABOUT THIS RECALL ON THE NEWS ON TV BACK IN NOVEMBER 2002. CAN YOU HELP? PLEASE!!!!!!
NHTSA ODI #10002699
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2003
Steering
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
NHTSA ODI #10002202
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2003
Electrical SystemFire
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
NHTSA ODI #10001881
Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2002
Steering
WHEN YOU DRIVE IT THE STEERING WHEEL WOBBLES AND YOU CAN FEEL IT IN YOUR FEET LIKE FRONT END IS LOOSE
NHTSA ODI #10000231
Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE COOLANT LEAK. CAR HAS NOT BEEN LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC YET. I'VE HAD TO FILL THE RADIATOR WITH FLUID SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH. THE LEAK IS BECOMING FASTER NOW, AS I'VE HAD TO FILL IT UP TWO TIMES IN THE PAST 4 DAYS.
NHTSA ODI #10000106
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2002
Steering
CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE STEERING COLUMN IS BAD. WHEN CONSUMER WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THERE WAS A NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT ALSO LOCKED UP. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. MR
NHTSA ODI #8024194
Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2002
Steering
WHEN TURN STEERING WHEEL TO LEFT THERE IS A CRANCKING NOISE. PERSONAL AUTO MACHANIC HAS SAID PROBLEM IS IN POWER RACK AND PINION BEARINGS. DT
NHTSA ODI #770431
Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2002
Air Bags
AFTER RECALL FOR THE AIR BAG WAS COMPLETED THE REMEDY FAILED. THE DEALER AND MANUAFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. TS
NHTSA ODI #8023595
Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED A NUMBER OF STALLING WITH THIS VEHICLE, ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENTS IN A FEW CASES. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THERE HAS BEEN AN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHICH COULD LEAD TO DEATH /…
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THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED A NUMBER OF STALLING WITH THIS VEHICLE, ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENTS IN A FEW CASES. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THERE HAS BEEN AN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHICH COULD LEAD TO DEATH /SERIOUS INJURY, AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPLACED FOR ONE SHE CAN TRUST. *SCC *DT
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 MIS-LOCATED WELDS AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE LEFT ROCKER PANEL INNER REINFORCEMENT AND THE BODY SIDE RING. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 214, "SIDE DOOR STRENGTH."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SHEET METAL STRUCTURE WOULD NOT PERFORM AS DESIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS AND, IF NECESSARY, PLACE FIVE WELDS BETWEEN THE INVOLVED PANELS AND APPLY PRIMER AND TOPCOAT FINISH MATERIALS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH INCORRECT RIMS. IF THE SPARE TIRE IS UNDERINFLATED, THE BEAD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE RIM CAUSING A RAPID LOSS OF AIR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A RAPID LOSS OF AIR CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIM ON THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNERS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO USE THE SPARE TIRE UNTIL THE RIM HAS BEEN REPLACED.
THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT WIPER BLADE ASSEMBLY (17" LONG INSTEAD OF 22" LONG) ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE AREA AND PATTERN WIPED ON THE WINDSHIELD WILL BE REDUCED AND COULD AFFECT THE DRIVER'S VIEW IN WET WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE CORRECT WIPER BLADE ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A CORRECT LENGTH WIPER BLADE 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
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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