Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine And Engine Cooling
I REPLACED THE BATTERY ON MY 1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2.4L WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION ABOUT 3 DAYS AGO. TODAY AS I WAS DRIVING TO GET GAS THE VEHICLE STARTED TO IDLE LOW AS IF IT WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL TO THE ENGINE. AS I CAME TO A STOP IT GOT WORSE AND THEN I CHECK THE DASH FOR ANY INDICATION OF MALFUNCTION ONLY TO SEE MY AIR…
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I REPLACED THE BATTERY ON MY 1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2.4L WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION ABOUT 3 DAYS AGO. TODAY AS I WAS DRIVING TO GET GAS THE VEHICLE STARTED TO IDLE LOW AS IF IT WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL TO THE ENGINE. AS I CAME TO A STOP IT GOT WORSE AND THEN I CHECK THE DASH FOR ANY INDICATION OF MALFUNCTION ONLY TO SEE MY AIRBAG, CHECK ENGINE, ABS, CHECK OIL & BATTERY LIGHTS FLICKERING. MOMENTS LATER AS I SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR IT DIES RENDERING ALL SAFETY AND NORMAL OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. I HAD TO CALL A FRIEND TO JUMP ME 3 MORE TIMES BEFORE REACHING MY HOME WHICH WAS LESS THAN A MILE AWAY! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10438689
140,000 miles · Aug 4, 2004
Power Train
WHILE TURNING INTO A GAS STATION AND CAR BEGAN TO MAKE CLUNKING, SPUTTERING NOISES. IT STALLED THEN BEGAN TO GO AGAIN, THEN JUST STOPPED AND SAT THEIR HALFWAY IN THE ONCOMING LANES. THE ENGINE JUST REVVED IN ANY GEAR. THE CAR WAS PUSHED INTO THE GAS STATION TO AVIOD A HEAD-ON COLLISION AND A CHUNK OF THE TRANSMISSION CASING F…
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WHILE TURNING INTO A GAS STATION AND CAR BEGAN TO MAKE CLUNKING, SPUTTERING NOISES. IT STALLED THEN BEGAN TO GO AGAIN, THEN JUST STOPPED AND SAT THEIR HALFWAY IN THE ONCOMING LANES. THE ENGINE JUST REVVED IN ANY GEAR. THE CAR WAS PUSHED INTO THE GAS STATION TO AVIOD A HEAD-ON COLLISION AND A CHUNK OF THE TRANSMISSION CASING FELL OFF. THE CAR WOULD ONLY MOVE IF IN NUETRAL AND PUSHED. THE CAR IS PENDING DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10086209
78,000 miles · Aug 3, 2004
Power TrainCrash
WHILE DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD BETWEEN 25-30 MPH VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TO LEFT. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO AN EMBANKMENT. UPON IMPACT, THE VEHICLE TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACKWARDS 15 YARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DRIVER HAD TO CLIMB OUT OF THE WINDOW TO EXIST THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE OFFICER INDICATED THA…
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WHILE DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD BETWEEN 25-30 MPH VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TO LEFT. THIS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO AN EMBANKMENT. UPON IMPACT, THE VEHICLE TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACKWARDS 15 YARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DRIVER HAD TO CLIMB OUT OF THE WINDOW TO EXIST THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE OFFICER INDICATED THAT THIS OCCURRED DUE TO AN EQUIPMENT FAILURE. THE AXLE BROKE ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10086061
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2004
Power Train
WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10068661
142,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
JULY 2002 MANUAL TRANSAXLE LEAK- REPLACED LEFT AND RIGHT SEALS; MARCH 2003, LEFT SEAL REPLACED; OCTOBER 2003 RIGHT SEAL REPLACED. OCTOBER 2003, LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING UP HILLS IN 2ND OR 3RD GEAR AND SOMETIMES ON FLATS- SAME GEARS. DEALER CLAIMS THAT THERE IS AN ANTIFREEZE LEAK AND THAT THE HEAD GASKET IS BLOWN…
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JULY 2002 MANUAL TRANSAXLE LEAK- REPLACED LEFT AND RIGHT SEALS; MARCH 2003, LEFT SEAL REPLACED; OCTOBER 2003 RIGHT SEAL REPLACED. OCTOBER 2003, LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING UP HILLS IN 2ND OR 3RD GEAR AND SOMETIMES ON FLATS- SAME GEARS. DEALER CLAIMS THAT THERE IS AN ANTIFREEZE LEAK AND THAT THE HEAD GASKET IS BLOWN, MEANWHILE I TOOK IT IN FOR THE LEAKING TRANSAXLE- I CAN'T WIN.
NHTSA ODI #10070972
Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2003
Power Train
WHILE SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION, THE CLUTCH GAVE OUT ON THE THIRD GEAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10024385
37,000 miles · Jan 10, 2003
Power Train
1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ETS OFF LIGHT CAME ON DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING, OFF AGAIN BY THE TIME WE GOT TO HE DEALER. HAPPENED AGAIN DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING A WEEK LATER. DEALER FOUND THAT COMPUTER CODE INDICATED FAILURE OF A PUMP SEAL IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4-SPD OVERDRIVE TRANSMISSION). COST TO REPAI…
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1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ETS OFF LIGHT CAME ON DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING, OFF AGAIN BY THE TIME WE GOT TO HE DEALER. HAPPENED AGAIN DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING A WEEK LATER. DEALER FOUND THAT COMPUTER CODE INDICATED FAILURE OF A PUMP SEAL IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4-SPD OVERDRIVE TRANSMISSION). COST TO REPAIR WILL BE AT LEAST $1,305. OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FOUND ON THE NHTSA SITE SHOW PROBLEMS WITH PUMPS INSTALLED IN TRANSMISSIONS PRIOR TO JUNE, 1996. CAR HAS ONLY 37,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #10000904
Mileage unknown · May 14, 2002
Power TrainFire
AFTER PARKING VEHICLE TRANSMISSION CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #8009869
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2002
Power Train
WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE. CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE TO RESTART VEHICLE, BUT TO NO AVAIL. SOMEONE CAME TO HELP GT IT BACK ON THE ROAD BUT THE VEHICLE STOPPED AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND CONSUMER WAS INFORMED A MAJOR TRANSMISSION JOB WAS NEEDED. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT OF MONIES…
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WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE. CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE TO RESTART VEHICLE, BUT TO NO AVAIL. SOMEONE CAME TO HELP GT IT BACK ON THE ROAD BUT THE VEHICLE STOPPED AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND CONSUMER WAS INFORMED A MAJOR TRANSMISSION JOB WAS NEEDED. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT OF MONIES PAID FOR SERVICES. *JG
NHTSA ODI #565310
Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2001
Power Train
TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE, INTERMITTENTLY, TRANSMISSION FAILS TO OPERATE. *JG *AK
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
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 VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.
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 AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AIR BAGS DEPLOY WITH GREAT FORCE AND CAN SERIOUSLY INJURE UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANTS WHO ARE TOO CLOSE TO THEM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE.
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE INTERIOR LAMPS COMING ON UNEXPECTEDLY COULD STARTLE A DRIVER CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE LAMP CONTROL MODULE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT.
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THESE LAMPS WERE NOT FLASHING, OTHER VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE AWARE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS STOPPED INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS OR VEHICLE OWNERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER FUNCTION OF THE HAZARD WARNING LAMPS. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD LAMP SWITCH.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE STICKS OR BREAKS, UNWANTED ACCELERATION AND/OR LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL CAN RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4
DP03007 · Unintended Vehicle Acceleration
Opened Oct 14, 2003 · Closed Jan 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other:delivery
ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2003, THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) RECEIVED A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 FROM MR. DONALD FRIEDMAN, PETITIONING THE AGENCY TO OPEN A DEFECT INVESTIGATION INTO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INVOLVING [MODEL YEAR] 1996 AND 1997 GENERAL MOTORS J-CARS.IN SUPPORT OF HIS PETITION, MR. FRIEDMAN CITED A REPORT HE RECEIVED FOR GM SHOWING IT HAD RECEIVED FAR MORE REPORTS OF ALLEGED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FOR THESE MODELS THAN FOR OTHERS.AFTER ASSESSING THE DATA CLAIMED BY THE PETITIONER TO JUSTIFY HIS REQUEST, ODI FOUND NO INDICATION THAT DEFECT TREND RELATED TO THE PETITIONER'S ALLEGATIONS EXISTS AT THIS TIME.THEREFORE, THERE IS NO REASONABLE POSIBILITY THAT AN ORDER CONCERNING THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT WOULD BE ISSUED AS A RESULT OF GRANTING MR. FRIEDMAN'S PETITION.CONSEQUENTLY, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA'S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY'S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS ANALYSIS, PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE.
PE02001 · Fire In Steering Column Area
Opened Jan 3, 2002 · Closed Mar 15, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
No summary supplied.
EA98001 · Oversensitive Air Bag Deployments
Opened Jan 23, 1998 · Closed Jul 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
There is no summary currently available
PE97041 · Inadvertent Air Bag Deployments
Opened Sep 9, 1997 · Closed Jan 23, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
There is no summary currently available
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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