“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. While driving at 35 MPH, there was an odor of smoke inside the vehicle. The contact coasted over to the side of the road, lifted the hood, and noticed that the wires from the alternator were on fire. The contact extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 17, 2015 at 169,000 miles
“Attempting to start the vehicle, smoke came out the ignition and steering column. *ph the vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the ignition system. The dealer also indicated that the battery was bad and replaced it. After the repairs were made the consumer received a recall notice related to the vehicle ignition system.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 20, 2004 at 40,178 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)
Complaints about the 1998 Cavalier peaked in 1999, with 62 filed that year. Owners had filed 25 complaints about the electrical system before the first recall that covers it, 04V036000 in January 2004; 27 more have come in since. In 2023 owners filed 1 so far.
Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Filed Oct 17, 20083,855 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.
Defect. DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
Risk. IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi
Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.
Risk. A STALLED VEHICLE CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. A FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MRAS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 1-877-335-7443.
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Filed Jan 27, 20041,415,231 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Filed Nov 4, 20021,159,156 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. 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. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. 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 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings00V053000
Filed Feb 28, 2000391 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BI-FUEL COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) VEHICLES. THE CNG FUEL LINE AND THE CNG HIGH PRESSURE REGULATOR COOLANT LINES CAN CONTACT OTHER FUEL (GASOLINE) AND BRAKE LINES ON THE VEHICLE. ABRASION FROM CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LEAK IN THE BRAKE PIPE, FUEL PIPE, OR BOTH.
Risk. ABRASION FROM CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LEAK IN THE BRAKE PIPE, FUEL PIPE, OR BOTH. A BRAKE FLUID LEAK COULD DISABLE A PORTION OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM, CAUSING LONGER STOPPING DISTANCES. GASOLINE LEAKING FROM A FUEL PIPE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPOSITION THE CNG FUEL AND COOLANT PIPES AND REPOSITION/REPAIR ANY DAMAGED FUEL OR BRAKE PIPES AS NECESSARY.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED SECURELY RESULTING IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS.
Risk. THE WHEEL COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE OF ALL WHEEL NUTS AND, IF NECESSARY, TIGHTEN ANY THAT MAY BE BELOW REQUIRED TORQUE.
All 11 campaigns on file, newest first.
Technical service bulletins
105 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1998 Cavalier. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
engine 26equipment 12transmission 12steering 11electrical system 9visibility 8brakes 6body and frame 5
PIP4723DService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 31, 2020electrical 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
PIP4723BService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 22, 2017electrical 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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
PIC5913Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 19, 2013electrical 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. Technician will need to check for an incorrect or non-existent VIN number in modules that require them. Technician should …
04002Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 12, 2004electrical system
02232004Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 23, 2004electrical 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
Showing the newest 6 of 9 bulletins about the electrical system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Jun 29, 2023KY
Transmission failed out of nowhere for no reason no check engine light yes available for inspection
Engine
Filed Jun 6, 2020150,000 milesTX
THE STARTER WENT OUT THE FIRST WEEK I GOT IT DID TIRES START RUBBING THE SUCKS WENT OUT MAKING IT HARD TO DRIVE AND A SECOND TIME START RUBBING I END UP BUYING THREE TIMES CUZ THEY GOT BALL REAL FAST THE WIRING UNDER THE ENGINE RIPPED APART AND NOW IT'S THREW A ROD. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Feb 20, 2018335,000 milesWA
THE GAS GAUGE IS GOING HAYWIRE. IT PEGS TO THE "F", AND THEN IMMEDIATELY PEGS TO THE "E", EVEN THOUGH THE TANK IS HALF FULL. THE GAUGE THEN JUMPS AROUND THE MIDDLE FORM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER SIDE. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL HOW MUCH IS IN THE TANK. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO WHILE SITTING AT LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 24, 2017TX
"TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE TRIED TO COONTACT DEALSHIPS, AND AM BEING TOLD MY VEHICLE DOESN'T "SHOW UP"? YET MY CAR IS VERIFIED FROM WWW.NHTSA.GOV ( MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERN040002 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER04V036.
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 31, 2017195,000 milesOH
I HEARD VIBRATION BY THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL. I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED I COULD ACTUALLY MOVE (WOBBLE) THE WHEEL, IT CAME LOOSE FROM THE FRAME ACCORDING TO 3 CAR SHOPS. I EVEN TOOK IT TO A CHEVY DEALERSHIP, IT WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ALSO THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY CORRODED, THERE ARE PARTS OF THE UNIBODY FRAME THAT ARE JUST MISSING DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE, BUT DUE TO THE FRAME ISSUE ITS NOW UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WAY TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. ANY RECALLS ON THE 1998 CAVALIER?
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 17, 2015125,000 milesFL
THE ENGINE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WHERE IT DIDN'T WANT TO MOVE AND THE GAS PUMP KEPT MESSING UP AND THE GAS NEEDLE DOESN,T SHOW CORRECT IT WILL SAY YOU HAVE A HALF A TANK WHEN YOU REALLY HAVE A QUARTER TANK, AND THE THROTTLE SENSOR IS MESSED UP I WAS ON I-4 WHICH IS A MAJOR HIGHWAY IN ORLANDO IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC THE WAS ON BUT LOSS POWER AND STALLED OUT.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 5, 2015189,467 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,467.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/RegulatorFire
Filed Aug 17, 2015169,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, LIFTED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRES FROM THE ALTERNATOR WERE ON FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 9, 2015190,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON ICE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED SPINE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 20, 201490,000 milesAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE KEY COULD NOT BE INSERTED ALL THE WAY IN THE IGNITION. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN ORDER TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE THE KEY NEEDED TO BE SLIGHTLY OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 1, 2013120,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH, THE SUB FRAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 5, 2012155,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUB FRAME FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 27, 2012OH
I HAVE A Z24 AND MY CAR STALLS OUT AND TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING I HAVE CONTACTED A CHEVY DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CAVALIER'S DO, BUT MY TYPE OF VEHICLE(Z24) ISN'T AFFECTED. EXPLAINED IT IS AND THEY SHOULD SEE ABOUT THIS. AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO GET THIS FIXED. ALSO, WHEN RESEARCHING THIS INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS I WITH MY TYPE OF VEHICLE. WHY WOULD 1 TYPE OF CAR OF THE SAME YEAR HAVE THE PROBLEM AND NOT ALL OF THEM? IT HAS THE SAME COMPONENTS JUST DESIGNED A LITTLE DIFFERENT. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed May 23, 2012GA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS BRAKE MODULE FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME ABNORMALLY SOFT AND THE VEHICLE HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE ABS BRAKE MODULE COMPONENT WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
Steering
Filed May 22, 2012120,000 milesNJ
STEERING DOES NOT TURN GOING AT A RATE OF 5 MPH. *TT
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 16, 2012150,000 milesMD
TOOK VEHICLE FOR STATE INSPECTION. VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO FRAME BEING RUSTED. MECHANIC/INSPECTOR STATES THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON ON THE 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THERE ARE MFG. FRAME HOLES THAT THE SUBFRAME IS RUSTING NEAR THE REAR WHEELS. SUGGESTED THAT COULD HAVE A BODY SHOP WELD PLATES OVER THE MFG HOLES IN THE FRAME. *JS
Power TrainCrash
Filed Mar 21, 2012121,566 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ENGINE STARTUP, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. THE SAFETY FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO SEVERAL ROCKS. THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED AND THE CRASH CAUSED NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 121,566.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 12, 2011123,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN HE WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT ONE OF THE WHEELS WAS PROTRUDING OUTWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Jul 13, 2011142,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED. WHEN THE THEFT SYSTEM FAILED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 4, 2011131,000 milesNY
NO EVENTS EXCEPT THE SUB FRAME JUST SPLIT IN HALF ,CAUSING THE VEHICLE HAS VERY LITTLE CONTROL AND PULLS ERRATICALLY FROM ONE WAY TO ANOTHER, HAD TO REPLACE THE SUB FRAME. *TR
Steering
Filed Apr 11, 2011139,000 milesWA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE FAILURE WAS A CONTINUOUS OCCURRENCE IN ANY SELECTED GEAR. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 02V286000 (STEERING: RACK AND PINION) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER BEING DRIVEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. UPDATED 5/24/11 *CN UPDATED 1/18/2012 *LN *TR
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 18, 2010170,000 milesKY
CHEVY CAVALIER RUSTED SUB FRAMES. CAR VIBRATES WILDLY AT A CERTAIN SPEEDS. CAR WAS PARKED. WAS TOLD VEHICLE WARRANTY HAD ALREADY EXPIRED AND THERE HAD BEEN NO OTHER CALLS RELATED TO THIS. WAS TOLD BY GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT CAR (IF DRIVEN) SHOULD BE DRIVEN CAUTIOUSLY (NO BUMPS, POTHOLES, LONG DISTANCE TRIPS) RECOMMENDED WE DON'T DRIVE. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Mar 7, 2010123,000 milesMI
IGNITION SWITCH, OR ANTI THEFT SYSTEM, CAUSES FUEL PUMP TO NOT WORK PROPERLY AND ALSO FUEL INJECTORS, BEEN IN GARAGE 3 TIMES AND FINALLY WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM AFTER SPENDING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS, WAS TOLD GM HAD A RECALL ON THIS PART. *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 16, 2009143,600 milesMI
THE 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER STARTS TO SHAKE WHEN IT REACHES 60 MPH OR MORE. IT IS A HORRIBLE FEELING. *TR
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 30, 2009170,000 milesKY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO VIBRATE. ALSO WHEN STRIKING A SMALL BUMP ON THE ROAD WAY, THE VEHICLE WILL FISH TAIL. DURING THE INSTALLATION OF NEW TIRES, SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLES SUB FRAME HAD CORROSION. IT COST $3500.00 TO REPAIR THE FRAME. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172000.
Steering
Filed Jan 31, 20092,000 milesOH
EVER SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR BRAND NEW, I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE STALLING ON HILLS OR INCLINES. MY CAR WILL START TO FEEL AS IF IT'S GOING TO STALL, AND THE RPM'S JUMP UP AS IF I AM ACCELERATING THE GAS, BUT SINCE THIS NORMALLY ONLY HAPPENS ON HILLS, WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, MY CAR WILL NOT STOP, B/C THE RPM'S ARE STILL HIGH, THEN THAT'S WHEN THE CAR STALLS, AND OF COURSE MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKS, AND I CANNOT STOP WITHOUT USING THE E-BRAKE, OR PUT IT BACK INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART IT. I HAVE NO WARRANTY LEFT SINCE IT HAS EXPIRED, HOWEVER, I HAD TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ALWAYS SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN, AND IT'S NOT FAIR THAT THIS DEFECT HAS "SLIPPED" THROUGH THE CRACKS FOR THIS LONG. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE BEFORE OWNERS OF THIS CAR GET INJURED OR KILLED! I AM ALSO HAVING A RACK AND PINION PROBLEM, BUT GMAC SAID THAT MY CAR DIDN'T COME FROM THE PLANT WITH THE DEFECTIVE PARTS! WELL, I THINK IT DID. MY CAR HAS BEEN UNRELIABLE MORE OFTEN THAN NOT. EVERY TIME I HAVE DRIVE DOWN A HILL, I SAY A PRAYER. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT 2-3 TIMES/WEEK. MY STEERING IS SO BAD FROM THE DEFECTIVE RACK AND PINION, THAT I CAN'T TURN MY STEERING WHEEL UNTIL THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR ABOUT 15 MINS.(WHEN IT'S COLD OUT). GMAC HAS FAILED TO TAKE MY CONCERNS SERIOUS, IT'S SAD THAT A COMPANY I PAID ALL MY HARD EARNED MONEY TO, CAN'T EVEN MAKE/OR FIX AN UNSAFE VEHICLE! AND I ALSO HAVE THE RECALLED DEX COOLANT, BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE PAID FOR THE DAMAGES AND REPAIRS I
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 15, 2008133,000 milesVT
I WAS STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I TOOK OFF AND FELT A PULL TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAD MY BROTHER IN LAW CHECK IT OUT AND THE SUB-FRAME WAS ROTTED. WE REPLACED IT BUT FEEL THIS NEEDED TO BE BROUGHT TO YOUR ATTENTION. *TR
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Apr 8, 2008MO
THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE FAMILY FOR MOST OF ITS LIFE. WHEN MY SISTER BOUGHT IT. SHE WOULD HAVE TROUBLE WITH IT STARTING UP. SHE WOULD HAVE TO TRY SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT WOULD FINALLY START UP. IM NOT SURE OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD IT COULD BE THE IGNITION SWITCH. BUT THIS HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THIS GETS EXPENSIVE WHEN YOU DO THIS? I WAS WONDERING IF THERE WAS ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THIS. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Mar 10, 2008160,000 milesAR
ALL I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS CAR IS IT IS A PIECE OF JUNK. I HAVE HAD MINE FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS NOW AND IN THIS TWO YEARS I HAVE HAD TO PUT ABOUT 7,000 DOLLARS OF WORK INTO IT. AS OF RIGHT NOW MY CAR IS SITTING 200 HUNDRED MILES AWAY ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE THE WIRING TO MY STARTER KEEPS BLOWING MY STARTERS UP. AND AS FAR AS IM CONCERNED THE CAR CAN STAY THERE. I'M NOT EVEN GOING TO BOTHER GOING TO GET IT. SOMEONE ELSE CAN BAR THE BURDEN THAT COMES WITH THAT CAR! IM DONE! *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/ModuleCrash
Filed Dec 13, 2007KS
I HAVE ALWAYS HAD TROUBLE WITH THE ABS SYSTEM AND SO DID MY FATHER-IN-LAW WHO DROVE CAR BEFORE ME. ABS WAS ALWAYS VERY SENSITIVE TO ACTIVATING AND WHEN ACTIVATED VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP. I HAVE BE DRIVING 40 YEARS AND NEVER OWNED A MORE DIFFICULT VEHICLE TO STOP. HAD BRAKES SERVICED LESS THAN 10,000 MILES AGO AT DEALER, HAVE BRAND NEW MICHELINS. DOES NOT MATTER, I SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET ABOUT THIS CAVALIER ABS SYSTEM AND IT IS DANGEROUS. *TR
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Oct 23, 2007152,500 milesAZ
HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAS FAILED 3 TIMES IN 3 YEARS. NEITHER LOW OR HIGH BEAMS WILL WORK MAKING DRIVING AT NIGHT UNSAFE. SWITCH REPLACED IN OCTOBER 2004, OCTOBER 2006 AND OCTOBER 2007. THE SWITCH FROM OCTOBER 2004 HAD AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL COMING FROM IT FOR THE TWO YEARS IT WAS INSTALLED WHILE THE HEADLIGHTS WERE TURNED ON. *TR
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Jul 24, 200783,656 milesOK
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING LOCKED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AS OF JULY 24, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 83,656. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ A BROKEN WHEEL STUD AND NUT WERE REPLACED. UPDATED *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)
Filed Nov 9, 2006175,055 milesWI
1998 CAVALIER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *TS THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE WHAT WAS CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST DETERMINED THAT THE EGR VALVE WAS STICKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE EGR VALVE FAILED AT 142,673 MILES AND AGAIN AT 175,055. WHEN THE CONSUMER LOOKED AT THE SERVICE INVOICE IT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON THE EGR VALVE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER SINCE THE PART HAD A LIFETIME WARRANTY. *NM
Steering › Rack and Pinion › Rack
Filed Nov 1, 200682,525 milesCA
A RECALL REPAIR ON THE STEERING MECHANISM WAS PERFORMED IN 2003; LESS THAN FOUR YEARS LATER, THE SAME REPAIR WAS NEEDED AT AN EXORBITANT COST DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE RECALL-REPLACED PART. CHEVY REFUSED MONETARY ASSISTANCE. IS IT COMMON PRACTICE TO PLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS IN RECALLS SO THE CONSUMER HAS TO PAY THE REPAIR, HENCE THE COMPANY GETTING THEIR MONEY BACK FOR THE RECALL REPAIR? THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS INJURED WHEN THE STEERING MECHANISM BROKE. *NM
Electrical System › Wiring › Rear Compartment/TrunkFire
Filed Oct 18, 200682,000 milesKY
NO WARNING OF ANYTHING WRONG, HAD DRIVEN LESS THAN 1 MILE WHEN TRUNK CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO DEFECTIVE WIRING. *NM
Electrical System › Wiring › Rear Compartment/TrunkFire
Filed Sep 14, 200665,000 milesKY
WIRING HARNESS SHORTED OUT AND STARTED TRUNK FIRE. *NM
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Apr 27, 200699,000 milesOR
ABS BRAKES FAIL WHEN TURNING AND BREAKING AT 10 MPH. *NM
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 11, 200672,000 milesPA
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION; HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED.
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Jan 13, 2006TX
1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF. *TS THE STUDS HAD BROKEN ON THE HUB. THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER WAS DAMAGED. *NM
Air Bags › FrontalCrash2 injured
Filed Dec 23, 2005GA
I REAR ENDED SOMEONE GOING 45 MPH AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY. THIS WAS A FRONTAL CRASH AND FROM ALL THE LITERATURE I HAVE READ, IT INDICATES THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. *NM
Tires
Filed Dec 22, 2005OH
1998 CHEVY CAVALIER RIGHT FRONT TIRE CAME OFF. *TS THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FENDER. *JB
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Nov 12, 2005115,600 milesNY
THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE STEERING RACK AND PINION ON 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER BUILD IN 4-01-1997 TO 10-31-1997 MINE WAS MADE 11-01-1997. I KNOW THAT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH MINE BECAUSE AT TIMES I CAN'T TURN THE WHEEL AT ALL WHEN I SLOW DOWN. THE REASON I'M WRITING ABOUT THIS IS I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE BEEN OTHER REPORTS ON THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER 98 CAVALIERS MADE AT THIS TIME. I WOULD LIKE A REPORT SENT TO GENERAL MOTORS TO SEE IF THEY WILL GO GOOD FOR THIS PART. I HAVE A CHILD AND I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY THAT THEY SHOULD GO GOOD FOR IT AND HAVE IT FIX BY A DEALER AND THEY SHOULD PAY THE DEALER FOR THE PROBLEM. PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK . YOU HAVE MY EMAIL ADDRESS. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR BACK ON THIS REAL SOON. THANK YOU. *JB
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Sep 29, 200577,000 milesMA
DT: THE CONTACT STATED SHE THERE WAS A CRACK IN GAS TANK. IF THE CONTACT FILLED THE TANK 3/4 FULL THE TANK LEAKED. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A CRACK IN THE TOP OF THE TANK. SHE NOTICED THIS A WHILE BACK. SHE ALWAYS KEPT TANK FULL. BUT WHEN GAS PRICES WENT UP EXCESSIVELY SHE COULD NOT AFFORD TO FILL IT UP. WHEN GAS PRICES WENT DOWN, THE CONTACT FILLED IT UP AGAIN, AND THAT WAS WHEN THE TANK STARTED TO LEAK. HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A CRACK. *AK
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Aug 23, 2005MO
DT: THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE IN TWO YEARS BEFORE RECEIVING RECALL O4V036000 NOTICE CONCERNING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN MARCH 2004. THE OWNER MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE REPAIR WORK DONE. THE DEALER INSTALLED A RELAY KIT AND RECHARGED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN HOME AND WORKED FINE FOR THREE OR FOUR WEEKS. THE OWNER CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE BATTERY DRAINING, AND HAVING TO JUMP START THE VEHICLE. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AT LEAST ONE OTHER TIME IN NOVEMBER 2004. THE OWNER TALKED WITH THE DEALER BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN GETTING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. THE DEALER ACTUALLY WANTED TO CHARGE FOR CHECKING AS TO WHY THE BATTERY WAS DRAINING INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE IGNITION SWITCH AS STATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. OWNER HAS TALKED WITH RONALD BERKAN AT GENERAL MOTORS, WHO CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE KIT WAS PLACED IN THE VEHICLE AS REQUIRED BY THE RECALL. MR. BERKAN ALSO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS NOT INVOLVED. THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THAT GM WOULD DO UNDER THIS RECALL.*AK CONSUMER IS AFRAID THAT IF RECALL WORK IS NOT PERFORMED THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD CAUSE A FIRE. STILL HAVING PROBLEMS AND NOW HAS TO JUMP START VEHICLE EVERY 24 HOURS. *TT
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jul 28, 200596,000 milesMA
DT: CALLER HAD SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 02V286000 CONCERNING RACK AN DPINION STEERING. BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER SAID HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK
Steering
Filed Jul 26, 200555,843 milesPA
ON 08.25.2003 SUN CHEVROLET (IN PITTSBURGH, PA) PERFORMED RECALL WORK ON MY 1998 CHEVY CAVALIER. THIS WAS CLASSIFIED AS "RACK AND PINION CAMPAIGN 02049, MA-96-V0948.7". AT THAT TIME THE ONLY PART LISTED ON MY RECEIPT AS BEING INSTALLED ON THE CAVALIER WAS BEARING K 6.835 A. RECENTLY I HAVE BEEN ENCOUNTERING DIFFICULTY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, WHERE IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE POWER STEERING HAS BECOME DISABLED INTERMITTENTLY. THIS IS VERY STARTLING WHEN IT OCCURS, AND HAS LED TO SEVERAL "NEAR MISSES" IN TRAFFIC WHEN TRYING TO NEGOTIATE TURNS. SO, ON 07.21.2005, I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO SUN CHEVROLET FOR THEM TO EVALUATE THIS PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THE VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW "STEERING GEAR" FOR $1168.95, AND THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I CALLED PRICILLA LUNDQUIST (FROM CHEVROLET 866.952.4368 X 58092, SERVICE REQUEST # 1-351040321) ON SATURDAY 07.23.2005, AND SHE SAID THAT SHE WOULD SPEAK WILL SUN CHEVROLET THEN GET BACK TO US ON MONDAY (07.25.2005). AT THAT TIME SHE TOLD US THERE IS NOTHING THEY WOULD DO ABOUT THE PROBLEM, IT WAS COMPLETELY OUR PROBLEM TO FIX AND PAY FOR. FROM READING THE INFORMATION ON THIS RACK AND PINION RECALL, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THE STEERING GEAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL (08.25.2003) ALONG WITH THE BEARING TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM NOW. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS ABOUT 55,000 MILES ON IT, BUT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THIS STEERING PROBLEM.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 12, 2005GA
PURCHASED A 98 CHEV CAVALIER FROM DRIVE TIME IN 2002 - FOUND OUT LAST WEEK VIA CARFAX THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A 20,000 MILE ODOMETER ROLL BACK
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 5, 2005100,000 milesOH
DT: THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE, IT STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY CLOSE TO 100,000 MILES. COMPLAINS OF ENGINE NOT WORKING. *AK
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System
Filed Jun 23, 200537,000 milesFL
FUEL GAUGE SHOWED MORE FUEL IN TANK THAN THERE REALLY WAS- THE CAR STALLED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY SHOWING 1/4 TANK OF GAS WHEN IT WAS EMPTY.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 22, 2005100,000 milesGA
(1) MY COUSIN WAS DRIVING HER 1998 CAVALIER WHEN SHE WAS STRUCK HEAD ON BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE (2) HER DRIVER'S SIDE CHAIR BROKE LOSE AND HER SEAT BELT CAME OUT OF ITS FASTENER AND THE METAL "HOOK" STRIKING HER BODY RESULTING IN A LACERATION. HER BODY WAS THEN THROW FORWARD WITH SUCH GREAT FORCE THAT SHE HIT THE WINDSHIELD WITH HER HEAD TWICE RESULTING IN A CONCUSSION, BLACK EYE, SWOLLEN FOREHEAD AND OTHER CUTS AND BRUISES. ADDITIONALLY, AT THE POINT OF IMPACT, DESPITE THE FORCE WITH WHICH SHE WAS STRUCK, HER AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY WHICH COULD HAVE FURTHER PREVENTED HER STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD. EVERY SAFETY DEVICE IN THIS VEHICLE FAILED MISERABLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY.
Complaints 1-50 of 345, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Cavalier years to avoid. Owners filed 345 complaints, against about 257 for a typical Cavalier year. The most common complaint is about the electrical system (15%).
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The electrical system: 52 of the 345 complaints (15%) are about it. Owners most often say it smokes or smells of burning (13%), will not start (8%) and stalls (6%). The typical report comes at 82,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 11, 2009. The largest, 04V036000, covered 1,415,231 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 82,525 miles. For the electrical system the midpoint is 82,000 miles.
Are there service bulletins for the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The manufacturer filed 105 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (26), the transmission (12) and the steering (11). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.