IllustrationI WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREE WAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR LOST ALL ACCELERATION POWER. GOT IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR. IT TRIES BUT WON'T START. ALL POWER IS WORKING AND STARTER AND ALTERNATOR ARE TRYING TO WORK. *TR
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier do not stand out strongly from 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
200–25K
3225–50K
1950–75K
1675–100K
10100–150K
7150K+
104 reports with mileage · 139 unknown
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 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
23 crash reports8 fire reports14 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
56 reportsTHE DEFROST WOULDN'T WORK WHEN REALLY RAINY OR COLD AND THIS STARTED IN WINTER OF 2009. IN SUMMER OF 2010 THE AC WORKED ONLY WHEN FAN WAS ON MED OR HIGH, BUT FINALLY ONLY ON HIGH. THESE WERE ELECTRICAL WIRING PROBLEMS: AC DUE TO BLOWER RESISTOR BURNED OUT AND DEFROST CAUSED BY A RESISTOR BURNED OUT. AC STARTED TO SMELL LIKE SOME…
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THE DEFROST WOULDN'T WORK WHEN REALLY RAINY OR COLD AND THIS STARTED IN WINTER OF 2009. IN SUMMER OF 2010 THE AC WORKED ONLY WHEN FAN WAS ON MED OR HIGH, BUT FINALLY ONLY ON HIGH. THESE WERE ELECTRICAL WIRING PROBLEMS: AC DUE TO BLOWER RESISTOR BURNED OUT AND DEFROST CAUSED BY A RESISTOR BURNED OUT. AC STARTED TO SMELL LIKE SOMETHING ELECTRICAL WAS BURNING. IF THIS WASN'T FIXED ANY SOONER COULD HAVE CAUSED FIRE I'M SURE. NOW I HAVE TO SEE WHAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED NOW THAT I HAVE SERVICE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON. WITH THESE ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAD NO SERVICE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COME ON. O2 SENSOR REPLACED @ 68,000 AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER CHANGED @ 56,000 AND THE RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE REPLACED. *TR
WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED A "CLUNK" CAN BE HEARD AND FELT. THIS HAPPENED BACK IN ABOUT 2003 AND STILL CONTINUES TO THIS DAY. ON SECOND COMPLAINT, ODOMETER NUMBERS NO LONGER SHOW UP PROPERLY. ONLY WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE ODOMETER AREA DO THE NUMBERS LIGHT UP. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING 25-35 MPH, THE TRACTION LIGHT FLASHED AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE KNOCKING AND RATTLING NOISES. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO CHECK THE ENGINE AND THE NOISE STOPPED. WHEN HE BEGAN DRIVING AGAIN, EVERY LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING 25-35 MPH, THE TRACTION LIGHT FLASHED AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE KNOCKING AND RATTLING NOISES. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO CHECK THE ENGINE AND THE NOISE STOPPED. WHEN HE BEGAN DRIVING AGAIN, EVERY LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AGAIN AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. WHEN HE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, THE KNOCKING STOPPED AND THE LIGHTS STOPPED FLASHING. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,358 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
IN DECEMBER, 2006 I HAD A NEW ALTERNATOR AND A NEW FUEL PUMP PUT IN (895.00). 1/10/07 MY IGNITION MODULE AND THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WENT OUT (695.45). 5/14/07 MY IGNITION COIL NEEDED REPLACING (252.18). NOVEMBER 8, 2007 I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND VALVE COVER GASKET ($500) I'M AM TIRED OF REPAIRING. IT'S GO…
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IN DECEMBER, 2006 I HAD A NEW ALTERNATOR AND A NEW FUEL PUMP PUT IN (895.00). 1/10/07 MY IGNITION MODULE AND THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WENT OUT (695.45). 5/14/07 MY IGNITION COIL NEEDED REPLACING (252.18). NOVEMBER 8, 2007 I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND VALVE COVER GASKET ($500) I'M AM TIRED OF REPAIRING. IT'S GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT'S CAUSING MY IGNITION STUFF TO BURN OUT. *TR
IN DECEMBER, 2006 I HAD A NEW ALTERNATOR AND A NEW FUEL PUMP PUT IN (895.00). 1/10/07 MY IGNITION MODULE AND THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WENT OUT (695.45). 5/14/07 MY IGNITION COIL NEEDED REPLACING (252.18). NOVEMBER 8, 2007 I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND VALVE COVER GASKET ($500) I'M AM TIRED OF REPAIRING. IT'…
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IN DECEMBER, 2006 I HAD A NEW ALTERNATOR AND A NEW FUEL PUMP PUT IN (895.00). 1/10/07 MY IGNITION MODULE AND THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WENT OUT (695.45). 5/14/07 MY IGNITION COIL NEEDED REPLACING (252.18). NOVEMBER 8, 2007 I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND VALVE COVER GASKET ($500) I'M AM TIRED OF REPAIRING. IT'S GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT'S CAUSING MY IGNITION STUFF TO BURN OUT. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. ONE DAY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NO LONGER START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND AN INJECTOR, PUSH ROD, AND SPARK PLUG WERE INSTALLED. APPROXIMATELY TWO DAYS AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 91,0…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. ONE DAY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NO LONGER START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND AN INJECTOR, PUSH ROD, AND SPARK PLUG WERE INSTALLED. APPROXIMATELY TWO DAYS AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 91,000. UPDATED 10/16/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/17/08. *JB
AIR BAGS WILL NOT WORK, RUNNING LAMPS OR HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT WORK WINDOW WASHERS WILL NOT WORK, WIPERS ERRATIC, ETC.*TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL AND CAUSE POOR VISIBILITY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS CORRODED IN THE PLASTIC SLEEVES, WHICH CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL AND CAUSE POOR VISIBILITY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS CORRODED IN THE PLASTIC SLEEVES, WHICH CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 131,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE STARTER CAUSED THE FAILURE AND THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT; HOWEVER THE VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT START. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. AS OF DECEMBER 21, 2…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE STARTER CAUSED THE FAILURE AND THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT; HOWEVER THE VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT START. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. AS OF DECEMBER 21, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE TWO RECALLS: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V036000) AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06E026000); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 56,000.
Official recalls
104V036000 · 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.
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
2EA02028 · Erratic Fuel Gauge
Opened Sep 30, 2002 · Closed Dec 30, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION IS EXCESS ELEMENTAL SULFUR IN FUEL.GM REPORTED THAT ABNORMAL LEVELS OF SULFUR SPORADICALLY OCCURRED IN CERTAIN PARTS OF CANADA AND THE U.S. RESULTING IN REPORTS OF FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION.GM MODIFIED THE SENDING SENSOR FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER OCTOBER 2000.IT MADE A SECOND SENSOR MODIFICATION FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER JANUARY 2003.GM ALSO ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (GM NUMBER 00101) IN DECEMBER 2000 FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE AND ISSUED SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING DEALERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SENSORS WITH IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE.THE COMPLAINT TREND INDICATES THAT COMPLAINTS PEAKED IN LATE 2000 TO EARLY 2001.WARRANTY CLAIMS DECLINED SINCE PEAKING IN APRIL 2002.BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE INDICATION OF A DECLINING TREND, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
SQ01002 · Erratic Fuel Gauge
Opened Jan 26, 2001 · Closed Sep 30, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available