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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,889 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

May 292003

(reported on)

Cavalier 4-cyl

  • 68,887 miles

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

Request for reimbursement for towing, and electrical repairs after recall.

- Blackstones, MA, USA

problem #9

Jul 182002

Cavalier

  • miles
After relay switch was installed for recall O2V070000 started having lots of problems with vehicle, such as battery failure, etc.dealer contacted.

- Glen Burnie, MD, USA

problem #8

Jun 282002

Cavalier 4-cyl

  • miles
Consumer took vehicle in for recall 02V07, however was charged 800 dollars for a new battery, consumer states that this seems awfully high. The vehicle stalled due to a minor engine problem. The valve cover gasket and the arching spark plugs were replaced.

- Hamburg, NY, USA

problem #7

Mar 262002

Cavalier

  • miles

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

When turning ignition vehicle would not start. Consumer thought battery was weak. Consumer felt there was a problem with battery, it was heating up ignition, and could cause a fire.

- Campus, TN, USA

problem #6

Apr 072001

Cavalier

  • miles
Consumer had just gotten home and parked vehicle. 5-10 minutes later, horn was blowing. Consumer looked outside front end of vehicle was on fire. Dashboard and steering column were completely destroyed. Chevrolet dealer said they couldn't find anything wrong. Therefore, they wouldn't be liable. Allstate insurance adjuster took one look, and could tell it was an electrical fire. Chevrolet dealer was not responding to insurance adjuster. Vehicle was under extended warranty when it caught on fire. Engine light illuminated, dealer had replaced the oil pump, solenoid, and exhaust however light still illuminated. Battery light illuminated. Windshield wiper skips and chatters across windshield, dealer replaced blade. Trunk would not open from inside lever, compartment lid release broke. Clicking noise was heard when turning steering wheel, dealer could not find problem.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #5

Dec 211999

Cavalier

  • miles
The original delco battery leaked acid from the positive side terminal. This is a risk for a chemical burn and corrosion to the chassis. This is my third new GM car that had the original delco battery leak out the side positive terminal. I believe this is a problem with factory original delco batteries. The first time was with a 91 Cadillac sedan Deville, the second was with a 93 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 dually truck. I believe delco batteries have a serious design flaw that is ongoing. GM delco does not appear to have fixed the design flaw. These three batteries leaked when they were three years old. I sold the 91 Cadillac and bought a 99 Cadillac. I don't trust the battery and plan to pull the battery at 24 months before it leaks acid. I will never buy a delco replacement. I still have the cavilier battery sitting in a puddle of acid in the garage. Let me know if you need a picture or if somebody needs to see it.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #4

Jan 011998

Cavalier

  • miles

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

Battery leaked acid onto the engine compartment which could have caused a fire. Also, right side mirror fell off/water pump malfunctioned, and windshield washer motor broke.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #3

Oct 251999

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • miles
Have had many problems with car - at 20,000 - the dealer replaced the front brakes and machined rotors, after I requested they be checked due to squeaking. Service covered under warranty. At 30,000 - the battery failed on car while parked. Had car towed to dealership and replaced battery. Dealer stated that there was a faulty battery cell. Service covered under warranty. At 40,000 miles, horn has failed. Currently negotiating with dealer to replace without cost. Have always had ABS problems - car will buck and jerk under certain wet pavement conditions when ABS should not activate. Concerned about this - but cannot afford cost of replacing ABS. Dealer has looked at brakes and said nothing about ABS problems. Have banging/clanging noise from right rear of car when car is cold. Unsure what causes this. After reading the consumer complaints and defects on this website, believe that my car has these same defects. Frightened that my car is now incredibly unreliable and may catch fire like other cars listed. Suggestions?

- Groton, CT, USA

problem #2

Feb 011999

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Battery dead.

- Pasadena, CA, USA

problem #1

Apr 071997

Cavalier

  • miles
Battery died.

- Costa Mesa, CA, USA

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