197 of the 6,452 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Cavalier are about the suspension — 3% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1997.
197
Complaints
3%
Share of all complaints
17
Crashes
1
Fires
SUSPENSION
The vehicle failed to pass pa. state inspection due to a severely rusted frame over the rear axles. The estimate to repair the frame was @$3000.
NHTSA complaint #11450759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the front driver’s side tire had detached. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic went to the contact's residence and diagnosed that the lower control arm rusted and detached from the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11438861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
SUSPENSION
MY 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER RECENTLY BEGAN TO MAKE A CLUNKING NOISE, WHICH CAN ALSO BE FELT, IN THE FRONT END. WHEN I PUT IT UP ON A LIFT, I NOTICED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTING (DETERIORATING). I KNOW IT IS 13 YEARS OLD, BUT MY PARENTS OWNED A 1989 CAVALIER Z24 FOR 20 YEARS, AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH ITS FRAME. I'VE READ THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR 2003 CHEVY CAVALIERS. WHY IS THIS? WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL? MY FAMILY HAS OWNED SEVERAL NEW AND USED VEHICLES, ALL GM, AND WE HAVE NEVER SEEN A SUB-FRAME RUST TO THIS EXTENT. WE ARE A GM FAMILY AND ARE EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN GM'S LACK OF RESPONSE TO THIS SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10876674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
INSTRUMET CLUSTER PROBLEMS FOR A FEW YEARS. FUEL SENDING UNIT HAS BEEN REPLACED AT ABOUT 52,000 MILES AFTER QUITING TWICE WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEED OF 55 MPH. DEALER CLAIMED THE CAR QUIT BECAUSE OF A BAD BATTERY THE FIRST TIME AND DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM CORRECTLY. IT WAS NOT THE BATTERY. THE FUEL SENDING UNIT INTERMITTENTLY READS WELL BEYOND FULL AND INTERFEARS WITH THE TEMPERATURE GAGE FUNCTION. NOW SPEEDOMETER IS STUCK AT 85 MPH WHILE TURNED OFF. I WAS DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE DOING 67 MPH, I SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE A TURN AT AN AT GRADE INSECTION TO A ROAD POSTED AT 55 MPH. I COMPLETED THE TURN AND SPED UP. THE SPEEDOMETER READ 58 MPH BUT IT FELT LLIKE I WAS GONG ABOUT 30 MPH. I STOPPED AT ANOTHER INTERSECTION AND THE SPEED DROPPED TO 40 MPH. I MADE THE TURN AND ACELERATED AND THE SPEED WENT TO 110 MPH BUT I WAS NOT GOING NEAR THAT FAST. THE CAR IS IN DRIVEWAY TURNED OFF BUT THE SPEEDOMETER READS 85 MPH. MOST RECENT ISSUE IS STEERING RACK AND K-FRAME RUSTED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MECHANIC STATED HE NEVER SAW A STEERING RACK RUST OUT OR A K FRAME RUSTED AS BAD AS THE ONE ON THIS VEHICLE. WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10850333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
I HAVE NOTICED A LOT AND I MEAN A LOT OF THESE CAVALIERS HAVE HAD HORRIBLE FRAME PROBLEMS I USE TO WORK ON CARS EVERYDAY UNTIL THE LAST YEAR WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE MECHANICS FIELD AN NOW I OWN A 03 CHEVY CAVALIER ITS A TWO DOOR 5 SPEED 2.2 I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM THE STORE AND I FELT SOMETHING RUBBING SO I STOPPED AN GOT OUT TO FIND OUT MY K FRAME WAS HORRIBLY ROTTED AN BROKE NOW THIS VEHICLE IS 13 YEARS OLD BUT AS ROTTED OUT AS IT WAS IT WASN'T SOMETHING THAT JUST HAPPENED ITS BEEN BAD I WAS JUST THE LUCKY OWNER THAT THE FRAME GAVE OUT ON AN I DEMAND TO KNOW WHY THIS ISN'T A RECALL ANOTHER THING IS I OWNED A 98 FORD F150 WHICH HAD RECALLS AN WHEN I WAS SENT THE LETTER ABOUT THE RECALLS I ASKED FORD WHY THE FRAMES ON THE F150 OR RANGER WASN'T A RECALL THEY HAD NO ANSWER. I PUT MY CHILD IN THESE AUTO MAKERS CARS AND TRUST THEIR WORK TO KEEP HIM SAFE BUT THEY HAVE NO ANSWER FOR WHY ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PART ON THE WHOLE VEHICLE IS FALLING APART. I DON'T KNOW IF THEY NEED TO USE STAINLESS STEEL, ALUMINUM, OR WHAT BUT IT NEEDS FIXED OR THE VEHICLES NEED REIMBURSED AN CRUSHED. I COULD OF BEEN DOING 70 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY WOMAN AN SON IN THE CAR AN THE FRAME COULD OF WENT AND KILLED US ALL. IS THAT WHAT ITS GONNA TAKE TO GET THIS [XXX] FIXED SOMEONE ELSE TO DIE/HURT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10825225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
THE VEHICLE STEERING IS NOT TIGHT AND I AM NOT ABLE TO TIGHTLY CONTROL THE MOVEMENT COMPLETELY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS OR MAKING TURNS. THE WHEEL STEERING FEELS LOOSE AND UNSECURED. WHEN DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE DRIFTS REGARDLESS IF I HAVE CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #10811156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
METAL ON METAL NOISE FOUND OUT SHOES AND ROTORS ARE DAMAGEDDAMAGED. I HAVE NO MONEY. V CAN'T FIX THIS. SMELL INSIDE OF LEAK. TEMP RUNNING HIGH. 200.
NHTSA complaint #10810161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
NORMAL DRIVING MY FATHERS CAR THE FRAME BROKE ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE JUST PAST THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. LOOKS TO BE METAL FATIGUE. I CAN SEND PICTURES IF NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #10617087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
DRIVING DOWN STREET HEARD A BANG GOT OUT FOUND DRIVER SIDE TIRE HITTING FENDER TOE TRUCK CAME AND SHOULD ME THAT SUB FRAME BROKE TALK TO SEVERAL PEOPLE SAID SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #10557214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY COLLAPSED. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HIS VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A PARK CAR. THE SEAT BELT WAS TIGHT, AND THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SIDE WHEEL WAS AT A 90 DEGREE PERPENDICULAR ANGLE TO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY LOOKED DESTROYED.
NHTSA complaint #10514223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
BROKEN K-MEMBER /477-03540.
NHTSA complaint #10482531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
ENGINE CRADLE SUBFRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH ON RIGHT SIDE. LOW MILEAGE, CAR IS PARKED IN A GARAGE, SO IT DOES NOT SIT OUTSIDE ALL DAY AND NIGHT. MY MECHANIC TELLS ME HE HAS SEEN THIS A LOT WITH CHEVYS. HE SAYS IT IS ESPECIALLY TRUE WITH GM CARS DRIVEN IN THE NORTH BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER...SO MUCH FOR BEING IMPORTED FROM DETROIT; ISN'T THAT IN THE NORTH? HE SAYS HE CAN ORDER A USED REPLACEMENT FROM THE SOUTHERN US. I KNOW A CAVALIER IS NOT A TOP-OF-THE-LINE CAR, BUT ISN'T THE FRAME SUPPOSED TO BE THE STROGEST PART? COME ON GM, FIX THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEBODY DIES! I WAS GOING TO LET MY 16 YEAR OLD KID DRIVE THE CAR, NOW I HAVE TO TELL HIM THAT HE CAN'T BECAUSE AN AFFORDABLE CAR MADE BY THE BIGGEST US AUTOMAKER IS CHEAPLY MADE AND UNSAFE!?
NHTSA complaint #10465998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER- AT 64,000 MILES FUEL PUMP DIED WHILE PARKED AT A STORE UPON RESTART $700.00 REPLACEMENT. AT APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES FRONT CLUNKING NOISE STARTED, DEALER COULD NEVER FIND A PROBLEM, NOW AT 76,000 MILES, HAVING FRONT UPPER STRUT MOUNTS REPLACED. FOUND ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT SAME ISSUES. I DETERMINED CAUSE OF FRONT CLUNK ON MY OWN. ALSO, WAS IN COLLISION THAT INVOLVED FRONT DRIVER SIDE, DOWN DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, DON'T KNOW IF THEY SHOULD HAVE. NOONE WAS HURT, WAS SLOW SPEED CRASH. STILL CANNOT BELIEVE NO RECALL ON FUEL PUMP OR FRONT SUSPENSION. APPARENTLY GM DOESN'T WANT TO FOOT THE 700.00 BILL FOR THE FUEL PUMP DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10339834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
THIS A COMPLAINT IDENTICAL TO #10210719 RELATING TO THE STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS ON A ONE OWNER 1999 CAVALIER. THE CAR HAS 35,000 ORIGINAL MILES ON IT AND IT HAS BEEN GARAGED SINCE PURCHASED. IT BELONGS TO MY 85 YEAR OLD MOTHER. HAD SHE GOTTEN ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND BEEN TRAVELING ACCORDINGLY AND HIT A BUMP OR POTHOLE, THIS WOULD HAVE BECOME A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS MODEL IS A FATALITY WAITING TO HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #10325545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
I BOUGHT THIS CAR A 2002 CHEVY CAVALIER IN 2005, AND AT THE TIME THERE WAS 25K ORIGINAL MILES SO I WAS TOLD. SINCE THEN I HAVE FOUND OUT THERE HAS BEEN 5 RECALLS ON THIS CAR FOR VARIOUS SAFETY HAZARDS, NONE OF WHICH I WAS EVER TOLD ABOUT PRIOR OR DURING MY PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE. THE SIGNALS HAVE FAILED, I HAD TO PAY FOR THEM TO BE REPLACED, THE BEARINGS ON THE TIRES CAUSED DRY ROT AND I HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE THOSE, BOTH WERE ON THE RECALL LIST. THE ENGINE WOULD OVER HEAT IN THE IDLE POSITION, AND THEY REPLACED AN AIR FILTER SITTING THAT AS THE PROBLEM AND IT WASN'T. THE PEDAL STICKS WHEN I ACCELERATE AND SOMETIMES GETS STUCK, THE ROCKERARMS HAVE STARTED TO GO BAD AND IT HAS CAUSED THE VALVE STEMS TO BEND,THUS CAUSING THE OILPUMP TO SEIZE UP AND NOW MY CARS ENGINE HAS A BLOWN GASKET,THIS IS UNDER THE ENGINE COMPONENT SYSTEM RECALL, WHICH WAS REPORTED IN 2007. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. AND NOW IM PAYING 350 PER MONTH FOR A CAR THAT IS NOT RUNNING.
NHTSA complaint #10315340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
FAULTY GAUGES CLUSTER. THE GAS, TEMPERATURE, SPEEDOMETER, AND RPM GAUGES STOP WORKING IN A WEEKLY BASIS FOR SEVERAL DAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10275181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
I HAVE A 1996 CHEVY CAVALIER THAT WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE STEERING WENT HAYWIRE. WHEN IT WAS CHECKED BY A SHOP IT WAS FOUND TO BE CAUSED BY A RUSTED OUT SUBFRAME. THIS CAR HAS 112K ON IT WITH VERY MINIMAL RUSTING IE AROUND THE GAS CAP.
NHTSA complaint #10250485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR
BACK RIGHT REAR SPRING BROKE ON THE BRAKE, ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP THIS WAS THE 3RD ONE THEY HAD SEEN ON THIS MODEL. THE TIRE LOCKED UP COMPLETELY AND THIS HAS NOW CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH THE IDLING OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10240889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER HAD A FLAT TIRE AND WENT TO A TIRE SHOP. BOTH REAR TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE WORN DOWN TO THE METAL. THE AUTO SHOP COULD NOT ALIGN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE REAR AXLE WAS BENT. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2007, BOTH REAR TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE REAR AXLE WAS BENT BEYOND THE POINT WHERE IT COULD BE ADJUSTED; THEREFORE, IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE AXLE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE REAR TIRE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,238.
NHTSA complaint #10239387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.