Complaints by model year
Distinct federal complaints filed against each model year of the Chevrolet Cavalier, to date. Hover a bar for the count. Older years have had longer to accumulate filings; the rankings below correct for that.
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Highest totals within an 8-year windowAll other years
Model years compared
Ranked from the same federal record on an equal exposure window. Click any year for its full file.
Highest complaint totals
- 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier - 622 complaints in its first 8 years (678 to date)
- 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier - 493 complaints in its first 8 years (540 to date)
- 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier - 469 complaints in its first 8 years (503 to date)
Ranked on distinct complaints filed within eight years of the model year, so old and new years get the same exposure window. Not adjusted for sales volume; a best-selling year files more complaints at the same failure rate.
Lowest totals among mature years
- 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier - 39 complaints in its first 8 years (55 to date)
- 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier - 47 complaints in its first 8 years (55 to date)
- 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier - 113 complaints in its first 8 years (134 to date)
Same eight-year window, among model years old enough to have completed it and with at least 25 complaints in it. Model years before 1990 are excluded because the federal file begins in 1995. A low total is not proof of reliability.
What owners report, all years combined
Every model year
| Model year | Complaints to date | Within 8 years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier | 287 | 245 | 0 |
| 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier | 330 | 251 | 1 |
| 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier | 678 | 622 | 1 |
| 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier | 196 | 175 | 0 |
| 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier | 243 | 209 | 1 |
| 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier | 315 | 283 | 2 |
| 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier | 240 | 220 | 2 |
| 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier | 345 | 313 | 4 |
| 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | 540 | 493 | 7 |
| 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier | 503 | 469 | 7 |
| 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier | 270 | 255 | 4 |
| 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier | 212 | 192 | 1 |
| 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier | 146 | 132 | 1 |
| 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier | 134 | 113 | 1 |
| 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier | 55 | 47 | 2 |
| 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier | 55 | 39 | 0 |
| 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier | 43 | 28 | 1 |
| 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier | 12 | 6 | 2 |
| 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier | 24 | 6 | 2 |
| 1986 Chevrolet Cavalier | 18 | 0 | 2 |
| 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| 1984 Chevrolet Cavalier | 8 | 0 | 2 |
| 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| 1982 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Recall campaigns, all years
Every campaign filed against this model, with the model years it covers. Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN.
| Campaign | Years | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V524000 | 2003 | Exterior Lighting | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR LAMPS THAT PROVIDE STOP AND TURN SIGNALS AND TAIL LAMP FUNCTIONS STOP WORKING BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE CONTACT BETWEEN THE BULB AND SOCKET. |
| 04V300000 | 2004 | Seat Belts | CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. |
| 04V036000 | 1998-2001 | Electrical System | 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... |
| 02V286000 | 1996-1998 | Steering | 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. |
| 02V070000 | 1995-1997 | Electrical System | 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... |
| 00V201000 | 2000 | Interior Lighting | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE BI-FUEL OPTION FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. |
| 00V053000 | 1998 | Fuel System, Other | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BI-FUEL COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) VEHICLES. |
| 99V218000 | 1999 | Interior Lighting | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. |
| 98V319000 | 1996-1997 | Suspension | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM BOLTS CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK. |
| 98V146000 | 1996-1997 | Air Bags | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. BECAUSE OF CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG'S SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE, AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD OCCUR IN A LOW... |
| 98V032000 | 1997 | Structure | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MIS-LOCATED WELDS AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE LEFT ROCKER PANEL INNER REINFORCEMENT AND THE BODY SIDE RING. |
| 98V027000 | 1996 | Interior Lighting | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THE INTERIOR LAMPS TO COME ON UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE VEHICLES ARE BEING DRIVEN. |
| 97V219000 | 1998 | Wheels | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED SECURELY RESULTING IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS. |
| 97V106000 | 1997 | Wheels | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH INCORRECT RIMS. |
| 96V250000 | 1995-1996 | Exterior Lighting | THE FRONT AND/OR REAR HAZARD WARNING LAMPS (FOUR-WAY FLASHERS) DO NOT FLASH WHEN THE HAZARD SWITCH IS ACTIVATED. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. |
| 96V160000 | 1997 | Visibility | THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT WIPER BLADE ASSEMBLY (17" LONG INSTEAD OF 22" LONG) ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. |
| 95V201000 | 1996 | Vehicle Speed Control | THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE COULD HAVE BEEN KINKED DURING ASSEMBLY CAUSING HIGH ACCELERATOR PEDAL EFFORT, STICKING ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE, OR A BROKEN ACCELERATOR CONTROL... |
| 95V141000 | 1995 | Structure | SOME WELDS WERE OMITTED FROM THE BODY LOCK PILLAR, OR "B" PILLAR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." |
| 95V025000 | 1995 | Suspension | THESE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH WELDS MISSING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES CAUSING EXCESSIVE LOADS ON THE EXISTING WELDS. |
| 94V115000 | 1994 | Steering | THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH OVERTORQUED DRIVE AXLE SPINDLE NUTS. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE LOADS ON THE SPINDLE NUT AND DRIVE AXLE RESULTING IN FAILURE OF THE DRIVE... |
| 93V121000 | 1993 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE BRAKE HOSES WERE MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, AND DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 106, "BRAKE HOSES." |
| 92V003000 | 1991 | Seat Belts | THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208. |
| 91V166000 | 1992 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR MISSING, LEADING TO A CONDITION WHERE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE THE SECONDARY STRIKER. |
| 91V165000 | 1991 | Structure | FRONT DOOR INTERLOCK STRIKER MAY FAIL, CAUSING DOOR FRAME COLLAPSE AND INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE. |
| 88V189000 | 1989 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A FUEL TANK LEAK COULD OCCUR DUE TO SMALL CREASES ON THE TANK UNDERSIDE CRACKING DURING PRESSURE CYCLING WHICH OCCURS DURING NORMAL OPERATION. |
| 88V121000 | 1988 | Visibility | THERE MAY BE POOR BOND ADHESION BETWEEN WINDSHIELD GLASS AND MOUNTING. |
| 88V095000 | 1988 | Electrical System | REAR LAMP WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTAIN OPEN OR INTERMITTENT CIRCUITS AFFECTING BACK UP LAMP OR LICENSE PLATE LAMP OPERATION. |
| 87V165000 | 1983 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INTERNAL CORROSION OF PULSAIR CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY COULD PERMIT EXHAUST GAS TO MELT THE PLASTIC SHUT OFF VALVE AND DRAW VALVE PIECES INTO THE AIR CLEANER AND THROTTLE BODY. |
| 87V079000 | 1983-1984 | Seats | THE METAL FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK AROUND THE LEFT FRONT OUTER SEAT ADJUSTER STUD OF THE DRIVERS SEAT, ALLOWING THE STUD TO SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR PAN ANCHOR... |
| 87V011000 | 1987 | Vehicle Speed Control | ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE MAY CONTAIN WATER WHICH COULD FREEZE WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED CAUSING TRAVEL OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE TO BECOME RESTRICTED WHEN THROTTLE IS INITIALLY... |