Chevrolet Cavalier Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 40 safety recalls and 4,662 owner complaints across 24 model years of the Chevrolet Cavalier (1982–2005). The most-complained-about year is 2003.

Pick your Chevrolet Cavalier model year

• 1982
• 1983
• 1984
• 1985
• 1986
• 1987
• 1988
• 1989
• 1990
• 1991
• 1992
• 1993
• 1994
• 1995
• 1996
• 1997
• 1998
• 1999
• 2000
• 2001
• 2002
• 2003
• 2004
• 2005

What Chevrolet Cavalier owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 4,662 complaints with NHTSA. The 2003 model year has the most, with 678.

• Electrical system405
• Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip271
• Engine and engine cooling: engine250
• Fuel system, gasoline213
• Engine and engine cooling: gasoline198
• Fuel system, gasoline: fuel pump197
• Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel167
• Air bags: frontal166

All Chevrolet Cavalier recalls (40)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Chevrolet Cavalier, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

1. Turn signal (exterior lighting)

   NHTSA 04V524000 Reported November 1, 2004 256,025 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   On certain passenger vehicles, the rear lamps that provide stop and turn signals and tail lamp functions stop working because of inadequate contact between the bulb and socket. In addition, if one bulbs were to become inoperative while the vehicle was operating in cruise control, the cruise control would disengage when the remaining…

   Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear lamp bulb socket assemblies and apply grease or replace them if necessary. The recall began on january 18, 2005. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or pontiac at…

   Model years: 2003

2. Seat belts: rear/other

   NHTSA 04V300000 Reported June 23, 2004 37 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, 'seat belt assembly anchorages.' the passenger-side rear safety belt may have been installed with an incorrect nut and bolt.

   Remedy: Dealers are to inspect the safety belt anchorage and install a new nut and bolt, if necessary. The recall began on august 23, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

   Model years: 2004

3. Switch (electrical system)

   NHTSA 04V036000 Reported January 27, 2004 1,415,231 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   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.

   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…

   Model years: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

4. Rack and pinion (steering)

   NHTSA 02V286000 Reported November 4, 2002 1,159,156 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   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.

   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…

   Model years: 1996, 1997, 1998

5. Switch (electrical system)

   NHTSA 02V070000 Reported March 6, 2002 1,589,948 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   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.

   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…

   Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997

6. Interior lighting

   NHTSA 00V201000 Reported July 20, 2000 28 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the bi-fuel option fail to comply with FMVSS no. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination." the instrument panel lights in these vehicles are at full illumination levels and cannot be adjusted. The standard requires at least two levels of illumination.

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel type indicator switch assembly, which includes the instrument panel illumination control.

   Model years: 2000

7. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

   NHTSA 00V053000 Reported February 28, 2000 391 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with bi-fuel compressed natural gas (cng) vehicles. The cng fuel line and the cng high pressure regulator coolant lines can contact other fuel (gasoline) and brake lines on the vehicle. Abrasion from contact can cause a leak in the brake pipe, fuel pipe, or both.

   Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reposition the cng fuel and coolant pipes and reposition/repair any damaged fuel or brake pipes as necessary.

   Model years: 1998

8. Interior lighting

   NHTSA 99V218000 Reported August 11, 1999 6,584 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination." the instrument panel backlighting may not function after adjusting the interior light intensity.

   Remedy: Dealers will test the body control module, and if necessary, replace it.

   Model years: 1999

9. Suspension: rear

   NHTSA 98V319000 Reported December 15, 1998 27,083 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.

   Model years: 1996, 1997

10. Air bags

    NHTSA 98V146000 Reported June 29, 1998 675,302 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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.

    Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module.

    Model years: 1996, 1997

11. Body (structure)

    NHTSA 98V032000 Reported February 25, 1998 8 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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."

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the welds and, if necessary, place five welds between the involved panels and apply primer and topcoat finish materials.

    Model years: 1997

12. Interior lighting

    NHTSA 98V027000 Reported February 17, 1998 249,420 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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."

    Remedy: Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.

    Model years: 1996

13. Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (wheels)

    NHTSA 97V219000 Reported November 24, 1997 24 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The wheel lug nuts were not tightened securely resulting in a fracture of the wheel studs.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the torque of all wheel nuts and, if necessary, tighten any that may be below required torque.

    Model years: 1998

14. Space saver wheel (wheels)

    NHTSA 97V106000 Reported June 28, 1997 652 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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."

    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.

    Model years: 1997

15. Hazard flashing warning lights (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 96V250000 Reported December 17, 1996 270,014 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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."

    Remedy: Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. If necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.

    Model years: 1995, 1996

16. Windshield wiper/washer (visibility)

    NHTSA 96V160000 Reported August 29, 1996 50 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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."

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect for the correct wiper blade assembly and install a correct length wiper blade assembly.

    Model years: 1997

17. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 95V201000 Reported October 23, 1995 360 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator control cable assembly.

    Model years: 1996

18. Frame and members (structure)

    NHTSA 95V141000 Reported July 26, 1995 16 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Some welds were omitted from the body lock pillar, or "b" pillar. This does not comply with FMVSS no.208, "occupant crash protection."

    Remedy: All vehicles in this recall campaign have been repurchased and replaced with a comparable vehicle.

    Model years: 1995

19. Suspension: lower arm

    NHTSA 95V025000 Reported February 16, 1995 21,340 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    These vehicles have been built with welds missing from the front suspension lower control arm assemblies causing excessive loads on the existing welds.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect both left-hand and right-hand front suspension lower control arm assemblies and replace all control arm assemblies found with omitted welds.

    Model years: 1995

20. Arm (steering)

    NHTSA 94V115000 Reported June 24, 1994 65 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    These vehicles were built with overtorqued drive axle spindle nuts. This condition can cause excessive loads on the spindle nut and drive axle resulting in failure of the drive axle or the spindle nut. Failure of either of these components can result in separation of the steering knuckle tire-wheel assembly from the drive axle.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the left-hand and right-hand drive axles, bearing-hub assemblies, spindle nuts, and washers on all involved vehicles. Corrective action: dealers will replace left-hand and right-hand drive axles,…

    Model years: 1994

21. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 93V121000 Reported July 21, 1993 2,848 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The brake hoses were manufactured incorrectly, and do not comply with FMVSS 106, "brake hoses."

    Remedy: Replace the right front brake hose assembly on ciera and century models, and both rear brake hoses on cavalier and sunbird models.

    Model years: 1993

22. Seat belts

    NHTSA 92V003000 Reported January 10, 1992 347,866 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The front door shoulder belt guide loops may be cracked and are not in compliance with FMVSS 208.

    Remedy: Install reinforcing plates on the cracked shoulder belt guides.

    Model years: 1991

23. Hinge and attachments (structure)

    NHTSA 91V165000 Reported September 23, 1991 41,718 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Front door interlock striker may fail, causing door frame collapse and insufficient strength for the shoulder belt anchorage.

    Remedy: Replace the passive restraint interlock striker studs on front doors.

    Model years: 1991

24. Latch (latches/locks/linkages)

    NHTSA 91V166000 Reported September 23, 1991 3,212 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The secondary hood latch spring is improperly installed or missing, leading to a condition where the secondary hood latch does not engage the secondary striker.

    Remedy: Inspect hood latch assemblies and, where necessary, install a new secondary hood latch spring.

    Model years: 1992

25. Tank assembly (fuel system)

    NHTSA 88V189000 Reported December 6, 1988 13,095 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    A fuel tank leak could occur due to small creases on the tank underside cracking during pressure cycling which occurs during normal operation.

    Remedy: Replace fuel tank.

    Model years: 1989

26. Windshield (visibility)

    NHTSA 88V121000 Reported July 25, 1988 33 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    There may be poor bond adhesion between windshield glass and mounting.

    Remedy: Reinstall windshield assuring proper adhesion.

    Model years: 1988

27. Electrical system: rear compartment/trunk

    NHTSA 88V095000 Reported June 14, 1988 14,840 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Rear lamp wiring harness may contain open or intermittent circuits affecting back up lamp or license plate lamp operation.

    Remedy: Install new wiring harness.

    Model years: 1988

28. Crankcase (pcv) (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 87V165000 Reported October 26, 1987 126,319 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Internal corrosion of pulsair check valve assembly could permit exhaust gas to melt the plastic shut off valve and draw valve pieces into the air cleaner and throttle body.

    Remedy: Replace pulsair check valve and shut off valve with newly designed valves.

    Model years: 1983

29. Seats

    NHTSA 87V079000 Reported May 7, 1987 1,136,407 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The metal floor pan anchor bar could fatigue and break around the left front outer seat adjuster stud of the drivers seat, allowing the stud to separate from the floor pan anchor bar.

    Remedy: Install a reinforcement bracket on the floor pan anchor bar at the left front outer seat adjuster position of the drivers seat.

    Model years: 1983, 1984

30. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 87V011000 Reported February 9, 1987 65,594 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Accelerator control cable may contain water which could freeze while vehicle is parked causing travel of accelerator control cable to become restricted when throttle is initially opened.

    Remedy: Replace accelerator control cable.

    Model years: 1987

31. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 86V131000 Reported September 19, 1986 106,111 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The push pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out. Consequence of defect: sudden loss of the headlights under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions could reduce driver visibility which might result in a vehicle crash without…

    Remedy: Replace headlight switch as necessary.

    Model years: 1986

32. Mechanical (parking brake)

    NHTSA 86V128000 Reported September 15, 1986 1,470 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Parking brake lever mechanisms may not properly engage when applied as required by FMVSS 105. Consequence of defect: vehicle could unexpectedly roll away uncontrolled, which could result in a vehicle crash.

    Remedy: Replace parking brake lever assembly.

    Model years: 1987

33. Engine (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 86V073000 Reported May 28, 1986 87,174 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The engine air cleaner plastic trim cover could fall off the air cleaner assembly and land on the exhaust manifold creating a fire hazard. Consequence of defect: if the car is being operated at the time that the plastic trim cover falls off, an engine compartment fire could occur without warning.

    Remedy: Remove the trim cover and discard.

    Model years: 1985

34. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 86V056000 Reported April 28, 1986 93,317 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The push-pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out. Consequence of defect: sudden loss of the headlights under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions could reduce driver visibility which might result in a vehicle crash without…

    Remedy: Replace headlight switch as necessary.

    Model years: 1986

35. Engine (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 85V042000 Reported April 12, 1985 34,331 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The engine air cleaner plastic trim cover could detach from the air cleaner assembly and fall forward on the exhaust manifold. Consequence of defect: if the car is being operated at the time of detachment, an engine compartment fire could occur without warning.

    Remedy: Remove the trim cover and discard.

    Model years: 1985

36. Recliner (seats)

    NHTSA 84V011000 Reported February 6, 1984 76,586 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Some vehicles have bucket seat back locks that do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard 207, anchorage of seats. In event of a crash, the seat back lock may not function.

    Remedy: Inspection of seat back locks will be performed. Locks that have bent, broken or missing hooks will be replaced.

    Model years: 1984

37. Differential proportional valve (service brakes)

    NHTSA 83V105000 Reported October 13, 1983 352,036 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The brake proportioner valves may break and separate from the master cylinder. This would allow brake fluid to leak and would result in a partial loss of the brake system.

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace all suspect valves.

    Model years: 1983

38. Suspension: upper arm

    NHTSA 83V042000 Reported April 19, 1983 312 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The left front suspension control arm which supports the front wheel, brake and steering assembly, may come loose at its mounting bracket. This is due to possible inadequate welding of the bracket.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the left front suspension support assembly at no cost.

    Model years: 1983

39. Injectors (fuel system)

    NHTSA 82V096000 Reported October 7, 1982 12,721 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Possible fuel leakage could occur at the throttle body injection fuel feed pipe connection on the involved vehicles.

    Remedy: The fuel feed line fitting bolt and two washers will be replaced by the dealer at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1983

40. Filler pipe and cap (fuel system)

    NHTSA 82V021000 Reported March 8, 1982 519,329 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Under certaain conditions, the hose clamps on the fuel tank filler pipe and fuel tank filler vent pipe could fracture. The fracture of these clamps could cause fuel leakage at any of the four pipe to hose connections. Leakage can occur during refueling, or while driving, if the fuel tank is above 3/4 full.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and replace the hose clamps on the fuel tank filler pipe and vent pipe at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1982

Other Chevrolet models

• Malibu19,364 complaints
• Silverado 150018,029 complaints
• Impala10,434 complaints
• Tahoe10,032 complaints
• Equinox9,161 complaints
• Silverado8,799 complaints
• Blazer8,192 complaints
• Suburban8,164 complaints

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.