Owners have filed 473 complaints
about the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier with NHTSA between 1998 and 2023.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 52
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Cavalier. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 88
17.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 25
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1998 compares with every other Chevrolet Cavalier
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
32.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
32.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
43.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1514.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1615.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2322.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2423.1%
150,000+ miles
1615.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1998peak 19Jun 2023
Recalls on the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08E063000
STEERING
DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
Risk: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
07E015000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.
Risk: A STALLED VEHICLE CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. A FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
06E049000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
04V036000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2004033337,025 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "Start" position for an extended period, high current flowing through the ignition switch may produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. Correction: Dealer will install a relay kit to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch.
Recall 2002199238,877 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997 may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. If the problem were to occur, the driver would have to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel. Correction: Dealers are to inspect the condition of the lower bearing, and replace the lower pinion bearing or the rack and pinion steering gear assembly, if necessary.
Recall 2000109254,055 units in Canada
Engine
Note: Certain 1997-99 vehicles in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces and 1995-99 vehicles in all other provinces and territories. Moisture may enter the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) as a result of corrosion after extended exposure to road salt. This can lead to symptoms including illumination of the "Check Engine" light or the engine running rough. If these symptoms are ignored the engine may stall and may not be able to be restarted. Correction: Dealers will seal the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) in a protective shield/cover assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 169,000 milesBarckley, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, LIFTED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRES FROM THE ALTERNATOR WERE ON FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
NHTSA complaint #10749254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesMedina, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON ICE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED SPINE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #10732860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,566 milesGrass Lake, MICrash
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ENGINE STARTUP, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. THE SAFETY FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO SEVERAL ROCKS. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED AND THE CRASH CAUSED NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 121,566.
NHTSA complaint #10452547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prairie Village, KSCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
I HAVE ALWAYS HAD TROUBLE WITH THE ABS SYSTEM AND SO DID MY FATHER-IN-LAW WHO DROVE CAR BEFORE ME. ABS WAS ALWAYS VERY SENSITIVE TO ACTIVATING AND WHEN ACTIVATED VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP. I HAVE BE DRIVING 40 YEARS AND NEVER OWNED A MORE DIFFICULT VEHICLE TO STOP. HAD BRAKES SERVICED LESS THAN 10,000 MILES AGO AT DEALER, HAVE BRAND NEW MICHELINS. DOES NOT MATTER, I SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET ABOUT THIS CAVALIER ABS SYSTEM AND IT IS DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10211878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesCarrollton, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
NO WARNING OF ANYTHING WRONG, HAD DRIVEN LESS THAN 1 MILE WHEN TRUNK CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO DEFECTIVE WIRING.
NHTSA complaint #10171276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesCarrollton, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
WIRING HARNESS SHORTED OUT AND STARTED TRUNK FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10168210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Louisville, KY
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failed out of nowhere for no reason no check engine light yes available for inspection
NHTSA complaint #11529619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesBryan, TX
WHEELS
THE STARTER WENT OUT THE FIRST WEEK I GOT IT DID TIRES START RUBBING THE SUCKS WENT OUT MAKING IT HARD TO DRIVE AND A SECOND TIME START RUBBING I END UP BUYING THREE TIMES CUZ THEY GOT BALL REAL FAST THE WIRING UNDER THE ENGINE RIPPED APART AND NOW IT'S THREW A ROD.
NHTSA complaint #11327511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesBryan, TX
SUSPENSION
THE STARTER WENT OUT THE FIRST WEEK I GOT IT DID TIRES START RUBBING THE SUCKS WENT OUT MAKING IT HARD TO DRIVE AND A SECOND TIME START RUBBING I END UP BUYING THREE TIMES CUZ THEY GOT BALL REAL FAST THE WIRING UNDER THE ENGINE RIPPED APART AND NOW IT'S THREW A ROD.
NHTSA complaint #11327511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesBryan, TX
ENGINE
THE STARTER WENT OUT THE FIRST WEEK I GOT IT DID TIRES START RUBBING THE SUCKS WENT OUT MAKING IT HARD TO DRIVE AND A SECOND TIME START RUBBING I END UP BUYING THREE TIMES CUZ THEY GOT BALL REAL FAST THE WIRING UNDER THE ENGINE RIPPED APART AND NOW IT'S THREW A ROD.
NHTSA complaint #11327511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 335,000 milesCharlottesville, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE GAS GAUGE IS GOING HAYWIRE. IT PEGS TO THE "F", AND THEN IMMEDIATELY PEGS TO THE "E", EVEN THOUGH THE TANK IS HALF FULL. THE GAUGE THEN JUMPS AROUND THE MIDDLE FORM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER SIDE. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL HOW MUCH IS IN THE TANK. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO WHILE SITTING AT LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS.
NHTSA complaint #11073780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 335,000 milesCharlottesville, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE GAS GAUGE IS GOING HAYWIRE. IT PEGS TO THE "F", AND THEN IMMEDIATELY PEGS TO THE "E", EVEN THOUGH THE TANK IS HALF FULL. THE GAUGE THEN JUMPS AROUND THE MIDDLE FORM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER SIDE. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL HOW MUCH IS IN THE TANK. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO WHILE SITTING AT LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS.
NHTSA complaint #11073780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosharon, TX
AIR BAGS
"TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE TRIED TO COONTACT DEALSHIPS, AND AM BEING TOLD MY VEHICLE DOESN'T "SHOW UP"? YET MY CAR IS VERIFIED FROM WWW.NHTSA.GOV ( MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERN040002 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER04V036.
NHTSA complaint #11039374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesColumbus, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
I HEARD VIBRATION BY THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL. I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED I COULD ACTUALLY MOVE (WOBBLE) THE WHEEL, IT CAME LOOSE FROM THE FRAME ACCORDING TO 3 CAR SHOPS. I EVEN TOOK IT TO A CHEVY DEALERSHIP, IT WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ALSO THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY CORRODED, THERE ARE PARTS OF THE UNIBODY FRAME THAT ARE JUST MISSING DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE, BUT DUE TO THE FRAME ISSUE ITS NOW UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WAY TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. ANY RECALLS ON THE 1998 CAVALIER?
NHTSA complaint #11020957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesCasselberry, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE ENGINE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WHERE IT DIDN'T WANT TO MOVE AND THE GAS PUMP KEPT MESSING UP AND THE GAS NEEDLE DOESN,T SHOW CORRECT IT WILL SAY YOU HAVE A HALF A TANK WHEN YOU REALLY HAVE A QUARTER TANK, AND THE THROTTLE SENSOR IS MESSED UP I WAS ON I-4 WHICH IS A MAJOR HIGHWAY IN ORLANDO IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC THE WAS ON BUT LOSS POWER AND STALLED OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10794298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesCasselberry, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ENGINE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WHERE IT DIDN'T WANT TO MOVE AND THE GAS PUMP KEPT MESSING UP AND THE GAS NEEDLE DOESN,T SHOW CORRECT IT WILL SAY YOU HAVE A HALF A TANK WHEN YOU REALLY HAVE A QUARTER TANK, AND THE THROTTLE SENSOR IS MESSED UP I WAS ON I-4 WHICH IS A MAJOR HIGHWAY IN ORLANDO IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC THE WAS ON BUT LOSS POWER AND STALLED OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10794298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesCasselberry, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE ENGINE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WHERE IT DIDN'T WANT TO MOVE AND THE GAS PUMP KEPT MESSING UP AND THE GAS NEEDLE DOESN,T SHOW CORRECT IT WILL SAY YOU HAVE A HALF A TANK WHEN YOU REALLY HAVE A QUARTER TANK, AND THE THROTTLE SENSOR IS MESSED UP I WAS ON I-4 WHICH IS A MAJOR HIGHWAY IN ORLANDO IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC THE WAS ON BUT LOSS POWER AND STALLED OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10794298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,467 milesSpring Hill, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,467.
NHTSA complaint #10788599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,000 milesBarckley, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, LIFTED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRES FROM THE ALTERNATOR WERE ON FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
NHTSA complaint #10749254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesMedina, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON ICE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED SPINE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #10732860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesFall Rock, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE KEY COULD NOT BE INSERTED ALL THE WAY IN THE IGNITION. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN ORDER TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE THE KEY NEEDED TO BE SLIGHTLY OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10626768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesFranklin Park, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH, THE SUB FRAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10522588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesVerona, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUB FRAME FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
NHTSA complaint #10487465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I HAVE A Z24 AND MY CAR STALLS OUT AND TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING I HAVE CONTACTED A CHEVY DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CAVALIER'S DO, BUT MY TYPE OF VEHICLE(Z24) ISN'T AFFECTED. EXPLAINED IT IS AND THEY SHOULD SEE ABOUT THIS. AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO GET THIS FIXED. ALSO, WHEN RESEARCHING THIS INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS I WITH MY TYPE OF VEHICLE. WHY WOULD 1 TYPE OF CAR OF THE SAME YEAR HAVE THE PROBLEM AND NOT ALL OF THEM? IT HAS THE SAME COMPONENTS JUST DESIGNED A LITTLE DIFFERENT.
NHTSA complaint #10477268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE A Z24 AND MY CAR STALLS OUT AND TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING I HAVE CONTACTED A CHEVY DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CAVALIER'S DO, BUT MY TYPE OF VEHICLE(Z24) ISN'T AFFECTED. EXPLAINED IT IS AND THEY SHOULD SEE ABOUT THIS. AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO GET THIS FIXED. ALSO, WHEN RESEARCHING THIS INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS I WITH MY TYPE OF VEHICLE. WHY WOULD 1 TYPE OF CAR OF THE SAME YEAR HAVE THE PROBLEM AND NOT ALL OF THEM? IT HAS THE SAME COMPONENTS JUST DESIGNED A LITTLE DIFFERENT.
NHTSA complaint #10477268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calhoun, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS BRAKE MODULE FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME ABNORMALLY SOFT AND THE VEHICLE HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE ABS BRAKE MODULE COMPONENT WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
NHTSA complaint #10459345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWenonah, NJ
STEERING
STEERING DOES NOT TURN GOING AT A RATE OF 5 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10459257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLothian, MD
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TOOK VEHICLE FOR STATE INSPECTION. VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO FRAME BEING RUSTED. MECHANIC/INSPECTOR STATES THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON ON THE 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THERE ARE MFG. FRAME HOLES THAT THE SUBFRAME IS RUSTING NEAR THE REAR WHEELS. SUGGESTED THAT COULD HAVE A BODY SHOP WELD PLATES OVER THE MFG HOLES IN THE FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #10455431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,566 milesGrass Lake, MICrash
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ENGINE STARTUP, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. THE SAFETY FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO SEVERAL ROCKS. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED AND THE CRASH CAUSED NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 121,566.
NHTSA complaint #10452547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesCuyahoga Falls, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN HE WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT ONE OF THE WHEELS WAS PROTRUDING OUTWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10439418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED. WHEN THE THEFT SYSTEM FAILED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
NHTSA complaint #10412168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.