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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 →
243Owner complaints

Model-year median: 140

1Recall campaigns

View recall details →

2Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
345
1998240
1999315
2000243
2001196
2002678
2003330
2004
Compare all Cavalier years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Electrical System
56Power Train
34Service Brakes, Hydraulic
32Engine And Engine Cooling
29Steering
26
All reported categories
Fuel System, Gasoline
22Air Bags
21Suspension
15Structure
14Equipment
11Visibility
11Fuel System, Other
9Seat Belts
8Vehicle Speed Control
8Exterior Lighting
7Unknown Or Other
7Tires
6Parking Brake
4Service Brakes
4Child Seat
3Engine
3Service Brakes, Air
3Electronic Stability Control (esc)
2Interior Lighting
2Latches/locks/linkages
2Wheels
2Seats
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

32 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2009
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash

THE REAR BRAKES ON THE CHEVROLET CAVALIER CAN BECOME UNADJUSTED AND WHEN YOU HAVE TO BRAKE QUICKLY, THE BRAKES CAN LOCKUP AND SEND YOU INTO A SKID. THIS HAPPENED TO ME AND CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT, BUT I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE TYPE BRAKING SYSTEM THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH SO I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE CAR WENT INTO A SKID UN…

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THE REAR BRAKES ON THE CHEVROLET CAVALIER CAN BECOME UNADJUSTED AND WHEN YOU HAVE TO BRAKE QUICKLY, THE BRAKES CAN LOCKUP AND SEND YOU INTO A SKID. THIS HAPPENED TO ME AND CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT, BUT I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE TYPE BRAKING SYSTEM THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH SO I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE CAR WENT INTO A SKID UNTIL MUCH LATER, AFTER I ALMOST REAR ENDED SOMEONE. PERSONNEL AT THE REPAIR SHOP EXPLAINED THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10283750

Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2007
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash

WHEN THE WEATHER IS BAD MY BRAKES DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY UNTIL I HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR FOR A WHILE. LAST MONTH I COULD NOT COME TO A STOP AT ALL AND DAMAGED THE FRONT END I ASKED AROUND AND FOUND ANOTHER PERSON WITH THE SAME MODEL CAR THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM ALSO. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10184924

96,376 miles · Sep 3, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES AND THE ENGINE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL THE CONSUMER HEARD GRINDING/RUBBING NOISES INTERMITTENTLY. THE FOG LAMP WENT OUT. THE BRAKES WERE NOISY AND WOULD STICK WHEN APPLIED. WATER LEAKING INTO THE TRUNK. THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T STA…

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2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES AND THE ENGINE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL THE CONSUMER HEARD GRINDING/RUBBING NOISES INTERMITTENTLY. THE FOG LAMP WENT OUT. THE BRAKES WERE NOISY AND WOULD STICK WHEN APPLIED. WATER LEAKING INTO THE TRUNK. THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START AND THE VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM AND ALARM STOPPED WORKING. THE TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR. THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE HVAC BLOWER WOULD NOT WORK IN THE FIRST AND SECOND SPEED. THE DEALER FOUN AIR IN THE BRAKE LINE AND DETERMINED THAT HTE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING WAS FALLING OUT

NHTSA ODI #10136689

11,000 miles · Aug 5, 2005
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesPower Train

DT: HORN DID NOT BLOW UNLESS CALLER HIT THE RIGHT SPOT. CALLER SAID THERE WAS A DEAD SPOT IN THE HORN PAD. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. ALSO, TORQUE CONVERTER LIGHT DID NOT COME ON.. COIL PACKS WERE DEFECTIVE. CALLER STATED THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS FOR THIS PROBLEM, AND CALLER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE…

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DT: HORN DID NOT BLOW UNLESS CALLER HIT THE RIGHT SPOT. CALLER SAID THERE WAS A DEAD SPOT IN THE HORN PAD. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. ALSO, TORQUE CONVERTER LIGHT DID NOT COME ON.. COIL PACKS WERE DEFECTIVE. CALLER STATED THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS FOR THIS PROBLEM, AND CALLER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DETECTED UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE. DEALER REPLACED THE COIL PACKS. MANUFACTURER SAID WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND THEY COULD NOT HELP. ALSO, SEAT BELTS COME OUT OF THE GUIDE AND HIT THE PEOPLE IN THE EYE. CALLER SAID THE FRONT BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE. WHEN HITTING THE BRAKES THEY DID NOT SLOW DOWN VEHICLE. CALLER DOWN SHIFTED THE GET THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN. ALSO, HAD TO REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS THREE TIMES. IN ADDITION, THE TRUNK LATCH HAD A GAP IN IT, THE LID DID NOT CLOSE TIGHTLY. *AK *NM

NHTSA ODI #10129189

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHEN STEPPING ON THE BREAKS OF MY 2001 CAVALIER A VIBRATION IS CAUSED AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO STOP. I KNOW SOMEONE ELSE WHO OWNS A 2001 CAVALIER AND THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO HER CAR. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH NOT TO HAVE HIT ANYONE YET BUT IT GETS REALLY CLOSE ESPECIALLY WHEN STOPPING FAST. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10110686

32,000 miles · Jan 12, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

(1) WHILE DRIVING, GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS OR SMALL POT HOLES, CAR BEGINGS TO MAKE A LOUD VIBRATION NOISE UP IN THE FRONT WHEEL AREA AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES FREEZE AND CAUSE CAR TO SKID ON DRY OR WET CONDITIONS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STAYS LIT THEN GOES OFF AFTER DRIVING A PERIOD OF TIME. (BUT NO NOISE) TOO…

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(1) WHILE DRIVING, GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS OR SMALL POT HOLES, CAR BEGINGS TO MAKE A LOUD VIBRATION NOISE UP IN THE FRONT WHEEL AREA AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES FREEZE AND CAUSE CAR TO SKID ON DRY OR WET CONDITIONS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STAYS LIT THEN GOES OFF AFTER DRIVING A PERIOD OF TIME. (BUT NO NOISE) TOOK TO LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER, AND FOUND NO PROBLEM, AS OF TODAY, CAR CONTINUES TO DO THE SAME INCIDENT. BEEN GOING OFF AND ON FOR THE LAST 2YRS. HAD BRAKES SERVICED, NEW PADS AND ROTORS TURNED, MADE THINGS WORSE.. CAR WOBBLES WHEN COMMING TO A STOP. ALSO CAR GRABS AND LETS OFF WHEN STOPPING, FEELS LIKE IT'S PUSHING THEN LETTING OFF THE BRAKES OFF AND ON. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10106238

14,000 miles · Jul 24, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKE ROTORS WILL RUST AND PIT WITHIN 48 HOURS OF RAIN OR IN VERY HUMID WEATHER IF CAR IS NOT USED TO RUB OFF RUST. PITTED ROTOR CAUSES HEAVY VIBRATION WHENEVER I APPLY THE BRAKE. TO CORRECT PROBLEM I MUST HAVE ROTORS RESURFACED OR REPLACED OFTEN.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10082586

Mileage unknown · May 7, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKE ROTORS ARE WORN ON 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. (NAR) *MR ROTORS DETERIORATED IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME WITH RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE, AND CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT ROTORS SHOULD BE REPLACED AFTER LESS THAN 45,000 MILES. *LA *CB

NHTSA ODI #10073366

Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD. A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS, AND BOTH FRONTAL ROTORS BECAUSE THEY WORE OUT PREMATURELY. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC BRAKES PADS WERE REPLACED TWO TO THREE…

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WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD. A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS, AND BOTH FRONTAL ROTORS BECAUSE THEY WORE OUT PREMATURELY. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC BRAKES PADS WERE REPLACED TWO TO THREE MONTHS AGO, AND THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10071839

11,910 miles · Feb 19, 2004
Air BagsElectrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE BRAKES WERE SENSITIVE. THE DASHBOARD WAS REPLACED, BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON. THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND WENT OFF AT LEAST TWENTY TWO TIMES. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10053650

Official recalls

1

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.

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

2

EA02028 · 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