FaultScore

FaultScore report

1998 Chevrolet Conventional problems

Owners have filed 20 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Conventional with NHTSA between 1999 and 2006. The largest single group is the engine & cooling.

Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

The numbers

20

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

35,530 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

90%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

How 1998 compares with every other Chevrolet Conventional

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1998 Chevrolet Conventional

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 4 20.0%

Median failure at 56,765 miles

Brakes 3 15.0%

Median failure at 35,530 miles

Equipment & Accessories 2 10.0%

Median failure at 35,530 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 10.0%

Median failure at 35,530 miles

Lights 2 10.0%

Median failure at 35,530 miles

Body & Structure 2 10.0%

Median failure at 35,530 miles

Seats 1 5.0%
Fuel & Propulsion 1 5.0%

Median failure at 35,530 miles

Suspension 1 5.0%

Median failure at 35,530 miles

Steering 1 5.0%
Transmission & Drivetrain 1 5.0%

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.

Apr 1999 peak 9 Oct 2006

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 78,000 miles Midland,, MI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

THE WATER PUMP DEVELOPED A LEAK. UPON REPLACING BOTH THE PUMP AND THERMOSTAT, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD FAILED AND I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN CAVALIERS.

NHTSA complaint #10171122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,530 miles Bowie, MD

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

WHILE BRAKING THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT HAD LIFTED OFF THE GROUND ABOUT A FOOT THEN PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. *NM FUMES AND SMOKE WERE COMING FROM THE WHEELS FRONT AND BACK, THE VEHICLE WAS USING 2 OR MORE QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK, OUT OF ALIGNMENT, A/C COMPRESSOR MAKES NOISE AS IF IT WERE A BAD PULLEY BEARING, THE CENTER CONSOLE WAS BROKEN, THE CREW CAB OUTSIDE LIGHTS NEVER WORKED, THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW FRONT BRAKE PADS PREMATURELY, THE REAR END LEAKED, THE REAR END WHEEL SEPERATED ABOUT TWO INCHES OUT OF POSITION, THE WATER PUMP WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WIPERS FAILED DURING A RAIN STORM, UPPER AND LOWER PULLEYS FAILED AT SEPERATE TIMES, RADIATOR EXPLODED SENDING ANTI FREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10101439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,530 miles Bowie, MD

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

WHILE BRAKING THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT HAD LIFTED OFF THE GROUND ABOUT A FOOT THEN PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. *NM FUMES AND SMOKE WERE COMING FROM THE WHEELS FRONT AND BACK, THE VEHICLE WAS USING 2 OR MORE QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK, OUT OF ALIGNMENT, A/C COMPRESSOR MAKES NOISE AS IF IT WERE A BAD PULLEY BEARING, THE CENTER CONSOLE WAS BROKEN, THE CREW CAB OUTSIDE LIGHTS NEVER WORKED, THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW FRONT BRAKE PADS PREMATURELY, THE REAR END LEAKED, THE REAR END WHEEL SEPERATED ABOUT TWO INCHES OUT OF POSITION, THE WATER PUMP WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WIPERS FAILED DURING A RAIN STORM, UPPER AND LOWER PULLEYS FAILED AT SEPERATE TIMES, RADIATOR EXPLODED SENDING ANTI FREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10101439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,530 miles Bowie, MD

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WHILE BRAKING THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT HAD LIFTED OFF THE GROUND ABOUT A FOOT THEN PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. *NM FUMES AND SMOKE WERE COMING FROM THE WHEELS FRONT AND BACK, THE VEHICLE WAS USING 2 OR MORE QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK, OUT OF ALIGNMENT, A/C COMPRESSOR MAKES NOISE AS IF IT WERE A BAD PULLEY BEARING, THE CENTER CONSOLE WAS BROKEN, THE CREW CAB OUTSIDE LIGHTS NEVER WORKED, THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW FRONT BRAKE PADS PREMATURELY, THE REAR END LEAKED, THE REAR END WHEEL SEPERATED ABOUT TWO INCHES OUT OF POSITION, THE WATER PUMP WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WIPERS FAILED DURING A RAIN STORM, UPPER AND LOWER PULLEYS FAILED AT SEPERATE TIMES, RADIATOR EXPLODED SENDING ANTI FREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10101439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,530 miles Bowie, MD

SUSPENSION

WHILE BRAKING THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT HAD LIFTED OFF THE GROUND ABOUT A FOOT THEN PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. *NM FUMES AND SMOKE WERE COMING FROM THE WHEELS FRONT AND BACK, THE VEHICLE WAS USING 2 OR MORE QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK, OUT OF ALIGNMENT, A/C COMPRESSOR MAKES NOISE AS IF IT WERE A BAD PULLEY BEARING, THE CENTER CONSOLE WAS BROKEN, THE CREW CAB OUTSIDE LIGHTS NEVER WORKED, THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW FRONT BRAKE PADS PREMATURELY, THE REAR END LEAKED, THE REAR END WHEEL SEPERATED ABOUT TWO INCHES OUT OF POSITION, THE WATER PUMP WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WIPERS FAILED DURING A RAIN STORM, UPPER AND LOWER PULLEYS FAILED AT SEPERATE TIMES, RADIATOR EXPLODED SENDING ANTI FREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10101439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,530 miles Bowie, MD

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

WHILE BRAKING THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT HAD LIFTED OFF THE GROUND ABOUT A FOOT THEN PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. *NM FUMES AND SMOKE WERE COMING FROM THE WHEELS FRONT AND BACK, THE VEHICLE WAS USING 2 OR MORE QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK, OUT OF ALIGNMENT, A/C COMPRESSOR MAKES NOISE AS IF IT WERE A BAD PULLEY BEARING, THE CENTER CONSOLE WAS BROKEN, THE CREW CAB OUTSIDE LIGHTS NEVER WORKED, THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW FRONT BRAKE PADS PREMATURELY, THE REAR END LEAKED, THE REAR END WHEEL SEPERATED ABOUT TWO INCHES OUT OF POSITION, THE WATER PUMP WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WIPERS FAILED DURING A RAIN STORM, UPPER AND LOWER PULLEYS FAILED AT SEPERATE TIMES, RADIATOR EXPLODED SENDING ANTI FREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10101439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,530 miles Bowie, MD

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

WHILE BRAKING THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT HAD LIFTED OFF THE GROUND ABOUT A FOOT THEN PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. *NM FUMES AND SMOKE WERE COMING FROM THE WHEELS FRONT AND BACK, THE VEHICLE WAS USING 2 OR MORE QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK, OUT OF ALIGNMENT, A/C COMPRESSOR MAKES NOISE AS IF IT WERE A BAD PULLEY BEARING, THE CENTER CONSOLE WAS BROKEN, THE CREW CAB OUTSIDE LIGHTS NEVER WORKED, THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW FRONT BRAKE PADS PREMATURELY, THE REAR END LEAKED, THE REAR END WHEEL SEPERATED ABOUT TWO INCHES OUT OF POSITION, THE WATER PUMP WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WIPERS FAILED DURING A RAIN STORM, UPPER AND LOWER PULLEYS FAILED AT SEPERATE TIMES, RADIATOR EXPLODED SENDING ANTI FREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10101439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,530 miles Bowie, MD

STRUCTURE

WHILE BRAKING THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT HAD LIFTED OFF THE GROUND ABOUT A FOOT THEN PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. *NM FUMES AND SMOKE WERE COMING FROM THE WHEELS FRONT AND BACK, THE VEHICLE WAS USING 2 OR MORE QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK, OUT OF ALIGNMENT, A/C COMPRESSOR MAKES NOISE AS IF IT WERE A BAD PULLEY BEARING, THE CENTER CONSOLE WAS BROKEN, THE CREW CAB OUTSIDE LIGHTS NEVER WORKED, THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW FRONT BRAKE PADS PREMATURELY, THE REAR END LEAKED, THE REAR END WHEEL SEPERATED ABOUT TWO INCHES OUT OF POSITION, THE WATER PUMP WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WIPERS FAILED DURING A RAIN STORM, UPPER AND LOWER PULLEYS FAILED AT SEPERATE TIMES, RADIATOR EXPLODED SENDING ANTI FREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10101439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,530 miles Bowie, MD

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

WHILE BRAKING THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT HAD LIFTED OFF THE GROUND ABOUT A FOOT THEN PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. *NM FUMES AND SMOKE WERE COMING FROM THE WHEELS FRONT AND BACK, THE VEHICLE WAS USING 2 OR MORE QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK, OUT OF ALIGNMENT, A/C COMPRESSOR MAKES NOISE AS IF IT WERE A BAD PULLEY BEARING, THE CENTER CONSOLE WAS BROKEN, THE CREW CAB OUTSIDE LIGHTS NEVER WORKED, THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW FRONT BRAKE PADS PREMATURELY, THE REAR END LEAKED, THE REAR END WHEEL SEPERATED ABOUT TWO INCHES OUT OF POSITION, THE WATER PUMP WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WIPERS FAILED DURING A RAIN STORM, UPPER AND LOWER PULLEYS FAILED AT SEPERATE TIMES, RADIATOR EXPLODED SENDING ANTI FREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10101439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,530 miles Bowie, MD

EQUIPMENT

WHILE BRAKING THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT HAD LIFTED OFF THE GROUND ABOUT A FOOT THEN PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE RIGHT. *NM FUMES AND SMOKE WERE COMING FROM THE WHEELS FRONT AND BACK, THE VEHICLE WAS USING 2 OR MORE QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK, OUT OF ALIGNMENT, A/C COMPRESSOR MAKES NOISE AS IF IT WERE A BAD PULLEY BEARING, THE CENTER CONSOLE WAS BROKEN, THE CREW CAB OUTSIDE LIGHTS NEVER WORKED, THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW FRONT BRAKE PADS PREMATURELY, THE REAR END LEAKED, THE REAR END WHEEL SEPERATED ABOUT TWO INCHES OUT OF POSITION, THE WATER PUMP WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WIPERS FAILED DURING A RAIN STORM, UPPER AND LOWER PULLEYS FAILED AT SEPERATE TIMES, RADIATOR EXPLODED SENDING ANTI FREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10101439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, KY

SEATS

WHEN BRAKING CONSUMER WOULD LOSE POWER STEERING. *AK SHORTLY AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE STEERING PROBLEMS STARTED. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE STEERING WOULD LOCK, BIND AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, GET STIFF WHEN BACKING AND TURNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE PRESSURE BUILT IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM CAUSED THE MASTER CYLINDER TO LEAK AND PRESSURE BUILT UP AND BLEW THE TOP OFF THE MASTER CYLINDER WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT BRAKES TO WEAR OUT. THE SEATS WERE WEARING BADLY AT THE EDGES ON BOTH SIDES.

NHTSA complaint #10054068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, KY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

WHEN BRAKING CONSUMER WOULD LOSE POWER STEERING. *AK SHORTLY AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE STEERING PROBLEMS STARTED. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE STEERING WOULD LOCK, BIND AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, GET STIFF WHEN BACKING AND TURNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE PRESSURE BUILT IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM CAUSED THE MASTER CYLINDER TO LEAK AND PRESSURE BUILT UP AND BLEW THE TOP OFF THE MASTER CYLINDER WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT BRAKES TO WEAR OUT. THE SEATS WERE WEARING BADLY AT THE EDGES ON BOTH SIDES.

NHTSA complaint #10054068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wellington, OH

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

SWING OPEN DOOR ON LEFT SIDE BROKE COMPLETELY OFF THE HINGES, AND OTHER DOOR WAS SHOWING SIGNS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #8010201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santa Maria, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILED. YH

NHTSA complaint #609044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LOS Angele, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

BRAKE CYLINDER FAILED. YH

NHTSA complaint #608824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Clemen, CA

STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

PLUG FOR SECURITY SYSTEM FAILED. YH

NHTSA complaint #607128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santa Ynez, CA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #606949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Long Beach, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

WATER PUMP FAILED.

NHTSA complaint #606943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Council BL, IA

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

DESIGN LOCATION OF THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH CAUSES DRIVER'S KNEE TO INADVERTENTLY HIT THE SWITCH AND THE WINDOW TO GO UP.

NHTSA complaint #535832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Council BL, IA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

TURN SIGNAL LIGHT WORKS WITH TRAILER HOOKED UP, BUT WITHOUT USE OF TRAILER, TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK.

NHTSA complaint #535832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.