MY HORN SUDDENLY WENT OFF AND STUCK FOR NO REASON WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR (BEFORE I EVEN STARTED IT). I HAD SOMEONE DISCONNECT THE WIRING FOR THE HORN AND THAT PERSON TOLD ME HE COULD SMELL SOMETHING COMING FROM THE AIR BAG. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS MOST LIKELY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM …
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MY HORN SUDDENLY WENT OFF AND STUCK FOR NO REASON WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR (BEFORE I EVEN STARTED IT). I HAD SOMEONE DISCONNECT THE WIRING FOR THE HORN AND THAT PERSON TOLD ME HE COULD SMELL SOMETHING COMING FROM THE AIR BAG. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS MOST LIKELY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE HORN. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT MY RIGHTS ARE AND WHAT I CAN DO SO THIS CAN BE FIXED. I DO NOT HAVE MUCH MONEY AS I JUST BECAME LAID OFF SO I CAN USE ANY KIND OF HELP. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP!
NHTSA ODI #708661
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 1999
Electrical System
NOVEMBER 13, 1998 CAR WOULD NOT START IN MORNING. CALLED FOR SERVICE, ABLE TO GET CAR STARTED BEFORE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED. TOOK CAR IN TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, CHARGED $70 AND SENT HOME. FEBRUARY 1999, IGNITION FAILED TWO MORNINGS IN A ROW, AGAIN PROBLEM CLEARED UP BEFORE TOW TRUCK A…
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NOVEMBER 13, 1998 CAR WOULD NOT START IN MORNING. CALLED FOR SERVICE, ABLE TO GET CAR STARTED BEFORE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED. TOOK CAR IN TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, CHARGED $70 AND SENT HOME. FEBRUARY 1999, IGNITION FAILED TWO MORNINGS IN A ROW, AGAIN PROBLEM CLEARED UP BEFORE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED. DEALER UNABLE TO GIVE ANY FURTHER EXPLANATION. FEBRUARY, 1999 HORN CEASED FUNCTIONING, CHECKED FUSES ALL SEEM OK. SCHEDULED TO TAKE CAR IN FOR SERVICE IN EARLY APRIL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #704923
Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 1999
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
ON MAY 29 1998 MY CARS ETS/ ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, AND I TOOK IT TO A CHEVROLET DEALER TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE NUMBER 2 ENGINE CYLINDER MISFIRING, AND THEY TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS I WAS BACK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS TIME THE CALLED THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANT …
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ON MAY 29 1998 MY CARS ETS/ ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, AND I TOOK IT TO A CHEVROLET DEALER TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE NUMBER 2 ENGINE CYLINDER MISFIRING, AND THEY TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS I WAS BACK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS TIME THE CALLED THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANT FOR HELP, AND THEY DID THIS ANOTHER TIME AS THEY DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I THEN MOVE TO FT. POLK LA. AS I AM IN THE MILITARY. ON 1 JAN 9, THE SAME PROBLEM STARTED UP AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY DID THE SAME THING THE OTHER SHOP DID. I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN THE SHOP FOR A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES THAT THEY HAVE WORKED ON IT, REPLACING THE CYLINDER CAP/FUEL INJECTOR AND COIL HOUSING. AND THEY TALKED TO THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANTCE PERSONNEL AT CHEVROLET. THE LAST TIME I HAD MY CAR IN THE SHOP WAS 29JAN 99, AND THEY HOOKED A COMPUTER UP TO IT. DROVE IT FOR A WEEK TO TRY TO CREAT THE PROBLEM SO THEY COULD TAKE A PICTURE OF THE SYSTEM. BUT THE LIGHTS NEVER CAME ON. SO THEY GAVE ME BACK MY CAR WITH THE PROBLEM STILL NOT FIXED, AND THE CHEVROLET CORP. WON'T DO ANY THING ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT CONTINUE TO WORK ON IT UNDER THE WARRANTY. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEM, AND THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS ARE OUT OF SUGGESTIONS. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE CHEVROLET CORP, AND FEEL THAT NOTHING WILL BE DONE ABOUT MY PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND CAN'T , AND THEY WON'T REPLACE THE CAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #703023
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
BATTERY DEAD. YH
NHTSA ODI #608895
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
Electrical System
BATTERY DIED. YH
NHTSA ODI #606186
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 1999
Electrical System
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. NLM
NHTSA ODI #605886
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 1998
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC THE VEHICLE STALL AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN. DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION COIL MODULE WHICH HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. LATEST REPAIR ATTEMPT WAS FOR A SHORT IN THE PCM IGNITION CIRCUIT, WHICH APPEARS TO HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI #832864
Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 1998
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BUCKS AT ONE POINT AS IF IT LACKS GAS AND IT ALSO STALLS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER RECIEVED RECALL TO REPLACED PCM. PCM REPLACED 4 TIMES HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXIST. CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. *TT
NHTSA ODI #831790
Mileage unknown · Nov 25, 1998
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
SPARK SPLUG FAILED CAUSING ENGINE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI #542730
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 1998
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
FRONT BRAKE PADS/ROTOR WORE OUT, CAUSING VIBRATION WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. ALSO DEALER REPLACED ENGINE MOUNTS/IGNITION SWITCH. BRAKE LINE WAS FOUND RUBBING AGAINST AXLE SHAFT AND WAS FIXED. IN ADDITION, FRONT END SHAKES/VIBRATES.
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 MIS-LOCATED WELDS AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE LEFT ROCKER PANEL INNER REINFORCEMENT AND THE BODY SIDE RING. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 214, "SIDE DOOR STRENGTH."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SHEET METAL STRUCTURE WOULD NOT PERFORM AS DESIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS AND, IF NECESSARY, PLACE FIVE WELDS BETWEEN THE INVOLVED PANELS AND APPLY PRIMER AND TOPCOAT FINISH MATERIALS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH INCORRECT RIMS. IF THE SPARE TIRE IS UNDERINFLATED, THE BEAD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE RIM CAUSING A RAPID LOSS OF AIR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A RAPID LOSS OF AIR CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIM ON THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNERS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO USE THE SPARE TIRE UNTIL THE RIM HAS BEEN REPLACED.
THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT WIPER BLADE ASSEMBLY (17" LONG INSTEAD OF 22" LONG) ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE AREA AND PATTERN WIPED ON THE WINDSHIELD WILL BE REDUCED AND COULD AFFECT THE DRIVER'S VIEW IN WET WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE CORRECT WIPER BLADE ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A CORRECT LENGTH WIPER BLADE 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
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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