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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
58,361 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.

2000 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems

electrical problem

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2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #22

Feb 062018

Cavalier

  • 200,000 miles

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

Ignition gets very hot when key is turned can smell plastic ignition or batt 1 circuit problem.clearcoat is peeling.lug nuts coming loose

- Tacoma, WA, USA

problem #21

Oct 262014

Cavalier

  • 133,000 miles
After accelerating over 35mph vehicle continues to accelerate. Vehicle able to stop but you can still hear and feel the motor to continue to accelerate and the vehicle starts to jerk around. Its very unsafe and no one at the car shop able to tell me exactly what is wrong. I've had several things fixed and still having the same problem. The vehicle sometimes after starting up will accelerate on it own.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #20

Apr 012014

Cavalier

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated when removing the key from ignition switch, the vehicle failed to shut off. The contact stated that the relays and the inside dome light constantly stay illuminated. The failure was contantly draining the battery. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 90,000.

- Manning , SC, USA

problem #19

Jun 022014

Cavalier 4-cyl

  • miles

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

2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. Consumer writes in regards to acceleration issues and vehicle ignition problems. The consumer stated after he had the battery, alternator and oxygen sensor replaced, he experienced an unusual problem with the vehicle. While driving 55 mph, with the cruise control on, all the lights on the dashboard lit up, the RPM gauge began to decrease and the cruise control somewhat disengaged as if the motor was about to shut down. He placed his foot on the accelerator and drove the vehicle home. He parked it, and the next day, he discovered something drained the new battery. A mechanic rode with him, and the vehicle displayed the same symptoms. The mechanic, then checked everything on the vehicle, but could not come up with the cause of the problem. He stated he believed the problem was electrical, but could not say for sure. The next day, the consumer checked the vehicle, and the battery was dead again. The consumer talked to another mechanic, and he informed the consumer, of all the ignition problems GM was having with their vehicles.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #18

Sep 032012

Cavalier 4-cyl

  • 52,000 miles
First driver side rear turn signal blinked rapidly, then brake light and turn light ceased to work. When checked, the light and lens were fused (melted) together. As well driver side window ceased to work. Mechanic stated its electrical and advised I check recalls.also sometimes gas pedal accelerates without pressure from me. No cruise control engaged, not able to determine when or why...just occasionally happens.

- Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA

problem #17

Sep 202011

Cavalier 4-cyl

  • miles
This car will not start. And when it does start it back fires. I have replaced the starter, the flex plate the sensors, and the muffler, and nothing seems to work and no mechanic can tell me what's wrong with. I even went out and bought a car code reader and it says emissions but still no luck.

- Decatur, MI, USA

problem #16

Apr 152006

Cavalier 4-cyl

  • 50,000 miles

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

Purchased used 2000 Cavalier in 2006. First problem (which has continued for 5 years) is that the service light will come on when the car is cranked unless the headlights are first turned on. If you turn the headlights off while driving, the service light comes on. It will not go off unless you turn the car off and restart it (with headlights on). Second problem is that fuel hand does not reflect accurate amount of gasoline in tank. It goes up and down while driving (with the check gauges light on). Or sometimes it is stuck on E or stuck on F regardless of how much fuel is actually present. Third problem is that car intermittently overheats and is always losing coolant. I have replaced thermostat, water pump, & radiator. Three different mechanics cannot find a leak in the cooling system (despite pressure testing, compression testing, & block testing). We are baffled why it cannot retain constant coolant levels. This is a very frustrating situation as I am left without reliable transportation.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #15

Oct 272008

Cavalier

  • 172,000 miles
The contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start when the key was inserted into the ignition. She took the vehicle to a local repair shop and had the starter replaced. Immediately after the repair, the failure recurred. She took the vehicle back to the repair shop and was advised that an add on starter relay needed to be installed in her vehicle. The dealer stated that her VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 04V036000 (electrical system:ignition:switch); therefore, they would not assume responsibility for the repair. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 172,000.

- Waxahachie, TX, USA

problem #14

Oct 282007

Cavalier 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles
I was driven home from work (100 miles both ways) 65mph then it stopped accelerating pulled over 2 min. Later back on the road 1 mile later it happened again. Forced it to make it to town 1am. Left it at a gas station. Came back in the morning to take it back to dealer (45 min drive) it broke down 6 times!!! I've had it 9 days!!! dealer said it wasn't his problem but because my 7 month old baby was w/me he changed the fuel filter and sent me away. 45 min later I was broken down on a highway 1 hour it still wouldn't start. A man pulled up called the dealer and told him to tow it back to the shop. Next day he works on it end of day says it must be electrical. I gave him $4800 cash!!!! I don't even want the car back!!! he needs to give me my money cause it is a lemon.

- Crestview, FL, USA

problem #13

Jan 012006

Cavalier 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Interior light of a 2000 Chevy Cavalier, comes on and flickers off, at different times, very distracting at night time. It could cause an accident.

- Anchorage, AK, USA

problem #12

Feb 282006

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • miles

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

Consumer 2000 Cavalier stall when turning or stopping at a red light. After the recall work was done for the ignition the vehicle began to stall. The vehicle's transmission had to be overhauled. Two sensors have been replaced. The catalytic converter has been replaced. The fuel pump has been replaced.

- Genoa, WV, USA

problem #11

Jun 162005

Cavalier 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I am writing this letter on behalf of my mother-in-law [xxx] concerning a continuing problem she is experiencing with her 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier [xxx]. on July 10, 2001, September 16, 2002 and June 18, 2005, the dealership replaced the E7200 ignition cylinder lock [xxx] and various other components [actuator (P/N [xxx], and HVAC [xxx] relay (P/N [xxx])]. the first two times under warrantee without any explanation and the last at [xxx] expense with the excuse that the weight of the keys in the cylinder caused the failure. The vehicle has less than 10,000 miles and is well cared for. The problem seems similar to to the NHTSA recall 04V036000. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Evans, GA, USA

problem #10

Oct 202003

Cavalier

  • 95,563 miles
Low track light came on when the vehicle was accelerated or when the gear was placed in reverse. In order for the light to go out, the consumer had to take his foot off the accelerator, sometimes the engine shut off by itself. The consumer stated the dealer fixed the problem in the beginining, however the problem returned. The valve cover gasket leaked.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #9

Sep 062004

Cavalier 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,100 miles
While driving on highway, the engine suddenly stalls and will not start for sometime. Track light comes on. Happens "randomly". currently happens 3-5 times a week. Afraid to drive the car anymore. If it stalls where there is no shoulder can cause a severe accident. 2000 Chevy Cavalier, started happenning after ignition recall but dealer denies and link.

- Post Falls, ID, USA

problem #8

Jun 152004

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,400 miles
Track off light comes on and than the car will just stop/stall. This has happened 4 to 5 times in dangerous driving situations; in the middle of a left turn. The dealer has had the car twice and are unable to make the problem reoccur. They can see on the computer that it stopped but that is all. The service dept at the dealership has been wonderful they just can't find the problem. I am very afraid to drive the car.

- Belleview, FL, USA

problem #7

Oct 122003

Cavalier 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles
While drive on the city roads the 2000 Cavalier tends to stall when slowing to a complete stop, slowing to turn, and when low speeds. The engine will completely shut down while electrical components such the radio are in tact. Also include loss of power steering and power brakes making it difficult to steer out of harms way with many accident near misses. Happends mostly when car has not been in use for a period of time then is started up for use. (e.g. morning commutes).

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #6

Aug 222003

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • 79,734 miles
Simultaneously while driving, check engine light will flash on. Headlights flashed on/off 4 times or ther was a clicking noise in the front end. Dealership indicated the this might be caused by electrical system failure.

- Union City, CA, USA

problem #5

Apr 202003

Cavalier 2-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,156 miles
We bought a used Chevrolet Cavalier from the year 2000 with an extended warranty (GM certified) for 3 months or 3,000 miles. Since the beginning there were 4 problems not yet fixed. 1 - there is a popping noise under the back of the car. Dealer (koons Chevrolet - withe marsch, md) said he couldn't duplicate. After bringing the car for the 3rd time, he said the brakes were dirty and he cleaned them, but this noise is still here, when starting at a red traffic light for example, or when riding on a rough road. 2 - there is a grinding noise in front when driving. It's stopping when pushing the brake pedal. It's linked with the brakes for sure. The pads are new and the dealer said the rotor makes his noise, but he refused to change it (whereas it's under warranty). He said it's not unsafe. But this noise is coming louder and I feel like a loss of control. 3 - the ABS light come on every single day while driving and not braking. The 1st time, the dealer changed the bulb. The 2nd time problem was not solve) he changed the alternator, because my car broke down the day before (no more power at all). He said the alternator putted a low voltage to the ABS causing the light to turn on. The problem is not solve. And I need to go back to the dealer. All of these problems have not been solved, and this is the 5th time I am going to the dealer. I think he's playing with me, so that my car won't be under warranty any more, and I would pay to change stuffs in the future. Please provide information and support. Thank you.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #4

Nov 182000

Cavalier 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles
My car begun cutting off when I was driving on or about this date. I took it to the Chevy dealer on 11/27/02 and they changed the fuel line. On 12/02/02 it was still cutting of so I took it back. This time they changed the wires, plugs, and 02 sensers. To make a long story short it is now 01/25/03 and my car is still cutting off. I have been to this dealership (sir walter Chevrolet - raleigh nc) seventeen times. They have changed several major parts.( crank shaft sensor, 2 catylic converters, modules, and other parts. I do not understand why it is necessary to go to the a GMC mechanic 17 times for the same problem. I am at my wits end, the next place I am going is to the newspaper and a lawyer.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #3

May 312001

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When turning steering wheel sharply there was a popping sound at all times. Dealer replaced power steering shaft. Consumer states engine light comes on while driving, squealing noise from passengers side of engine especially on cold starts, and engine is slow to crank up-intermittent, battery was replaced, also vehicle would not start, dealer found fuel pump was inoperative and replaced fuel pump.

- Compten, CA, USA

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