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8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$700
Average Mileage:
122,550 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner Comments

problem #6

Aug 252015

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

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

Drove my car to the train. After work, arrived at the car and it wouldn't turn over. Was given a jump and that was that. Next day same thing. On Saturday of that week got in my car to take it to my mechanic. Of course it wouldn't start. Paid to have it towed. Had a battery installed. My car worked for a month. Went to the market, had a trunk full of groceries and you guessed it...my car wouldn't start. Called to have it towed and was told looks like you need a starter. That's 2 tows at $50 each. The battery was $60 and now a starter $325. All out of pocket expenses.

Another month goes by and my car won't start. Here comes tow #3 and yes...another $50. This time I'm told it's my fuel pump. It needs to be replaced because gas doesn't seem to be reaching the engine. $480 later and I get to drive my car. I drive it for a month (now we're into late March 2015) and that's when I hear the knocking. I can't take it!!!

I refuse to pour anymore money into this car. I've spent over $1000 in less than 4 months on a car with only 86K miles. Although I need a car I park it and transport me and my son to school and work via public transportation. I did this until May 2, 2015 and then I go to the Chevy dealer and buy a new car. My car is now 3 1/2 months old and prayerfully it will not give me any problems.

So fast forward to today, August 25, 2015. I called Chevy about recalls on the Cavalier to see if I can recoup any of my out of pocket expenses. After being transferred a few times, and being placed on hold for an extremely long time, I was told "I know you just purchased a new vehicle a few months ago, but if you're willing to purchase an additional brand new vehicle, Chevy would be more than happy to apply your out of pocket expenses towards the purchase of a second new vehicle." Huh?! I said no, I don't want a second new car. I asked, if Chevy is will to put those monies towards a new vehicle which I am not in the market for or in need of, can you simply apply those monies towards services like routine maintenance, oil changes, brakes, batteries, etc.? "Well now that's a good questions, and I can look into that for you but I really don't see that happening." Again...huh?! I was given a reference # but I don't know why since there was no resolution. The senior advisor thanked me for calling Chevy and bid me a good day.

- nickis, Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #5

Oct 282010

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,419 miles

The damn thing starts only about 25% of the time. Took it in, got a new fuel pump ($500 for that) and it didn't fix the issue. I've gotten stuck at the store with my infant daughter and had to walk home in the cold while trying to keep her warm. Have to spend another $200 on diagnostics today just to see if they can figure out another solution. I will never buy another Chevy again after this car. Too bad for Chevy because I had planned to buy an Equinox next year. I guess I'll have to find a Ford.

- Nikki W., St. Catharines, ON, Canada

problem #4

May 132009

Cavalier 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles

If it's the first startup of the day, and everything's cold, she'll start without issue. once it's been started once it won't start the second time. it cranks and cranks forever without turning over. my Mechanic told me to push the gas pedal to the floor when this happens. and that worked. except smoke comes out of the exhaust and everything smells like fuel. he tried cleaning the idle control sensor, seemed to work, but that turned out to be a temporary fix. he replaced the idle control sensor. that did nothing. now he suspects maybe the fuel injectors, and maybe it somehow floods it's self. we're going to try those next. I'll let everyone know how that goes.

- boni0030, Norwalk, CA, US

problem #3

Apr 042008

Cavalier Sport Edition V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 333,700 miles

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

put key in. turn to start, makes a noise doesn't want to turn over. seems like it only happens when hot, i live in Florida. finally when it does start it, it shakes like crazy, makes a cloud of smokes and smells like fuel. took to Chevy dealer but if it runs, turns off for a few minutes and starts just fine. i changed the battery, spark plugs, tried fuel injector cleaner. nothing works, anyone have this situation? solutions?? please help

- bluecavy, Brandon, FL, US

problem #2

Mar 082008

Cavalier 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

Last week my sister tells me that her car will not start. Thought it was the battery. Turns out the engine rotates fine and there was spark. Everything else (fuel pump and fuses) seem to fine as well. Friend says that his wifes Cavalier had the same issue and to follow the instructions on resetting the passlock system. Did not work. There is no blinking or steady light coming from the "theft" light on the dash. Found a website that added the "turn key back off for 5 seconds" and after a 15 minute wait it worked. Now the car is stuck on the 3rd floor of the Ritz in downtown New Orleans. Will not start no matter how many times I try the 10 minute reset! Called for a tow truck but nobody has a truck small enough to enter the parking garage to get the car!!!! Since the car will not run it is impossible to get it out to the 1st floor so that a truck can retrieve the thing. I guess I will be returning back to downtown to sit in the car again for another battle with this car!!!! I will be installing the bypass PLJX. I hope this will work. As of now, my sister will be getting a new car instead.

- Terry B., Luling, LA, US

problem #1

Aug 312002

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • 52,000 miles

Turns over but won't start. Please help, not really sure what the problem is.

- Tony M., Humble, TX, US

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