Engine
2.2L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 398 of 503 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 55 of 503 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
141 complaint records1 crash report
"S WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD VEHICLE DIED OUT, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO ALMOST BECOME INVOLVED IN AN AUTO COLLISION. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
109 complaint records9 fire reports2 crash reports
"FOR THE LAST TWO MY 1996 CHEVY CAVALIER HAVE PROBLEMS WITH STALLING WHEN EITHER THE AIR CONDITIONER OR HEATER IS ON. *LA..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Air bags
77 complaint records35 crash reports
"AIR BAG TAKES UP THE WHOLE WHEEL CAN BEARLY FIND THE HORN WHICH MAKES HORN VERY HARD TO PRESS. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP03007 opened Oct 2003 | closed Jan 2004 | Fuel System, Other | UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2003, THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) RECEIVED A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 FROM MR. |
| PE02001 opened Jan 2002 | closed Mar 2002 | Electrical System | FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN AREA - led to recall 02V070000 |
| EA98001 opened Jan 1998 | closed Jul 1998 | Air Bags | OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS - led to recall 98V146000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE97041 opened Sep 1997 | closed Jan 1998 | Air Bags | INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
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. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02V286000 | 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. | Normally free |
| 02V070000 | 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 SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT... | Normally free |
| 98V319000 | Suspension | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM BOLTS CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK. | Normally free |
| 98V146000 | 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 SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE... | Normally free |
| 98V027000 | 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. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. | Normally free |
| 96V250000 | 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. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." | Normally free |
| 95V201000 | 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 CABLE. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003162 2003-06-24 | Airbag | 224,528 | Certain vehicles, after being exposed to substantial amounts of water, may experience deployment of either the driver or passenger front airbag without a crash. |
| 2002199 2002-11-05 | Steering | 238,877 | On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997 may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. |
| 2002041 2002-03-06 | Electrical | 293,250 | 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... |
| 2000109 2000-04-28 | Engine | 254,055 | Note: Certain 1997-99 vehicles in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces and 1995-99 vehicles in all other provinces and territories. |
| 1999016 1999-02-15 | Engine | 114,617 | On certain vehicles located in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, Moisture entering the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) as a result of corrosion can cause illumination of the "Check Engine"... |
Show 6 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998247 1998-12-22 | Suspension | 43,247 | Certain vehicles may have a condition which could result in one of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts breaking. |
| 1998136 1998-07-15 | Seats And Restraints | 151,361 | BECAUSE OF CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG'S COMPUTER, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN. |
| 1998023 1998-02-10 | Electrical | 34,777 | THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 101 - CONTROL LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION. THE INTERIOR LAMPS MAY TURN ON BY THEMSELVES, FIVE TO THIRTY MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AND CANNOT BE TURNED OFF BY THE SWITCH. |
| 1996208 1996-12-30 | Lights And Instruments | 33,204 | THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING EQUIPMENT. VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FRONT AND/OR REAR HAZARD WARNING LAMPS (FOUR-WAY FLASHERS) DO NOT FLASH WHEN THE HAZARD SWITCH IS ACTIVATED. |
| 1996094 1996-06-20 | Emissions | 2,020 | Certain vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 1105 - Evaporative Emissions. Fuel injectors may exhibit leakage of fuel vapour due to a stress of the plastic encapsulant. |
| 1995188 1995-10-20 | Engine | 87 | THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED (KINKED) DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. A KINKED ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE MAY RESULT IN HIGH PEDAL EFFORT, STICKING CABLE, OR BROKEN CABLE. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 19NA273 Dec 2019 | Electrical System | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock. | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Tires | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 000089008E Oct 2005 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY WANT TO TOW THEIR VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ALL FOUR TIRES ONT HE GROUND. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING RECREATIONAL (DINGHY) TOWING FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING 1988-2004 CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 030864009A Mar 2005 | Visibility | LEFT OUTSIDE BREAKAWAY MIRROR INOPERATIVE. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 01967 Jan 2004 | Suspension | FRONT SUSPENSION STEER NOISE SMOOTH ROAD TURNS. *MR | |
| 00966B Jan 2004 | Service Brakes | ABS FRONT WHEEL SPEED CODES - JUMPER HARNESS. *TT | |
| 00966 Jan 2004 | Service Brakes | ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) FRONT WHEEL SPEED CODES - JUMPER HARNESS. *TT | |
| 030730021A Nov 2003 | Power Train | NEUTRAL FLARE AND/OR RPM FLARE WHILE IN DRIVE, NO 1-2 UPSHIFT, SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P1810, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1815 SET. *TT | |
| 000089008B Sep 2003 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY WANT TO TOW THEIR VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ALL FOUR TIRES ONT HE GROUND. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING RECREATIONAL (DINGHY) TOWING FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING 1988-2004 CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 030864011A Sep 2003 | Visibility | MIRROR VIBRATES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT | |
| 051603 May 2003 | Exterior Lighting | PROPER INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP THAT IS INTEGRATED IN THE REAR SPOILER. SOME DEALERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE LAMP NOT FITTING PROPERLY OR THAT PARTS ARE BEING DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 030730021 May 2003 | Power Train | NEUTRAL FLARE AND/OR RPM FLARE WHILE IN DRIVE, NO 1-2 UPSHIFT, SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P1810, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1815 SET. *TT | |
| 022703 Feb 2003 | Visibility | INOPERATIVE MANUAL OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR(S). *TT *JB | |
| 020730050 Dec 2002 | Power Train | ENGINEERING CHANGES TO THE VALVE BODY, PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE, 2-3 ACCUMULATOR VALVE AND BORE FOR 2002-2003 MODEL YEAR 4T45E TRANSAXLES AND SUBSEQUENT OVERHAUL PROCEDURES WHICH AFFECT 1995-2001 MODEL YEAR TRANSAXLES. *TT | |
| 010602012 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON LEAKAGE OF A FEW DROPS OF COOLANT AFTER PARKING THEIR VEHICLE. *TT | |
| 291001 Oct 2001 | Exterior Lighting | CUSTOMER CONCERN OF PREMATURE FOG LAMP FAILURE. *TT | |
| 010849009 Jun 2001 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC) REPLACEMENT. NLM | |
| 000089008A May 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY WANT TO TOW THEIR VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ALL FOUR TIRES ONT HE GROUND. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING RECREATIONAL (DINGHY) TOWING FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING THE 1996 THROUGH 2000 TOYOTA CAVALIER. *TT | |
| 990730030A Apr 2001 | Power Train | OWNERS OF SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60, 4T60-E OR 4T65-E TRANSAXLES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN STANDING IN PARK ON A HILL OR SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE NOT APPLIED. *TT | |
| 150900 Sep 2000 | Steering | THIS MESSAGE CONCERNS VEHICLES EXHIBITING A CLUNK NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. CUSTOMERS MAY STATE THAT A CLUNK NOISE IS HEARD WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TT | |
| 000849003 Jun 2000 | Unknown Or Other | EXPERIENCING A RATTLE / SQUEAK IN RIGHT SIDE OF INSTRUMENT PANEL OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL SCRATCHED OR RIGHT SIDE END OF INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTACTING DOOR TRIM PANEL. *TT | |
| 00010 May 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A FAILURE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET LEADING TO EXTERNAL COOLANT LEAKS FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET TO ENGINE BLOCK JOINT. **MR | |
| 99088A Apr 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VOLUNTARY EMISSION CAMPAIGN INVOLVING VEHICLES EXHIBITING SYMPTONS RESULTING IN THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR THE ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH. **MR | |
| 99088REV Apr 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING ADDITIONAL CORRECTIONS FROM PRIVIOUS CAMPAIGN 99088, CONDITIONS THAT CONCERN ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATION. MJS | |
| 000524001 Apr 2000 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION REGARDING SNOW INTRUSION INTO REAR DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLIES. **MR | |
| 99088 Mar 2000 | Unknown Or Other | GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A VOLUNTARY EMISSION CAMPAIGN INVOLVING VEHICLES EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS RESULTING IN THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR THE ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH. *TT | |
| 990730030 Dec 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60 OR 4T60-E TRANSXALES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN IN PARK ON INCLINE. *TT | |
| 990864026 Oct 1999 | Structure | ON SOME CONVERTIBLE MODELS, THE DOOR RATTLES WHEN CLOSING. *TT | |
| 990864015 Sep 1999 | Visibility | CONCERNS WITH THE LEFT HAND MANUAL MIRROR NOT ADJUSTING WHEN THE ADJUSTMENT LEVER IS MOVED. *TT | |
| 990308004 Aug 1999 | Suspension | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO FRONT AND / OR REAR STABILIZER SHAFT SQUAWK / SQUEAK NOISE. *TT | |
| 990857019 May 1999 | Structure | CONDITIONS WITH WATER LEAK AT FRONT HEADER. *TT | |
| 990940001 May 1999 | Seat Belts | CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE FRONT SEAT SHOULDER BELT PLASTIC COVER WILL NOT STAY SNAPPED IN PLACE ON COUPE MODELS ONLY. *TT | |
| 990850007 Apr 1999 | Seats | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THERE IS A BULGE IN THE MATERIAL ON THE TOP BACKSIDE OF EITHER FRONT BUCKET SEAT. *TT | |
| 831522 Dec 1998 | Structure | REAR COMPARTMENT (TRUNK) LID LATCH DIFFICULT TO UNLOCK / OPEN. *YC | |
| 98063 Dec 1998 | Suspension | PRODUCT RECALL CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM FASTENERS ON VEHICLES HAVING A CONDITION WHICH COULD RESULT IN ONE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM BOLTS BREAKING. *TT | |
| 98731069 Sep 1998 | Structure | A RATTLE COMING FROM THE DOOR(S) WHEN THE DOOR WINDOW GLASS IS LOWERED. *YC | |
| 636604C Sep 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COMMENTS THAT A METALLIC NOISE OR COLD RAP HEARD ON COLD EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 731060B Jul 1998 | Structure | CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER SHOWS WEAR OR PERMANENT DAMAGE IN VARIOUS AREAS. YD | |
| 98636604B Jun 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COMMENTS THAT A METALLIC NOISE ON COLD EXHAUST SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 98636604A Apr 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT THAT A METALLIC NOISE OR | |
| 98876121A Apr 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CLATTERING NOISE AT IDLE SPEED ORIGINATING FROM THE TIMING CHAIN AND FRONT COVER AREA. *YC | |
| 98731616A Apr 1998 | Seats | SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO SEAT BELT ANCHOR SLEEVE. *YC | |
| 98836539A Apr 1998 | Unknown Or Other | SERVICE ENGINE NOW LIGHT ON OR A NO-START CONDITION. *YC | |
| 98731060A Feb 1998 | Structure | COMMENTS ON THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER SHOWING WEAR OR PERMANENT DAMAGE. *YC | |
| 735018 Jan 1998 | Service Brakes | COMMENTS THAT THE REAR BRAKES MAY DRAG/HEAT UP OR REAR OF CAR IS SQUATTING DUE TO AGGRESSIVE REAR BRAKE. *YC | |
| 971101731616 Nov 1997 | Seats | COMMENTS THAT THE SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR SLEEVE. *YC | |
| 971101731060 Nov 1997 | Structure | VARIOUS AREAS OF THE VEHICLE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER SHOWS WEAR OR PERMANENT DAMAGE. *YC |
Showing 60 of 83 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Cavalier →