CarComplaints.com Notes: Widespread instrument panel failure is a common and frustrating reality for many 2004-2005 Chevy Cavalier owners. They're often left in the dark when it comes to knowing how fast they're going, what their engine temperature is, or even how much fuel they have left in the tank.
The likely culprit is a series of bad "stepper motors" which control the gauges and are no longer covered under warranty. Think not being able to see your speed is a safety issue and should be recalled for all owners? We'd agree. Trouble is, apparently the NHTSA does not.
I have been having problems with my braking system since buying my 2004 cavalier fresh off the lot with full bumper to bumper warranty. I even bought the extended warranty to make sure I was covered in case anything major happened. Well, over time, I have taken it to several dealerships with no satisfactory results. While the car was under warranty I was told that it was just a "bad sensor" and the dealership would replace the defective sensor. I countered that the brakes would skid and not allow me to apply them properly. I have driven other cavaliers with the ABS braking system and this was not the case with those cars. there are times when this can be really dangerous. For instance, I was in traffic and went to apply the brakes when filing in behind several cars for the left turn lane. The car acted like it didn't want to stop. fortunately, I was able to avoid an accident. It's also dangerous in wet/snowy conditions. It also always makes this really strange "boing" sound -- like a grinding spring (difficult to describe). I have been to three different dealerships in my area about this for some time. Once the car was no longer under warranty, one of the dealers tried to claim there was thousands of dollars in repairs needed. I told him this was the same problem they had not fixed in prior visits. Then, they claimed they looked at the car again and it was just a little water seeping in tampering with the sensor. In other words, it looked like they weren't going to make any money off of the repair, so they decided to be dismissive. There are really only three cavalier dealerships in my area and none of them have been satisfactory in resolving this. I want to know who holds these folks accountable????? When a company makes a product, they should: 1) commit to quality when producing the product and 2) stand by their product and correct problems when/if they arise.
I actually went to one dealer who dropped hints about wanting to sell me a new car !!! I told him I wanted the present one PROPERLY FIXED!
You know, it's difficult to feel bad about the position the large us automakers are in when this is how they treat their customers. They can't understand why cars don't sell. Who wants to keep buying products they have to keep "nursing" instead of "using"? And, who wants to deal with shabby crews who make excuses and pass the buck instead of resolving legitimate product problems?
Over the past two weeks the performance has been a little more problematic than usual. I need my vehicle to get to work and conduct my life. I have always been conscientious about taking care of the recommended care program (oil changes, tune up, tire rotations, etc.).
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I have been having problems with my braking system since buying my 2004 cavalier fresh off the lot with full bumper to bumper warranty. I even bought the extended warranty to make sure I was covered in case anything major happened. Well, over time, I have taken it to several dealerships with no satisfactory results. While the car was under warranty I was told that it was just a "bad sensor" and the dealership would replace the defective sensor. I countered that the brakes would skid and not allow me to apply them properly. I have driven other cavaliers with the ABS braking system and this was not the case with those cars. there are times when this can be really dangerous. For instance, I was in traffic and went to apply the brakes when filing in behind several cars for the left turn lane. The car acted like it didn't want to stop. fortunately, I was able to avoid an accident. It's also dangerous in wet/snowy conditions. It also always makes this really strange "boing" sound -- like a grinding spring (difficult to describe). I have been to three different dealerships in my area about this for some time. Once the car was no longer under warranty, one of the dealers tried to claim there was thousands of dollars in repairs needed. I told him this was the same problem they had not fixed in prior visits. Then, they claimed they looked at the car again and it was just a little water seeping in tampering with the sensor. In other words, it looked like they weren't going to make any money off of the repair, so they decided to be dismissive. There are really only three cavalier dealerships in my area and none of them have been satisfactory in resolving this. I want to know who holds these folks accountable????? When a company makes a product, they should: 1) commit to quality when producing the product and 2) stand by their product and correct problems when/if they arise.
I actually went to one dealer who dropped hints about wanting to sell me a new car !!! I told him I wanted the present one PROPERLY FIXED!
You know, it's difficult to feel bad about the position the large us automakers are in when this is how they treat their customers. They can't understand why cars don't sell. Who wants to keep buying products they have to keep "nursing" instead of "using"? And, who wants to deal with shabby crews who make excuses and pass the buck instead of resolving legitimate product problems?
Over the past two weeks the performance has been a little more problematic than usual. I need my vehicle to get to work and conduct my life. I have always been conscientious about taking care of the recommended care program (oil changes, tune up, tire rotations, etc.).
- Your Friend L., Detroit, MI, US