IllustrationI LEARNED THAT TECHNICAL BULLETINS WERE GIVEN WITH REGARD TO THIS PROBLEM. IT APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AFTER REVIEWING NUMEROUS CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND TECHNICAL BULLETINS. *AK
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Cavalier years
Owner complaints for the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier are substantially higher than the model-year median of 140.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cavalier years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 88 of 540 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 107 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
70 crash reports25 fire reports60 injury reports
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
106 reportsMY CAR HAD STARTED OVERHEATING REALLY BAD, AND WAS GOING THROUGH COOLANT LIKE CRAZY. SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY CHARGED WAY TO MUCH. SO I TOOK IT TO A RADIATOR SHOP AND HAD IT LOOKED AT. THEY REPLACED THE WATER PUMP AND SOME HOSES, AND IT STILL ACTED UP. SO I FINALLY BOUGHT A WHOLE NEW COOLANT TAN…
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MY CAR HAD STARTED OVERHEATING REALLY BAD, AND WAS GOING THROUGH COOLANT LIKE CRAZY. SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY CHARGED WAY TO MUCH. SO I TOOK IT TO A RADIATOR SHOP AND HAD IT LOOKED AT. THEY REPLACED THE WATER PUMP AND SOME HOSES, AND IT STILL ACTED UP. SO I FINALLY BOUGHT A WHOLE NEW COOLANT TANK, AND YET STILL IT CONTINUED TO DO THE SAME THING. SO I TOOK IT TO FIRESTONE TO HAVE A COOLANT PRESSURE TEST DONE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD A LEAK IN THE FRONT CORNER. THEY ESTIMATED IT AT COSTING ABOUT $800 TO FIX THE HEAD GASKET. BUT THEN I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO GO BUY A NEW CAP FOR THE COOLANT TANK AND I HAVEN'T HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT OVERHEATING ON ME. THAT CAP ONLY COST ME LIKE $10. WHAT CONCERNS ME IS THAT THE PRESSURE CAP THAT WAS ORIGINALLY ON THE CAR WAS A 15 PSI CAP AND THE NEW ONE I BOUGHT FROM THE DEALER WAS AN 18 PSI. THEY TOLD ME THEY CHANGED THE PART FOR MY CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY I WASN'T NOTIFIED OF THIS. THAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE WHOLE PROBLEM BEHIND MY CAR OVERHEATING.*LT
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE PARKWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. NLM
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY HEARD A THUMPING NOISE. MANIFOLD : ENGINE, ABOVE THE SPRING HOLDING THE BRACKET, BROKE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
THE WATER PUMP AND THE HEAD GASKET ARE LEAKING. AND IT DIDN'T SHOW ANY ENGINE CHECK OR ANY SIGN.*AK
VEHICLE STALLS AT SLOW SPEEDS AND IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. WILL START AGAIN AFTER 5-15 MINUTES. TAKEN TO DEALER, CANNOT REMEDY. VEHICLE HAS STALLED ABOUT 15 TIMES. *AK
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM LEAK. USUALLY LEAKS AFTER CONSUMER PARKS OR STOPS FOR A LONG TIME.*AK
DEALER STATED THAT IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS HE HAS CORRECTED TWO PRIOR CASES WITH SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL.NO SAFETY DEFECT. *AK
MECHANIC AT DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED LETTERS THAT THIS WAS OCCURING ON THESE VEHICLES DUE TO SMALL HOLE FOR OIL TO CHAIN CLOGGING BUT I HAD NO RECALLS OR WARNINGS OF THIS. THIS CAR HAS RELATIVELY FEW MILES ON IT AND AT THE TIME THIS HAPPENED, I HAD JUST STOPPED TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A …
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MECHANIC AT DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED LETTERS THAT THIS WAS OCCURING ON THESE VEHICLES DUE TO SMALL HOLE FOR OIL TO CHAIN CLOGGING BUT I HAD NO RECALLS OR WARNINGS OF THIS. THIS CAR HAS RELATIVELY FEW MILES ON IT AND AT THE TIME THIS HAPPENED, I HAD JUST STOPPED TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF IT HAD HAPPENED DURING THE TURN OR IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AS THE CAR LOST POWER IMMEDIATELY. IF THE DEALERSHIPS ARE RECEIVING LETTERS, WHY AREN'T THE OWNERS. I REALIZE THAT THERE CAN BE FAILURE OF THIS PART, BUT IF THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE CLOGGING OF THE AREA THAT KEEPS THE CHAIN OILED, THEN THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE CAR NOT THE WEAR OF THE PART.*AK
FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH PROBLEMS WITH YOUR ENGINE COOLANT, I FINALLY GOT MINE FIXED. AFTER TELLING ME IT WAS THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND THE THERMOSTAT IT ENDED UP BEING A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR CAP, SOMETHING THAT COSTS $10. A GOOD WAY TO PREVENT ENGINE SHUTDOWN IS TO TURN YOUR VENT FAN TO HOT AIR, AS HOT AS U CAN GET IT. THAT W…
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FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH PROBLEMS WITH YOUR ENGINE COOLANT, I FINALLY GOT MINE FIXED. AFTER TELLING ME IT WAS THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND THE THERMOSTAT IT ENDED UP BEING A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR CAP, SOMETHING THAT COSTS $10. A GOOD WAY TO PREVENT ENGINE SHUTDOWN IS TO TURN YOUR VENT FAN TO HOT AIR, AS HOT AS U CAN GET IT. THAT WILL BRING DOWN THE TEMPATURE READING, EVERYTIME. SOMETHING TO LOOK FOR WHEN YOUR STUCK IN TRAFFIC ALOT, THATS WHEN IT HAPPENS WHEN YOU IDLE TO LONG.*AK
Official recalls
702V286000 · Steering:rack And Pinion
Nov 4, 2002
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.
02V070000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch
Mar 6, 2002
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.
98V319000 · Suspension:rear
Dec 15, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM BOLTS CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM FASTENERS.
98V146000 · Air Bags
Jun 29, 1998
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.
98V032000 · Structure:body
Feb 25, 1998
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.
97V106000 · Wheels:space Saver Wheel
Jun 28, 1997
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.
96V160000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
Aug 29, 1996
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
4DP03007 · 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