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 279 of 345 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 81 of 345 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.
Electrical system
76 complaint records10 fire reports
"BOTH FRONT STRUTS STARTED TO LEAK AND FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY CAUSING TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL ON WET OR ROUGH ROADS...."- 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 →
Brakes
66 complaint records9 crash reports
"WHENEVER BRAKES ARE APPLIED, CAN HEAR REAR BRAKES SCRUBBING. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. THEY WOULD HOLD SOMETIMES. *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 brakes parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
58 complaint records1 crash report
"DT: THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE, IT STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY CLOSE TO 100,000 MILES. COMPLAINS OF ENGINE NOT WORKING. *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 →
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V036000 | 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 |
| 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 |
| 00V053000 | Fuel System, Other | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BI-FUEL COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) VEHICLES. | Normally free |
| 97V219000 | Wheels | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED SECURELY RESULTING IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004033 2004-01-28 | Electrical | 337,025 | On certain vehicles, if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "Start" position for an extended period, high current flowing through the ignition switch may produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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 | Service Brakes | 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. | |
| PIP5339A Apr 2019 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a customer?s request to remove or disable the Bi-Fuel Compressed Natural Gas system. General Motors does not condone the removal of the original equipped Compressed Natural Gas systems. | |
| 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 | 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... | |
| 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. | |
| PIP5339 Nov 2015 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a customer?s request to remove or disable the Bi-Fuel Compressed Natural Gas system. General Motors does not condone the removal of the original equipped Compressed Natural Gas systems. | |
| 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. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 05-06-04-035D May 2014 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle. | |
| PIC5913 Sep 2013 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 01-02-32-001 Apr 2008 | Steering | CONCERNS WITH CLUNK NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE TURNING MANEUVER / STEERING WHEEL ROTATION.*JB (LUBRICATE OR REPLACE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AS APPROPRIATE). UPDATED 10/05/07. *NJ UPDATED 4/1/08. *NJ UPDATED 7/1/2008 *PE | |
| 070730025 Oct 2007 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON 4T40-E (MN4) AND 4T45-E (MN5) FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY RECONDITIONING, DTC P0741, P0742, P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P1811, HARSH SHIFTS, SLIPS, NO DRIVE, NO REVERSE. *NJ | |
| 070232006 Aug 2007 | Steering | CLUNK FELT/NOISE HEARD FROM STEERING COLUMN, STEERING GEAR AND/OR FRONT OF VEHICLE DURING TURNING MANEUVER AND/OR STEERING WHEEL ROTATION (LUBRICATE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT [I-SHAFT]). *NJ | |
| 010232001F Feb 2006 | Steering | CLUNK FELT/NOISE HEARD FROM STEERING COLUMN, STEERING GEAR AND/OR FRONT OF VEHICLE DURING TURNING MANEUVER AND/OR STEERING WHEEL ROTATION. *TT | |
| 040235004D Nov 2005 | Steering | CLUNK NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE DURING TURNING MANEUVER/STEERING WHEEL ROTATION. *TT *NM | |
| 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 | |
| 010232001C Aug 2004 | Suspension | INFORMATION REGARDING CLUNK NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE DURING TURNING. *YH *TT | |
| 04008 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT 04008 - AIR CLEANER COVER - REPLACE. *TT | |
| 04002 May 2004 | Electrical System | PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL IGNITION CIRCUIT THERMAL EVENTS. *MJ | |
| 04122004 Apr 2004 | Electrical System | IGNITION CIRCUIT THERMAL EVENTS, THREE PHASE SAFETY RECALL 04002. GM VOICEMAIL EXPRESS. *TT | |
| 030867009 Mar 2004 | Visibility | SUNROOF WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE COMPLETELY DUE TO THE SUNROOF MOTOR. *TT | |
| 02232004 Feb 2004 | Electrical System | 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. *TT | |
| 01967 Jan 2004 | Suspension | FRONT SUSPENSION STEER NOISE SMOOTH ROAD TURNS. *MR | |
| 01598 Jan 2004 | Visibility | SUNROOF SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO 03-08-67-009.*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 | |
| 010232001C Sep 2003 | Steering | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON A CLUNK TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE DURING A TURNING MANEUVER. *TT | |
| 030864011A Sep 2003 | Visibility | MIRROR VIBRATES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT | |
| 030867004 Jun 2003 | Visibility | PARTS AVAILABILITY FOR SUNROOF REPAIRS. *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 | |
| 010232001B Jul 2002 | Steering | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON A CLUNK TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE DURING A TURNING MANEUVER. *TT | |
| 010601030A May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. *TT | |
| 020308006 May 2002 | Suspension | THIS BULLETIN IS BEING ISSUED TO REVISE THE FRONT SUSPENSION FASTNER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS.*TT | |
| 020604011 Mar 2002 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0140. *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 | |
| 010601030 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION, AND HAVING TO ADD OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. *TT | |
| 051101 Nov 2001 | Steering | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CLUNK TYPE NOISE WHILE TURNING, ESPECIALLY FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *TT | |
| 291001 Oct 2001 | Exterior Lighting | CUSTOMER CONCERN OF PREMATURE FOG LAMP FAILURE. *TT | |
| 090801 Aug 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND HAVING TO ADD OIL BETWEEN CHANGES. *JG | |
| 010849009 Jun 2001 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC) REPLACEMENT. NLM | |
| 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 | |
| 020601 Feb 2001 | Steering | CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF A CLUNK NOISE FROM FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE DURING TURNING MANEUVERS OR STEERING WHEEL ROTATION. *JB | |
| 180101 Jan 2001 | Steering | INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING CLUNK OR BUMP NOISE USUALLY HEARD WHEN TURNING EMITTING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO BE FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL OF VEHICLE WITH THE CAR IN PARK OR MOVING SLOWLY AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS ROTATED FROM STOP TO STOP. *TT | |
| 010601004 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHIBITING A LOUD HOOT / WHISTLING NOISE AT START UP DURING COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. *JB |
Showing 60 of 99 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.
- 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.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- 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.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 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 →