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
What owners actually said
540 reports
42,000 miles · Oct 11, 2004
Unknown Or Other
CAR SMELLS LIKE GAS IN WARM AND HOT WEATHER, SMELL COMES IN THROUGH THE VENT SYSTEM. CHEVY MED-VED IN ARVADA COLORADO CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM, BUT REPLACED THE EXHAUST GAS CANISTER, STATING IT WAS SATURATED WITH GAS, CAR STILL HAS THE SAME SMELL AFTER THIS REPLACEMENT. MANY OTHER REPAIR SHOPS REFERRED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP WHIC…
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CAR SMELLS LIKE GAS IN WARM AND HOT WEATHER, SMELL COMES IN THROUGH THE VENT SYSTEM. CHEVY MED-VED IN ARVADA COLORADO CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM, BUT REPLACED THE EXHAUST GAS CANISTER, STATING IT WAS SATURATED WITH GAS, CAR STILL HAS THE SAME SMELL AFTER THIS REPLACEMENT. MANY OTHER REPAIR SHOPS REFERRED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH I TOOK THE CAR TO. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD IF FUMES OF GAS ARE EXISTENT-THIS IS MY CONCERN, NOT TO MENTION THE SMELL THAT COMES IN THE CAR IS NOT OF CLEAN AIR-MY SECOND CONCERN. SUMMARY OF ACTIVITY: THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTICED SINCE SUMMER 2000. AIR CONDITIONING AND REPAIR SHOP REFERS ME TO DEALERSHIP, ADVISES ME TO STOP DRIVING THE CAR BECAUSE IT IS A FIRE HAZARD. IN 2000 AND 2001, FAILURE TO DUPLICATE GAS LEAK SMELL WHEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. IN SUMMER 2004, GAS LEAK EVIDENT AT DEALERSHIP, REPLACED E-VAC CANISTER, GIVES ADVICE NOT TO "TOP OFF THE TANK WHEN FILLING UP WITH GAS." OCTOBER 2004, SMELL IS STILL EVIDENT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10093926
Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2004
SteeringFireInjury
WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK A STEEL POLE. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER WAS INJURED AND WENT TO THE HOSPITAL THE NEXT DAY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE RAC…
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WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK A STEEL POLE. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER WAS INJURED AND WENT TO THE HOSPITAL THE NEXT DAY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE RACK PINION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE VEHICLE. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA ODI #10094224
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2004
Service Brakes, Air
MY ABS LIGHT WENT ON AFTER I HAD THE BRAKES DONE. THIS OCCURED SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER. MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND SAID THE COMPUTER BOARD WAS BROKEN AND IT WOULD BE EXPENSIVE. SO NOW THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10091375
Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER RESTARTED VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE MACHINE CODES SHOWED THAT THE FUEL INJECTIONS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BUT THE NEXT DAY VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN, AND CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED…
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WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER RESTARTED VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE MACHINE CODES SHOWED THAT THE FUEL INJECTIONS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BUT THE NEXT DAY VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN, AND CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10092005
Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2004
Steering
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN RACK PINION STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT RACK AND PINION: PINION SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10092001
Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2004
Electrical System
CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALL 02V07000. 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. THIS RECALL …
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CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALL 02V07000. 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. THIS RECALL FAILED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10091882
Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2004
SteeringTires
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 02V186000; STEERING ASSEMBLY; THE OWNER TOOK HER VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL BUT WAS INFORMED THAT OTHER ITEMS WERE WRONG. THOSE ITEMS WERE REPAIRED SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE. IT APPEARS THAT THEIR INTEREST WAS NOT ABOUT THE STEERING, IN WHICH THEY ONLY REPLACED THE LOWER PINION. THE CONSUMER QUESTIONED THE REPA…
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NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 02V186000; STEERING ASSEMBLY; THE OWNER TOOK HER VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL BUT WAS INFORMED THAT OTHER ITEMS WERE WRONG. THOSE ITEMS WERE REPAIRED SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE. IT APPEARS THAT THEIR INTEREST WAS NOT ABOUT THE STEERING, IN WHICH THEY ONLY REPLACED THE LOWER PINION. THE CONSUMER QUESTIONED THE REPAIRS MADE TO HER VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILING ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO HER. THEY ARE NOT CLAIMING ANY FURTHER RESPONSIBILITY. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *JB TIRE WAS HIT WITH A NAIL CREATING AN UNBALANCED TIRE. *TC
NHTSA ODI #10091441
78,000 miles · Sep 2, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE HEAD GASKET LEAKED WATER. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER HAD TO CHECK THE WATER LEVEL DAILY TO MAKE SURE THAT ENGINE WOULD NOT OVERHEAT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10090319
189,000 miles · Sep 2, 2004
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingCrashInjury
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED, RESULTING IN A REAR END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY ON DRIVER'S SIDE. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10090307
81,150 miles · Sep 2, 2004
SteeringCrashInjury
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT AND WHEN TURNING INTO THE DRIVEWAY RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED. CONSUMER TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT THE WHEELS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE DID NOT TURN, RESULTING IN A COLLISION, AND INJURING THE DRIVER. *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 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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