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1998 Chevrolet Cavalier

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cavalier years

Owner complaints for the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier are substantially higher than the model-year median of 140.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 83 of 345 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 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 55 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

36 crash reports10 fire reports23 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

66 reports
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130,000 miles · Jun 14, 2004
Electrical System

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. THE DEALER PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIRS, BUT BEFORE THE CONSUMER COULD GET HOME, THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS. *AK THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD ALSO ILLUMINATED. *SC THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE SHE RECEIVED THE RECALL. THE CONS…

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CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. THE DEALER PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIRS, BUT BEFORE THE CONSUMER COULD GET HOME, THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS. *AK THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD ALSO ILLUMINATED. *SC THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS STARTING THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE SHE RECEIVED THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, THE DEALER CONTINUED TO TELL THE CONSUMER THAT THEY DID THEIR PART AND ANYTHING FURTHER WOULD COST THE CONSUMER. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10065315

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2004
Electrical System

WHILE UNDER SLOW ACCELERATION THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS MISFIRING OR HESITATING. THE CAR JERKS REPETITIVELY. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP NO CODES WHERE DETECTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10072977

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2004
Electrical System

PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S IGNITION SWITCH. *MR RECALL#04V036000. THE VEHICLE REQUIRED A NEW IGNITION SWITCH, STARTER AND BATTERY. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10073939

76,968 miles · Apr 24, 2004
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic

I HAVE HAD MY 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER FOR ALMOST 5 YEARS NOW; IN FEB. 2003 I HAD TO PAY 321.25 TO HAVE AN IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED IN MY CAR (WHICH WAS AN RECALL ISSUE); I ASKED MARTIN BURKS CHEVROLET ON FOREST PARK PARKWAY IN FOREST PARK, GA IF THE IGNITION PROBLEM WAS A RECALL ISSUE AND BOB ALLEN, THE AUTO PART SERVICE MANAGER…

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I HAVE HAD MY 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER FOR ALMOST 5 YEARS NOW; IN FEB. 2003 I HAD TO PAY 321.25 TO HAVE AN IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED IN MY CAR (WHICH WAS AN RECALL ISSUE); I ASKED MARTIN BURKS CHEVROLET ON FOREST PARK PARKWAY IN FOREST PARK, GA IF THE IGNITION PROBLEM WAS A RECALL ISSUE AND BOB ALLEN, THE AUTO PART SERVICE MANAGER LIED TO ME AND STATED THAT IT WAS NOT A RECALL ISSUE, SO I PAID $321.25 FOR REPAIR SERVICE TO FIND OUT A YEAR LATER THAT THE IGNITION SYSTEM PROBLEM WAS A RECALL ISSUE. SO I WANT TO INFORM YOU THAT CHEVROLET HAS AUTO REPAIR SERVICE CENTERS WITH WORKERS THAT LIES TO CONSUMERS JUST TO TAKE THEIR MONEY. AT THIS PRESENT TIME, MY 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER WILL NOT START BECAUSE SOMETHING IS BLOCKING THE FUEL FROM REACH THE MOTOR/ENGINE (WHICH IS ANOTHER RECALL PROBLEM) BUT NOT ACCORDING TO THE CHEVROLET MANUFACTURER; MY WHEELS FEELS AS IF THEY ARE WOBBLING SOMETIMES; AND MY STEERING COLUMN IS MAKING A SQUEAKING SOUND WHEN I TURN IT LEFT OR RIGHT. BY PUTTING IN THE VIN NUMBER, I FOUND OUT THAT THERE HAS BEEN FOUR RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATES THAT THERE HAS BEEN ONLY ONE RECALL, SOMEONE IS AGAIN LYING AND I DON'T BELIEVE IT IS THE CARFAX REPORT. I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD EXTEND THE WARRANTIES ON THEIR VEHICLES LONGER THAN THEY DO BECAUSE THEIR VEHICLES ARE LEARNED TO BE DEFECTIVE BEFORE A LIFETIME OF 5 YEARS IS UP (PRE YEARS LIFESPAN) FOR ANY VEHICLE AND THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT BE MADE TO PURCHASE THE WARRANTIES, BUT GMPP (GENERAL MOTORS PROTECTION PLAN) SHOULD REISSUE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN SOMEONE HAVE HAD AS MANY PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLES AS I HAVE WITHIN THESE LAST TWO YEARS. I FEEL THAT THESE HEADACHES AND EXPENSES COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF MARTIN BURKS HAD FIXED MY CAR THE FIRST TIME; I ALSO FEELS THAT MARTIN BURKS CHEVROLET IS AN UNTRUSTWORTHY SERVICE CENTER. I WILL ALSO BE CONTACTING THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU TO INFORM THEM OF THE UNSATISFIED SERVICE I HAVE HAD WITH MARTIN BURKS CHEVROLET SERVICE CENTER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10067751

40,178 miles · Apr 20, 2004
Electrical System

ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE CAME OUT THE IGNITION AND STEERING COLUMN. *PH THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION SYSTEM. THE DEALER ALSO INDICATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS BAD AND REPLACED IT. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE RELATED TO THE VEHICLE IGNITION SYS…

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ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE CAME OUT THE IGNITION AND STEERING COLUMN. *PH THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION SYSTEM. THE DEALER ALSO INDICATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS BAD AND REPLACED IT. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE RELATED TO THE VEHICLE IGNITION SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR ALL REPAIRS ALONG WITH REIMBURSEMENT FOR OTHER EXPENSES INCURRED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10071462

Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2004
Electrical System

NHTSA 04V036000\ IGNITION \SWITCH. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR RAN AND REMOVE THE BATTERY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE DASHBOARD. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOT HE DEALER TO GET THE REMEDY DO…

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NHTSA 04V036000\ IGNITION \SWITCH. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR RAN AND REMOVE THE BATTERY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE DASHBOARD. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOT HE DEALER TO GET THE REMEDY DONE. THE PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH STILL OCCURS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.

NHTSA ODI #10064753

102,000 miles · Feb 12, 2004
Electrical System

INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SAW BLUE SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE UNDER HOOD. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10058032

56,900 miles · Feb 6, 2004
Electrical System

WHEN KEY IS INSERTED INTO IGNITION STEERING IS LOCKED AND KEY WILL NOT TURN. TRYING TO TURN STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT BUDGE IT. CAR IS IMOBILE AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. NO SURE WAY TO TELL WHEN IT WILL OCCUR.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10056709

65,000 miles · Jan 27, 2004
Electrical System

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10055942

74,000 miles · Nov 19, 2003
Electrical SystemFire

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ,THEN THE ENGINE DIED. WHEN CONSUMER POPPED THE HOOD, NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE, PER THE FIRE INSPECTOR.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10048341

Official recalls

4

04V036000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch

Jan 27, 2004

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. THE FIRE COULD SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR, WHICH COULD INJURE OCCUPANTS OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO ADJOINING STRUCTURES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND CHECK THAT YOUR CAR WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 1, 2004. 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 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CHECK THEIR VEHICLE ONLINE BY GOING TO WWW.MYGMLINK.COM AND ENTERING THE VEHICLE'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

02V286000 · 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.

00V053000 · Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Feb 28, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BI-FUEL COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) VEHICLES. THE CNG FUEL LINE AND THE CNG HIGH PRESSURE REGULATOR COOLANT LINES CAN CONTACT OTHER FUEL (GASOLINE) AND BRAKE LINES ON THE VEHICLE. ABRASION FROM CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LEAK IN THE BRAKE PIPE, FUEL PIPE, OR BOTH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: ABRASION FROM CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LEAK IN THE BRAKE PIPE, FUEL PIPE, OR BOTH. A BRAKE FLUID LEAK COULD DISABLE A PORTION OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM, CAUSING LONGER STOPPING DISTANCES. GASOLINE LEAKING FROM A FUEL PIPE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPOSITION THE CNG FUEL AND COOLANT PIPES AND REPOSITION/REPAIR ANY DAMAGED FUEL OR BRAKE PIPES AS NECESSARY.

97V219000 · Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Nov 24, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED SECURELY RESULTING IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE WHEEL COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE OF ALL WHEEL NUTS AND, IF NECESSARY, TIGHTEN ANY THAT MAY BE BELOW REQUIRED TORQUE.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.