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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,801 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 engine problems

engine problem

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1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #27

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 #26

Sep 301999

Cavalier

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Cockeysville, MD, USA

problem #25

May 011998

Cavalier

  • miles
When driving at any speed there is a knocking noise coming from the motor. Also, when vehicle is in park there is a knocking noise, and when applying the brakes, the pedal is soft and hard. The dealer replaced the sensor within the brake.

- St Louis, MO, USA

problem #24

Mar 011997

Cavalier

  • miles

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

When driving at any speed vehicle stalls and cuts off without prior warning. Fuel pump had been replaced twice, and parts within the transmission have also been replaced. But vehicle continues to stall.

- Edmond, OK, USA

problem #23

Dec 011997

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Engine dies unexpectedly on several occasions, unable to determine failure. Mjs

- Fort Laude, FL, USA

problem #22

Aug 261997

Cavalier

  • miles
The engine stalls at odd times making the vehicle, which has power assisted brakes and steering, difficult to control. The dash rattles constantly. The dash was replaced in an attempt to fix the stalling problem but it also rattles constantly. My wife and I have contacted the manufacturer and they displayed blatant disregard for our problem by saying that they were going to abide by their 3 year/ 36000 mile warranty( which is exactly what they are not doing, since the vehicle is still not repaired). This vehicle is dangerous!

- Asheville, NC, USA

problem #21

Jun 051997

Cavalier

  • miles

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

While driving down the road and coming to a stop light, and when coasting while making a turn with air conditioning off, vehicle shut off. Consumer contacted dealer and manufacturer.

- Lafayette, LA, USA

problem #20

Jun 211999

Cavalier

  • miles
Car lost power and shut off when A/C changed to vent recranked easily.

- Edgefield, SC, USA

problem #19

May 281999

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • miles
Vehicle will not start unless driver door is open. Cause unknown.

- Decatur, AL, USA

problem #18

Sep 091997

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle continually hesitating/stalling, replacement of faulty fuel pump and pressure regulator did not rectify engine stalling. Mjs

- Eagle, CO, USA

problem #17

Sep 121997

Cavalier

  • miles

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

When driving the vehicle cuts off without prior warning. Vehicle has been in the dealer's shop five times for repair problems, and they can't determine the problem.

- Yacoo City, MI, USA

problem #16

Jul 061998

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • miles
The engine cuts off while driving and the steering goes out with it. Dealer can't find the problem.

- Glouster, OH, USA

problem #15

May 061997

Cavalier

  • miles
There is a constant, loud ticking sound that can be heard in the engine compartment. It sounds like bad lifters. As time goes on, it is getting worse.

- California, MD, USA

problem #14

Oct 261998

Cavalier

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Engine failed.

- Shelton, WA, USA

problem #13

Dec 301998

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving in traffic the vehicle stall and the engine completely shuts down. Dealer replaced the ignition coil module which has not corrected the problem. Latest repair attempt was for a short in the PCM ignition circuit, which appears to have solved the problem.

- Lake Worth, FL, USA

problem #12

Dec 041998

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • miles
While driving the vehicle bucks at one point as if it lacks gas and it also stalls. Dealer has been contacted. Consumer recieved recall to replaced PCM. PCM replaced 4 times however problem still exist. Consumer received recall to replace the ignition switch.

- Orchid Park, NY, USA

problem #11

Oct 261998

Cavalier

  • miles
Engine failure after numerous service problems. Ie: failure of fuel pump, failure of coil and housing as a result of oil residue and cracks around the crank sensor, failure of iac motor, total ignition failure on four occasions. Complete engine failure directly related to problems outlined in GM service bulletin. Automobile had not reached recommended mileage for first scheduled tune-up as per manufacture recommendations. Contact of gmac customer service resulted in no assistance in the engine replacement.

- Shelton, WA, USA

problem #10

Mar 041997

Cavalier

  • miles
Engine continually stalling.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #9

Sep 101998

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Engine is overheating.

- Kearneysvi, WV, USA

problem #8

Sep 041998

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • miles
Engine constantly makes noise/rattles.

- Washington, DC, USA

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