Owners have filed 447 complaints
about the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier with NHTSA between 1999 and 2023.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 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 — 49
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Cavalier. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 67
13% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 50
29% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2000 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
52.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
158.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
147.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3318.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4424.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3419.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2011.2%
150,000+ miles
137.3%
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.
Sep 1999peak 17Mar 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA02028Opened 30 Sep 2002Closed 30 Dec 2003FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE
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 GAU...
PE02066Opened 6 Sep 2002Closed 3 Nov 2003FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ENGINE STALL DUE TO FUEL STARVATION
ODI OPENED PE02-066 TO EVALUATE THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCE OF ENGINE POWER-LOSS DUE TO FUEL STARVATION INDUCED BY IN-TANK MODULAR FUEL PUMP STRAINER RESTRICTION.THE SUBJECT PUMPS USE AN EXTERNAL ?SOCK? STRAINER TO FILTER FUEL FLOWING TO THE PUMP INLET.THIS FILTER CAN SOMETIMES BECOME CLOGGED, RESULTING IN A REDUCED FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.GM HAS SUBSEQUENTLY MODIFIED THE STRAINERS TO REDUCE THIS RESTRICTION.ANALYSIS OF THE ODI COMPLAINT DATABASE SHOWS THAT DESPITE THESE RESTRICTIONS, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES STALL AT A RATE THAT IS COMPARABLE TO THOSE OF MANY PEER VEHICLES.ADDITIONALLY, NONE OF...
SQ01002Opened 26 Jan 2001Closed 30 Sep 2002VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE
Recalls on the 2000 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.
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 200109699,174 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 101- Location and Identification of Controls and Displays. Vehicles exhibit a condition in which the "Generator Low Voltage" indicator light will not illuminate under low voltage conditions. Correction: Dealers will reflash the vehicle PCM with new calibration software.
Recall 19991551,423 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 101 - Control Location and Identification. The instrument panel backlighting may not function after adjusting the interior light intensity. If the instrument panel is not lit at night, the driver may not be able to see the controls and displays. Correction: Dealers will test the body control module (BCM) for the condition, and if necessary, replace the BCM.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 200,000 milesTacoma, WAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
IGNITION GETS VERY HOT WHEN KEY IS TURNED CAN SMELL PLASTIC IGNITION OR BATT 1 CIRCUIT PROBLEM.CLEARCOAT IS PEELING.LUG NUTS COMING LOOSE
NHTSA complaint #11072678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesTacoma, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION GETS VERY HOT WHEN KEY IS TURNED CAN SMELL PLASTIC IGNITION OR BATT 1 CIRCUIT PROBLEM.CLEARCOAT IS PEELING.LUG NUTS COMING LOOSE
NHTSA complaint #11072678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesTacoma, WAFire
ENGINE
IGNITION GETS VERY HOT WHEN KEY IS TURNED CAN SMELL PLASTIC IGNITION OR BATT 1 CIRCUIT PROBLEM.CLEARCOAT IS PEELING.LUG NUTS COMING LOOSE
NHTSA complaint #11072678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBenton, ARCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS KILLED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10523018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesBeaver DAM, KYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND A LARGE PICK UP TRUCK PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I SMASHED INTO THE SIDE OF THE TRUCK AND NEITHER THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON IMPACT.
NHTSA complaint #10404389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesPlain City, OHCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE 2000 CAVALEIR FROM CHURCH TO HER COLLEGE WHEN SHE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND LOOKED LEFT AND THEN RIGHT AND PROCEEDED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND FAILED TO SEE A CHRYSLER MINIVAN COMING FROM HER LEFT.. SHE BRAKED AND THE MINIVAN T-BONED HER CAR ON THE LEFT SIDE AND HER CAR PROCEEDED TO TURN 90 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT FOR 20 FEET AND STOPPED. THE MOST DAMAGE OCCURED ON THE PASSENGER DOOR, TO THE FRONT TIRE WAS PUSHED IN...THE WHOLE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS PUSHED FORWARD. THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS SEVERELY INJURED WITH SEVERE HEAD TRAUMA AND SKULL FRACTURE.SHE IS PRESENTLY IN A COMA. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE HAD A CONCUSSION,SEVERE LACERATIONS ON THE BACK OF HER HEAD , AND BRUISING ON HER ARMS AND LEGS. THE THIRD PASSENGER IN THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE HAD MINOR INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10366117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 20,800 milesHuntington, WV
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS
The contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the interior passenger side directional signal began blinking rapidly while activated. Additionally, the contact stated that an onlooker observed that the exterior driver side indicator light was not illuminated when indicator was activated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the interior lighter fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact stated that when the weather was cooler, the exterior indicator light was experiencing the failure; however, during warmer weather, the indicator lights operated properly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,800.
NHTSA complaint #11511963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesTacoma, WAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
IGNITION GETS VERY HOT WHEN KEY IS TURNED CAN SMELL PLASTIC IGNITION OR BATT 1 CIRCUIT PROBLEM.CLEARCOAT IS PEELING.LUG NUTS COMING LOOSE
NHTSA complaint #11072678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesTacoma, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION GETS VERY HOT WHEN KEY IS TURNED CAN SMELL PLASTIC IGNITION OR BATT 1 CIRCUIT PROBLEM.CLEARCOAT IS PEELING.LUG NUTS COMING LOOSE
NHTSA complaint #11072678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesTacoma, WAFire
ENGINE
IGNITION GETS VERY HOT WHEN KEY IS TURNED CAN SMELL PLASTIC IGNITION OR BATT 1 CIRCUIT PROBLEM.CLEARCOAT IS PEELING.LUG NUTS COMING LOOSE
NHTSA complaint #11072678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesMilwaukee, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #10850852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesSaint Albans, NY
SEAT BELTS
UNNECESSARY GAS ODORS. SEAT BELTS KEEP UNLOCKING. STEERING
NHTSA complaint #10816442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesSaint Albans, NY
STEERING
UNNECESSARY GAS ODORS. SEAT BELTS KEEP UNLOCKING. STEERING
NHTSA complaint #10816442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesSaint Albans, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
UNNECESSARY GAS ODORS. SEAT BELTS KEEP UNLOCKING. STEERING
NHTSA complaint #10816442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
York Springs, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
REPORTING THIS AS A DEFECT ON CAR LIST ABOVE .I'M PA. STATE INSPECTION STATION. THIS IS JUST ONE OF MANY WE SEE AND REJECT FOR RUST OUT UNIT BODY REAR FRAMES . I FEEL THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE AWARE OF THEY OWN ONE THESE MODELS CAR COULD BUCKLE ON A REAR END COLLISION. I DID NOT SEE THIS ON YOUR SITE TO HAVE BEEN REPORTED THANKS KEN AT C&W PERFORMANCE PA. STATION # E7 .
NHTSA complaint #10764097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesTallahassee, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAD THE AIR CONDITIONER REPLACED. THE TECH SAID THE TENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ONE WEEK LATER I RETURNED AND HAD A NEW BELT TENSIONER INSTALLED. ABOUT A MONTH LATER THE NEW AIR CONDITIONER HAD PREMATURE FAILURE. I HAD IT REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY AND ALSO HAD A NEW DRIVE BELT INSTALLED DURING THE REPAIR. ABOUT ONE YEAR LATER I BEGAN HEARING A CHATTER WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP POSITION AND HAD EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. I TOOK TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID THE BELT TENSIONER WAS BAD. THIS SEEMS EXCESSIVELY SHORT LIFE SPAN FOR A REPLACEMENT PART OF GOOD QUALITY. TODAY THE SHOP TRIED THREE DIFFERENT TENSIONERS AND STILL IT WAS NOT CORRECTING THE ISSUE. I EVEN DOUBLE CHECKED THE BELT ROUTING PATTERN TO ENSURE IT WAS CORRECT. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE BELT TENSIONERS FOR THIS VEHICLE. ALL MY PRIOR FORD VEHICLE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR TENSIONERS OF SAME DESIGN. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AS A BELT THAT BREAKS OR SLIDES OF A PULLEY DUE TO A FAULTY TENSIONER CAN CAUSE IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING RESULTING IN HAZARDOUS AND POTENTIALLY FATAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND SITUATIONS. ALSO THE BACKLIGHTING ON THE ODOMETER DOES NOT WORK.THE ODOMETER REGISTERS MILAGE DRIVEN BUT THE BACKLIGHT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL.PLEASE LOOK INTO AND DONT WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THIS ISSUE BECOME IMPORTANT.THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10758684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesTallahassee, FL
ENGINE
I HAD THE AIR CONDITIONER REPLACED. THE TECH SAID THE TENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ONE WEEK LATER I RETURNED AND HAD A NEW BELT TENSIONER INSTALLED. ABOUT A MONTH LATER THE NEW AIR CONDITIONER HAD PREMATURE FAILURE. I HAD IT REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY AND ALSO HAD A NEW DRIVE BELT INSTALLED DURING THE REPAIR. ABOUT ONE YEAR LATER I BEGAN HEARING A CHATTER WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP POSITION AND HAD EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. I TOOK TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID THE BELT TENSIONER WAS BAD. THIS SEEMS EXCESSIVELY SHORT LIFE SPAN FOR A REPLACEMENT PART OF GOOD QUALITY. TODAY THE SHOP TRIED THREE DIFFERENT TENSIONERS AND STILL IT WAS NOT CORRECTING THE ISSUE. I EVEN DOUBLE CHECKED THE BELT ROUTING PATTERN TO ENSURE IT WAS CORRECT. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE BELT TENSIONERS FOR THIS VEHICLE. ALL MY PRIOR FORD VEHICLE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR TENSIONERS OF SAME DESIGN. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AS A BELT THAT BREAKS OR SLIDES OF A PULLEY DUE TO A FAULTY TENSIONER CAN CAUSE IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER STEERING RESULTING IN HAZARDOUS AND POTENTIALLY FATAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND SITUATIONS. ALSO THE BACKLIGHTING ON THE ODOMETER DOES NOT WORK.THE ODOMETER REGISTERS MILAGE DRIVEN BUT THE BACKLIGHT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL.PLEASE LOOK INTO AND DONT WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THIS ISSUE BECOME IMPORTANT.THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10758684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesLakeland, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD CRACKED CAUSING SHARP EDGES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE CRACKS WERE NEAR THE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10725682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,306 milesLOS Banos, CA
WHEELS
WHILE PUMPING MY TIRES WITH AIR I NOTICED MY TWO BACK TIRES (A DIFFERENT BRAND FROM THE TWO FRONT TIRES) HAD CRACKING IN BETWEEN THE TREADS ALL THE WAY AROUND THE TIRES. THIS MUST BE A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND AN OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. HERE IS TIRE INFORMATION (AND DESIGNATIONS) AS DESIGNATED ON THE SIDEWALL: REAR DRIVERSIDE TIRE: ACHILES PLATINUM MADE IN INDONESIA (5N1) MANUFACTURED BY MULTI STRADA ARAHSARANA TUBELESS STEEL BELTED RADIAL 195/70 R1491H MOLD NO. 03-02 E4 (ENCIRCLED) 0228041 DOT 5KJN HP 3606 THREAD: 1 POLYESTER, 2 STEEL, 2 NYLON; SIDEWALL 1 POLYESTER THREADWEAR 280 TRACTION A TEMPERATURE A ODDLY ENOUGH, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE SEEMS TO MATCH THE ABOVE INFORMATION WITH TWO EXCEPTIONS: THREADWEAR 420 TRACTION AA TEMPERATURE A MOLD NO. 03-03 WE BOUGHT TIRES FROM FIGUEROA TIRES IN LOS BANOS. WE DON'T HAVE A RECEIPT TO CONFIRM THIS. THESE TIRES MUST HAVE BEEN PURCHASED BEFORE 04/29/10 SINCE WE DID FIND A SERVICE ORDER RECEIPT FROM WALMART TIRE & LUBE EXPRESS DATED 04/29/10 THAT STATES IN THE TPMS AND TIRE DISCLAIMER RECEIPT: ACTIONS: REPLACE ONE OR MORE OF THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE...REASONS: VISIBLE TIRE CUT, PUNCTURE, BALD SPOT, OR OTHER IRREGULARITY.
NHTSA complaint #10668234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesChicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER ACCELERATING OVER 35MPH VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE. VEHICLE ABLE TO STOP BUT YOU CAN STILL HEAR AND FEEL THE MOTOR TO CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE AND THE VEHICLE STARTS TO JERK AROUND. ITS VERY UNSAFE AND NO ONE AT THE CAR SHOP ABLE TO TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG. I'VE HAD SEVERAL THINGS FIXED AND STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES AFTER STARTING UP WILL ACCELERATE ON IT OWN.
NHTSA complaint #10655162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesChicago, IL
ENGINE
AFTER ACCELERATING OVER 35MPH VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE. VEHICLE ABLE TO STOP BUT YOU CAN STILL HEAR AND FEEL THE MOTOR TO CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE AND THE VEHICLE STARTS TO JERK AROUND. ITS VERY UNSAFE AND NO ONE AT THE CAR SHOP ABLE TO TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG. I'VE HAD SEVERAL THINGS FIXED AND STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES AFTER STARTING UP WILL ACCELERATE ON IT OWN.
NHTSA complaint #10655162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSouthgate, KY
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO START AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10630472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSouthgate, KY
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO START AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10630472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesManning, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN REMOVING THE KEY FROM IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RELAYS AND THE INSIDE DOME LIGHT CONSTANTLY STAY ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS CONTANTLY DRAINING THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10605578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesManning, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN REMOVING THE KEY FROM IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RELAYS AND THE INSIDE DOME LIGHT CONSTANTLY STAY ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS CONTANTLY DRAINING THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10605578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACCELERATION ISSUES AND VEHICLE IGNITION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HE HAD THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED, HE EXPERIENCED AN UNUSUAL PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD LIT UP, THE RPM GAUGE BEGAN TO DECREASE AND THE CRUISE CONTROL SOMEWHAT DISENGAGED AS IF THE MOTOR WAS ABOUT TO SHUT DOWN. HE PLACED HIS FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. HE PARKED IT, AND THE NEXT DAY, HE DISCOVERED SOMETHING DRAINED THE NEW BATTERY. A MECHANIC RODE WITH HIM, AND THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED THE SAME SYMPTOMS. THE MECHANIC, THEN CHECKED EVERYTHING ON THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT COME UP WITH THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. HE STATED HE BELIEVED THE PROBLEM WAS ELECTRICAL, BUT COULD NOT SAY FOR SURE. THE NEXT DAY, THE CONSUMER CHECKED THE VEHICLE, AND THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AGAIN. THE CONSUMER TALKED TO ANOTHER MECHANIC, AND HE INFORMED THE CONSUMER, OF ALL THE IGNITION PROBLEMS GM WAS HAVING WITH THEIR VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10598209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBenton, ARCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS KILLED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10523018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,090 milesCleveland, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THIS CAR HAS BEEN LOVINGLY CARED FOR SINCE IT WAS NEW. THE UNDERBODY IS PERFECT BUT THE SUBFRAME (ENGINE CRADLE) IS BADLY RUSTED, WITH PITTING, SCALING AND A RUSTED THROUGH HOLE. I AM HEARTBROKEN! THIS CAR IS VERY NICE BUT NOW I CAN'T DRIVE IT.
NHTSA complaint #10515897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,090 milesCleveland, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
THIS CAR HAS BEEN LOVINGLY CARED FOR SINCE IT WAS NEW. THE UNDERBODY IS PERFECT BUT THE SUBFRAME (ENGINE CRADLE) IS BADLY RUSTED, WITH PITTING, SCALING AND A RUSTED THROUGH HOLE. I AM HEARTBROKEN! THIS CAR IS VERY NICE BUT NOW I CAN'T DRIVE IT.
NHTSA complaint #10515897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesLake Havasu City, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FIRST DRIVER SIDE REAR TURN SIGNAL BLINKED RAPIDLY, THEN BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN LIGHT CEASED TO WORK. WHEN CHECKED, THE LIGHT AND LENS WERE FUSED (MELTED) TOGETHER. AS WELL DRIVER SIDE WINDOW CEASED TO WORK. MECHANIC STATED ITS ELECTRICAL AND ADVISED I CHECK RECALLS.ALSO SOMETIMES GAS PEDAL ACCELERATES WITHOUT PRESSURE FROM ME. NO CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN OR WHY...JUST OCCASIONALLY HAPPENS.
NHTSA complaint #10483900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesLake Havasu City, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FIRST DRIVER SIDE REAR TURN SIGNAL BLINKED RAPIDLY, THEN BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN LIGHT CEASED TO WORK. WHEN CHECKED, THE LIGHT AND LENS WERE FUSED (MELTED) TOGETHER. AS WELL DRIVER SIDE WINDOW CEASED TO WORK. MECHANIC STATED ITS ELECTRICAL AND ADVISED I CHECK RECALLS.ALSO SOMETIMES GAS PEDAL ACCELERATES WITHOUT PRESSURE FROM ME. NO CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN OR WHY...JUST OCCASIONALLY HAPPENS.
NHTSA complaint #10483900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.