NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
243 reportsMileage unknown · Jun 9, 2010
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrash
CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT WITH A 18 WHEELER IT HIT THE SIDE THE WENT AROUND TO THE FRONT THERE WERE THREE PEOPLE IN THE CAR TWO KIDS AND ONE ADULT DRIVER THE SEAT BELTS POPPED ALOOSED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY THERE WERE PICTURES TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THERE IS A POLICE REPORT THIS IS A VERY BAD PROBLEM MY KIDS ARE ON…
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CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT WITH A 18 WHEELER IT HIT THE SIDE THE WENT AROUND TO THE FRONT THERE WERE THREE PEOPLE IN THE CAR TWO KIDS AND ONE ADULT DRIVER THE SEAT BELTS POPPED ALOOSED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY THERE WERE PICTURES TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THERE IS A POLICE REPORT THIS IS A VERY BAD PROBLEM MY KIDS ARE ONLY TWO AND FIVE AND THERE SEAT BELTS DID NOT HOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10335588
20,000 miles · Apr 17, 2010
Electrical SystemSteering
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
NHTSA ODI #10326096
40,000 miles · Apr 13, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
3 TIMING CHAINS AND TENSIONERS IN 4 YEARS ON A 2001 CAVALIER 2,2 SEEM TO BE A PROBLEM IN DESIGN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325432
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2010
Seat BeltsCrashInjury
2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. LETTER FROM REGARDING CHEVROLET SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HIS WIFE DURING AN ACCIDENT, BUT INSTEAD IT EXTENDED ITS FULL LENGTH. CONSEQUENTLY, THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS TOSSED AROUND IN THE VEHICLE AND HIT HER HEAD ON THE WINDOW WHICH CAUS…
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2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. LETTER FROM REGARDING CHEVROLET SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HIS WIFE DURING AN ACCIDENT, BUT INSTEAD IT EXTENDED ITS FULL LENGTH. CONSEQUENTLY, THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS TOSSED AROUND IN THE VEHICLE AND HIT HER HEAD ON THE WINDOW WHICH CAUSED INJURIES TO HER FACE, NOSE AND EYES. HER ANKLE AND FINGERS WERE BROKEN AND RIGHT WRIST WAS FRACTURED. HIS WIFE ALSO SUSTAINED A STRESS FRACTURE ON HER LOWER SPINE. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED A MINOR INJURY TO HIS THUMB. *JB UPDATED 04/29/10.*JB UPDATED 03/11/11*JB
NHTSA ODI #10324272
Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING JUST LAST MONTH I HAD TO BE TOWED BECAUSE MY GAUGE SHOWED FULL ALSO GOT FUEL SEND THROUGH ROAD SIDE SERVICE ON 2 OCASSIONS I TRIED TO KEEP TRACK OF BY WRITING DOWN MY MILEAGE BUT THEN THE FUEL GAUGE APPEARS TO BE WORKING FOR A WHILE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10287018
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
67,000 miles · May 27, 2009
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
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.
NHTSA ODI #10270098
135,000 miles · Mar 11, 2009
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
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
NHTSA ODI #10261596
115,000 miles · Dec 27, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
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
NHTSA ODI #10252905
67,000 miles · Nov 29, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL PUMP FAILURE ON A 2001 CHEVY CAVALIER WITH ONLY 67000 MILES. ESTIMATES FOR PARTS AND LABOR RUN APPROX. 400 - 500 DOLLARS . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10250137
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
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