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
What owners actually said
243 reports
Mileage unknown · May 10, 2001
Fuel System, Gasoline
4/27/2001 - THE VEHICLE STALLED ON HIGHWAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP (OURISMAN CHEVROLET - MARLOW HEIGHTS, MD). AFTER 7 DAYS OF "NOT KNOWING" WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD GONE BAD, AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. I PICKED THE CAR UP ON 5/7/01 AND WITHIN 10 MINUTES IT STALLED ON TH…
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4/27/2001 - THE VEHICLE STALLED ON HIGHWAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP (OURISMAN CHEVROLET - MARLOW HEIGHTS, MD). AFTER 7 DAYS OF "NOT KNOWING" WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD GONE BAD, AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. I PICKED THE CAR UP ON 5/7/01 AND WITHIN 10 MINUTES IT STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY AGAIN AND I HAD IT TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. ON 5/8/01, I WAS INFORMED THAT A SERVICE PERSONNEL DID A TEST DRIVE ON THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK IN ALSO. THEN, ON 5/9/01, I AM TOLD THAT AFTER REMOVING THE NEW FUEL PUMP THERE WAS A "GEL-LIKE SUBSTANCE" ON IT WHICH THEY CONCLUDED WAS ANTIFREEZE. IF THIS IS THE CASE, WHY WAS THIS NOT SEEN WHEN THE FIRST FUEL PUMP WAS REMOVED? I AM BEING TOLD THAT IT LOOKS LIKE ANTIFREEZE WAS POURED DOWN MY GAS TANK AND THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND I WAS GIVEN A REPAIR ESTIMATE. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT SINCE THIS IS NOT A WARRANTED PROBLEM THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE RENTALS THAT I HAVE HAD SINCE 4/27/01. TO DATE, THEY HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 13 DAYS, MINUS THE 10 MINUTES WHEN I PICKED IT UP ON 5/7/01. *AK
NHTSA ODI #745133
Mileage unknown · May 8, 2001
Power Train
WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1. TO 2. GEAR THERE IS A LOUD RATTLING NOISE THATS GETTING LOUDER AS TIME GOES BY. TO DEALER 3 TIMES, CHEVROLET REPRESENTATIVE SAID AFTER TEST DRIVING VEHICLE SHE WOULD HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT, THEY COULD NOT REMEDY PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #887704
Mileage unknown · May 1, 2001
Power Train
VEHICLE IS MAKING A NOISE IN 1 ST AND 2ND GEARS. DEALER IS CALLING TECHNICAL PERSONNAL TO DETERMINE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #887213
Mileage unknown · May 1, 2001
Power Train
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #744806
Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2001
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringVisibility
I KEEP TAKING MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH MY WINDSHIELD FOGGING UP, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT RAINS AND THE DEFOGGER DOES NOT HELP; I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A SQUELING NOISE IN MY TIRES, AND MY STEERING COLUMN, STEERING COLUMN MAKES A HIGH PITCHED SOUND WHEN IN REVERSE; MY DRIVERS WINDOW HAS LOCKED UP ON ME T…
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I KEEP TAKING MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH MY WINDSHIELD FOGGING UP, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT RAINS AND THE DEFOGGER DOES NOT HELP; I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH A SQUELING NOISE IN MY TIRES, AND MY STEERING COLUMN, STEERING COLUMN MAKES A HIGH PITCHED SOUND WHEN IN REVERSE; MY DRIVERS WINDOW HAS LOCKED UP ON ME TWICE; WHEN I FIRST TOOK THE CAR TO BE CHECKED FOR MY TIRES THEY SAID THE MANUFACTURE DID NOT INSTALL THE NUTS AND BOLTS CORRECTLY AND THE SAME WITH MY STEERING COLUMN AND THEY SAID THEY WERE FIX BUT THEY ARE NOT!!!!! ; I AM GETTING SICK AND TIRED OF HAVING TO TAKE MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER, IT SEEMS TO BE EVERY 3-4 WEEKS NOW; THE LAST TIME I TOOK THE CAR THE KEPT IT ALL DAY AND SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG. PLEASE WARN PEOPLE ABOUT THESE CARS I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE PROBLEMS; EVERY TIME I GO TO THE DEALERSHIP THERE ARE AT LEAST 2 OTHER PEOPLE WITH ALMOST THE SAME PROBLEMS OR HAS ALREADY HAD THE PROBLEM I HAVE.
NHTSA ODI #744761
Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2001
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering
AFTER 500 MILES VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE. DEALER LATER REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND IDLE ARM. VEHICLE CONTINUED GRINDING NOISE, AND DEALER REPLACED PARTS OF CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION. ALSO, DEALER ADVISED CONSUMER THAT GMC WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM, BUT NO REMEDY HAS BEEN ISSUED. DEALER WILL NOT PROCESS FURTHER REPAIRS.…
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AFTER 500 MILES VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE. DEALER LATER REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND IDLE ARM. VEHICLE CONTINUED GRINDING NOISE, AND DEALER REPLACED PARTS OF CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION. ALSO, DEALER ADVISED CONSUMER THAT GMC WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM, BUT NO REMEDY HAS BEEN ISSUED. DEALER WILL NOT PROCESS FURTHER REPAIRS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #886705
Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2001
Visibility
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH WITH SUN ROOF UP, AND IT SUDDENLY SHATTERED. GLASS WAS ALL OVER . DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS NORMAL TO HAPPEN, AND CAUSE COULD HAVE BEEN A ROCK ON THE ROAD.*AK
NHTSA ODI #885610
Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2001
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
TRANSMISSION IS SLIPING AND IT'S KIND OF BURNING. THSI HAS HAPPENED 11 TIMES. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER SAID THAT ENGINE CHECK LIGHT NEEDED TO COME ON BEFORE THEY WILL DO ANYTHING.*AK
NHTSA ODI #884781
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2001
Steering
RACK & PINION STEERING KEPT GOING OUT. THIS CAUSES VEHICLE TO JERK LEFT. THIS WAS SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. HAD THE PROBLEM REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY, BUT HAS REAPPEARED AGAIN. DID NOT LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #883301
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2001
Air BagsCrash
RENTED VEHICLE. VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A DEAR AT 60 MPH, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
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
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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