IllustrationWHEN STEPPING ON THE BREAKS OF MY 2001 CAVALIER A VIBRATION IS CAUSED AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO STOP. I KNOW SOMEONE ELSE WHO OWNS A 2001 CAVALIER AND THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO HER CAR. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH NOT TO HAVE HIT ANYONE YET BUT IT GETS REALLY CLOSE ESPECIALLY WHEN STOPPING FAST. *JB
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 140.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cavalier years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
200–25K
3225–50K
1950–75K
1675–100K
10100–150K
7150K+
104 reports with mileage · 139 unknown
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 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
23 crash reports8 fire reports14 injury reports
What owners actually said
243 reportsMY CAR HAD BEEN HAVING TROUBLE STARTING UP PREVIOUSLY. IT WAS SLOW TO START UP AND I THOUGHT IT WAS MY BATTERY DYING AGAIN. ON DECEMBER 2004 WHEN I WENT TO START MY CAR IT REFUSED TO START. WE CALLED FOR A BOOST, AND THE AAA DRIVER TOLD US IT WASN'T OUR BATTERY BUT OUR FUEL PUMP. HOWEVER, SINCE IT WAS A 2001 CAR WE DIDN'T BELIEV…
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MY CAR HAD BEEN HAVING TROUBLE STARTING UP PREVIOUSLY. IT WAS SLOW TO START UP AND I THOUGHT IT WAS MY BATTERY DYING AGAIN. ON DECEMBER 2004 WHEN I WENT TO START MY CAR IT REFUSED TO START. WE CALLED FOR A BOOST, AND THE AAA DRIVER TOLD US IT WASN'T OUR BATTERY BUT OUR FUEL PUMP. HOWEVER, SINCE IT WAS A 2001 CAR WE DIDN'T BELIEVE IT. WHEN WE ASKED VARIOUS MECHANICS ABOUT THE COST OF FIXING THE FUEL PUMP ON OUR CAVALIER THEY SAID IT COULDN'T BE THE PROBLEM SINCE IT WAS SO NEW. HOWEVER, IT WAS. THIS CAUSED ME AND MY FAMILY EXCESSIVE TROUBLE IN HAVING TO DEAL WITH THE LOSS OF THE CAR FOR THE FEW DAYS IT TOOK TO GET IT REPAIRED. WE EVENTUALLY HAD TO SHELL OUT NEARLY $640 TO FIX IT. WE HAD TO GET A WHOLE NEW FUEL PUMP AND HAVE IT INSTALLED. I DO NOT HAVE THE ORIGINAL GAS PUMP. THE MECHANIC SAID, "WON'T START, WOULD NOT JUMP START. CK FUEL AND IGNITION SYSTEMS AND FOUND NO FUEL PRESSURE. CK FUEL SYSTEM WIRING. R&R FUEL TANK AND REPLACE FAULTY FUEL PUMP. INSTALL NEW FUEL FILTER." *JB
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CONSUMER NOTICED A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD BLEW AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB T…
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WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CONSUMER NOTICED A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD BLEW AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB THERE WAS LEAKING COMPRESSION AT THE HEAD GASKET. *SC
(2) AFTER FIRST STARTING THE CAR, GO TO PUT IN DRIVE CAR KEEPS HESITATING, LOSING POWER, THEN AFTER IT WARMS UP IT DRIVES FINE, (POSSIBLE FUEL PUMP ISSUES).CAR BEGINS TO STALL, AND WILL NOT START. ALL PLUGS, PLUG WIRES, AIR FILTER, SENSORS, AND ANYTHING TO DO WITH EMISSIONS HAS BEEN REPLACED, STILL DOES THE SAME PROBLEM TO THIS…
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(2) AFTER FIRST STARTING THE CAR, GO TO PUT IN DRIVE CAR KEEPS HESITATING, LOSING POWER, THEN AFTER IT WARMS UP IT DRIVES FINE, (POSSIBLE FUEL PUMP ISSUES).CAR BEGINS TO STALL, AND WILL NOT START. ALL PLUGS, PLUG WIRES, AIR FILTER, SENSORS, AND ANYTHING TO DO WITH EMISSIONS HAS BEEN REPLACED, STILL DOES THE SAME PROBLEM TO THIS DAY. PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR. TOOK TO LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND DID NOT FIND AN ISSUE. *AK
(1) WHILE DRIVING, GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS OR SMALL POT HOLES, CAR BEGINGS TO MAKE A LOUD VIBRATION NOISE UP IN THE FRONT WHEEL AREA AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES FREEZE AND CAUSE CAR TO SKID ON DRY OR WET CONDITIONS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STAYS LIT THEN GOES OFF AFTER DRIVING A PERIOD OF TIME. (BUT NO NOISE) TOO…
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(1) WHILE DRIVING, GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS OR SMALL POT HOLES, CAR BEGINGS TO MAKE A LOUD VIBRATION NOISE UP IN THE FRONT WHEEL AREA AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES FREEZE AND CAUSE CAR TO SKID ON DRY OR WET CONDITIONS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STAYS LIT THEN GOES OFF AFTER DRIVING A PERIOD OF TIME. (BUT NO NOISE) TOOK TO LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER, AND FOUND NO PROBLEM, AS OF TODAY, CAR CONTINUES TO DO THE SAME INCIDENT. BEEN GOING OFF AND ON FOR THE LAST 2YRS. HAD BRAKES SERVICED, NEW PADS AND ROTORS TURNED, MADE THINGS WORSE.. CAR WOBBLES WHEN COMMING TO A STOP. ALSO CAR GRABS AND LETS OFF WHEN STOPPING, FEELS LIKE IT'S PUSHING THEN LETTING OFF THE BRAKES OFF AND ON. *AK
CAR WOULD RUN FINE AND THEN NOT START. *AK
CLUNKING FELT IN STEERING WHEN TURNING. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER RESTARTED VEHICLE, AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V036000 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS, AND WAS CHARGED FOR LABOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $171.00, AND $156.00 FOR THE PARTS. DONNA WILLIAMS WAS THE CONTACT PERSON AT GWATNEY CHEVROLET, COVINGTON PIKE, MEMPHIS TN 38128, 901-387-2000. *AK *TC
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 30 MPH IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. *AK
Official recalls
104V036000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch
Jan 27, 2004
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. THE FIRE COULD SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR, WHICH COULD INJURE OCCUPANTS OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO ADJOINING STRUCTURES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND CHECK THAT YOUR CAR WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 1, 2004. 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 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CHECK THEIR VEHICLE ONLINE BY GOING TO WWW.MYGMLINK.COM AND ENTERING THE VEHICLE'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
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
2EA02028 · Erratic Fuel Gauge
Opened Sep 30, 2002 · Closed Dec 30, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
SQ01002 · Erratic Fuel Gauge
Opened Jan 26, 2001 · Closed Sep 30, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available