Engine And Engine CoolingInterior LightingVisibility
ABOUT 1-2 MONTHS AGO MY WIFE TRIED TO START THE CAR AND SHE SAID THAT ALL OF THE SYSTEMS(I.E. WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES, INTERIOR WARNING LIGHTS, ETC.) STARTED GOING OFF ALL AT ONCE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD'T PUSH IN, THERE WAS A LOUD BUXXING NOISE, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. EVER SINCE WE HAVE HAD TO TRY SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE T…
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ABOUT 1-2 MONTHS AGO MY WIFE TRIED TO START THE CAR AND SHE SAID THAT ALL OF THE SYSTEMS(I.E. WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES, INTERIOR WARNING LIGHTS, ETC.) STARTED GOING OFF ALL AT ONCE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD'T PUSH IN, THERE WAS A LOUD BUXXING NOISE, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. EVER SINCE WE HAVE HAD TO TRY SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD START AND THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHEN WE ARE DRIVING ALONG (SPEED DOESN'T SEEM TO PLAY A ROLE) AND THE CAR WILL REACT IN A SIMILAR MANNER AND STOP RUNNING. AFTER THIS HAPPENS, IT CAN TAKE US UP TO 10-15 MINUTES TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN. JUST THIS MORNING IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND IF THE TRUCK BEHIND US HAD NOT SWERVED AS IT DID, IT WOULD HAVE TOTALLED OUR CAR. WE THEN SPENT ALMOST 20 MINUTES IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC TRYING TO START OUR CAR.(THIS WAS SUBMITTED BY BRIAN QUINNEY - HUSBAND OF SAID OWNER). *AK
NHTSA ODI #764152
Mileage unknown · May 13, 2002
Electrical SystemVisibility
CONSUMER STATES ONE WEEK PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL 02V07, THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND IT WAS REPLACED, CONSUMER IS BEING DENIED REIMBURSEMENT DUE TO HAVING THE PART REPLACED BEFORE THE RECALL WAS EFFECTIVE. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #565758
Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2002
Visibility
WHEN DRIVING WITH THE TOP DOWN AND THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOWS UP, THE SUPPORT MECHANISM CAN NOT SUPPORT THE WINDOWS AND THE CLIPS EVENTUALLY BREAK. CHEVROLET WILL NOT RECOMMEND TO THE OWNERS TO LOWER THE WINDOWS OR DEVELOP A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS PRESSURE CAN ALSO PUT STRESS ON THE WINDOW AUTOMATIC MOT…
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WHEN DRIVING WITH THE TOP DOWN AND THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOWS UP, THE SUPPORT MECHANISM CAN NOT SUPPORT THE WINDOWS AND THE CLIPS EVENTUALLY BREAK. CHEVROLET WILL NOT RECOMMEND TO THE OWNERS TO LOWER THE WINDOWS OR DEVELOP A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS PRESSURE CAN ALSO PUT STRESS ON THE WINDOW AUTOMATIC MOTORS CAUSING THEM TO BREAK.*AK
NHTSA ODI #761227
Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2002
Power TrainVisibility
I HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANS, AND SHE HAD JUST PEPLACED HER TRANSMISSION. ALSO MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN BECAUSE THE MOTOR IS GONE IN THE WINDOW. I KNOW OF TWO OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THERE WINDOWS WITH THE SAME YEAR AND MAKE. I JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF IT COULD BE A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE REC…
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I HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANS, AND SHE HAD JUST PEPLACED HER TRANSMISSION. ALSO MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN BECAUSE THE MOTOR IS GONE IN THE WINDOW. I KNOW OF TWO OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THERE WINDOWS WITH THE SAME YEAR AND MAKE. I JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF IT COULD BE A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY THE MONEY FOR THESE PROBLEMS. THANK YOU.*AK
NHTSA ODI #760342
Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2001
Visibility
WINDSHIELD WIPERS COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. LAST WINTER WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON DURING A SNOW STORM WIPERS WERE STUCK ON WINDSHIELD. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #895422
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2001
Visibility
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARM DOES NOT PARK IN THE DOWN POSITION WHEN THEY ARE TURNED OFF, THE WIPERS WOULD REMAIN IN UPRIGHT POSITION DISTRACTING THE DRIVER'S VIEW, DELAY FEATURE STOPS AT A HIGHER PAUSE LEVEL, ON ONE OCCASION WIPERS FAILED COMPLETELY, DEALER STATES THE ARM WAS DISENGAGED CAUSING FAILURE.*YH
NHTSA ODI #561595
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2001
Visibility
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD STAY IN UPRIGHT POSITION WHENEVER SWITCH IS TURNED OFF. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT RETURN TO DOWN POSITION. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED FOR REPAIRS. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER . *AK
NHTSA ODI #889988
Mileage unknown · May 2, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingVisibility
WINDSHIELD WIPERS STAY IN UPRIGHT POSTION, COOLANT LEAKING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #744848
Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2001
Visibility
WINDSHIELD WIPERS AFTER BEING TURNED OFF, STAY UP IN MIDDLE OF WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER HAS REDUCED VISIBILITY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #886475
Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingLatches/locks/linkagesFire
CONSUMER HAD JUST GOTTEN HOME AND PARKED VEHICLE. 5-10 MINUTES LATER, HORN WAS BLOWING. CONSUMER LOOKED OUTSIDE FRONT END OF VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. DASHBOARD AND STEERING COLUMN WERE COMPLETELY DESTROYED. CHEVROLET DEALER SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THEREFORE, THEY WOULDN'T BE LIABLE. ALLSTATE INSURANCE ADJUSTER…
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CONSUMER HAD JUST GOTTEN HOME AND PARKED VEHICLE. 5-10 MINUTES LATER, HORN WAS BLOWING. CONSUMER LOOKED OUTSIDE FRONT END OF VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. DASHBOARD AND STEERING COLUMN WERE COMPLETELY DESTROYED. CHEVROLET DEALER SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THEREFORE, THEY WOULDN'T BE LIABLE. ALLSTATE INSURANCE ADJUSTER TOOK ONE LOOK,AND COULD TELL IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. CHEVROLET DEALER WAS NOT RESPONDING TO INSURANCE ADJUSTER. VEHICLE WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DEALER HAD REPLACED THE OIL PUMP, SOLENOID, AND EXHAUST HOWEVER LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED. BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WINDSHIELD WIPER SKIPS AND CHATTERS ACROSS WINDSHIELD, DEALER REPLACED BLADE. TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE LEVER, COMPARTMENT LID RELEASE BROKE. CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL, DEALER COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. *SLC
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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