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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,000 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems

electrical problem

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1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner Comments

problem #10

Apr 282004

Cavalier 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving, the horn failed to work intermittently. There was erratic horn operation. The horn didn't work 50% of the time. The dealers never resolved the problem.

- Crofton, MD, USA

problem #9

May 011999

Cavalier

  • miles
Loss of steering and air bags deployed before vehicle came into contact with anything. Regarding jannie welch. Prior to the accident a recall was issued and was repair by the dealer on Oct. 7, 1998. The vehicle tape player sounded garbled and the speakers were not very loud. The horn wire inside the steering column broke. A leaking seal within the power steering shaft caused a whining sound. (bradley banks attorney for client).

- Valparaiso, IN, USA

problem #8

Dec 052001

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • miles
My horn does not operate at all times. Also, a friend recently rented a 2001 or 2002 Chevrolet Malibu and the same thing happened. Has this been an issue with other Chevrolet? definitely could be a safety hazard!!

- Montgomery Village, MD, USA

problem #7

Aug 082000

Cavalier

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Defect 1: ABS light would come on when making a left hand turn. ABS would no longer activate while light was on. Defect 2: alternator--went out while driving in city traffic, rush hour. Had previously asked dealer to check, but they claimed it was functioning properly. Defect 3: rack and pinion steering assembly--went out shortly after alternator, while driving in the dealership parking lot. Defect 4: timing chain tensioner--technician said this caused major engine damage--gears, head, etc. Defect 5: horn--has worked sporadically, at best, for the last year and a half. Seemed like a short.

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #6

Jan 232001

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Horn was inoperable which could cause a problem if needed in an emergency situation. Also, windshield has spots on inside and outside. Consumer has contacted dealer. Rubber cover on accelerator refuses to stay on.

- Avon Lake, OH, USA

problem #5

Dec 202000

Cavalier

  • miles
Horn actived by itself at non stop until it did not work any more. Then, every night horn used to go off in middle of night. Presently, air bag is showing punctured problems.

- White Plains, NY, USA

problem #4

Dec 011999

Cavalier

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Horn: Has never worked from the time the car was received. Have had the dealer fix it 3 times but it still doesn't work. Heater fan: Failed during the winter of 1997. Past warranty period?? have not gotten it fixed yet. Engine problem: Stalls intermittently while driving after the car has warmed up, especially when coming to a stop. Will hesitate and jerk while driving it. Have replaced: Spark plug wires, plugs, fuel filter, fuel pump and have had the catalytic converter checked. Problem is not resolved. Unable to drive it more than 2 miles. Ignition: Key would not turn in ignition/ replaced by dealer X 3.

- Redford Twp., MI, USA

problem #3

Nov 061998

Cavalier

  • miles
November 13, 1998 car would not start in morning. Called for service, able to get car started before tow truck arrived. Took car in to service department, they said they could not duplicate the problem, charged $70 and sent home. February 1999, ignition failed two mornings in a row, again problem cleared up before tow truck arrived. Dealer unable to give any further explanation. February, 1999 horn ceased functioning, checked fuses all seem ok. Scheduled to take car in for service in early April.

- Annapolis, MD, USA

problem #2

Oct 141998

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • miles
The horn is inoperable, cause unknown. Dealer has replaced the fuse which did not remedy the problem.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #1

Dec 021997

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • miles
Horn failed.

- Havre De G, MD, USA

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