Model year record

1996 Chevrolet Cavalier

7 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 748 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V286000

Steering: rack and pinion

Component
Steering: rack and pinion
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
1,159,156
Reported to NHTSA
2002-11-04
Owners notified
2003-01-24

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.

Safety risk

IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V070000

Electrical system: ignition: switch

Component
Electrical system: ignition: switch
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
1,589,948
Reported to NHTSA
2002-03-06
Owners notified
2002-03-27

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.

Safety risk

IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V319000

Suspension: rear

Component
Suspension: rear
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
27,083
Reported to NHTSA
1998-12-15
Owners notified
1998-12-28

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM BOLTS CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK.

Safety risk

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM FASTENERS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V146000

Air bags

Component
Air bags
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
675,302
Reported to NHTSA
1998-06-29
Owners notified
1998-08-11

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. BECAUSE OF CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG'S SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE, AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD OCCUR IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN.

Safety risk

AIR BAGS DEPLOY WITH GREAT FORCE AND CAN SERIOUSLY INJURE UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANTS WHO ARE TOO CLOSE TO THEM.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V027000

Interior lighting

Component
Interior lighting
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
249,420
Reported to NHTSA
1998-02-17
Owners notified
1998-02-28

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THE INTERIOR LAMPS TO COME ON UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE VEHICLES ARE BEING DRIVEN. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS."

Safety risk

THE INTERIOR LAMPS COMING ON UNEXPECTEDLY COULD STARTLE A DRIVER CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE LAMP CONTROL MODULE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V250000

Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights

Component
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
270,014
Reported to NHTSA
1996-12-17
Owners notified
1997-01-30

Defect description

THE FRONT AND/OR REAR HAZARD WARNING LAMPS (FOUR-WAY FLASHERS) DO NOT FLASH WHEN THE HAZARD SWITCH IS ACTIVATED. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Safety risk

IF THESE LAMPS WERE NOT FLASHING, OTHER VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE AWARE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS STOPPED INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS OR VEHICLE OWNERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER FUNCTION OF THE HAZARD WARNING LAMPS. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD LAMP SWITCH.

Recall campaignNHTSA 95V201000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
360
Reported to NHTSA
1995-10-23
Owners notified
1995-10-19

Defect description

THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE COULD HAVE BEEN KINKED DURING ASSEMBLY CAUSING HIGH ACCELERATOR PEDAL EFFORT, STICKING ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE, OR A BROKEN ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE.

Safety risk

IF THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE STICKS OR BREAKS, UNWANTED ACCELERATION AND/OR LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL CAN RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine4939,500 mi
Air bags: frontal48135,950 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline41100 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip36
Power train: automatic transmission3337,000 mi
Air bags2417,035 mi
Electrical system: horn2422,732 mi
Unknown or other2439,500 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch2261,204 mi
Steering: rack and pinion17100,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system15101,710 mi
Interior lighting1475,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition1339,500 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner12
Visibility: windshield12
Electrical system1140,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission11
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe10100,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling994,000 mi
Seats939,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components9
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar8100 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system8
Suspension: rear893,309 mi
Tires8
Vehicle speed control8
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system763,871 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage7
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly760,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump661,210 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock6
Structure: body: door6
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery563,871 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator560,714 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module5
Electrical system: starter assembly560,714 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers5
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash5
Exterior lighting: headlights5128,000 mi
Steering554,000 mi
Suspension: front5100,000 mi
Child seat4100 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.4
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch4
Seat belts463,871 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner4
Steering: column439,500 mi
Suspension473,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal4
Visibility: power window devices and controls463,871 mi
Air bags: side/window3
Electrical system: wiring3
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood3
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor3
Power train317,035 mi
Power train: clutch assembly3
Service brakes, hydraulic363,871 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor369,995 mi
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device3
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections3
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid339,500 mi
Structure3100,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior3
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer3
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module2
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module2
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings2
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control2
Exterior lighting: brake lights2135,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch2
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights275,000 mi
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: unit2
Fuel system, gasoline2
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system2
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors2160,000 mi
Fuel system, other2
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock2
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines2
Power train: axle assembly278,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)2
Seat belts: front: retractor2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper2
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)2
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments2
Suspension: front: macpherson strut2
Suspension: front: wheel bearing234,142 mi
Suspension: rear: shock absorber239,500 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control2
Vehicle speed control: linkages2
Visibility2
Visibility: glass, side/rear2
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices2
Wheels263,871 mi
Back over prevention: warnings: external/pedestrian alert1100 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1
Electronic stability control (ESC)117,035 mi
Engine140,000 mi
Equipment139,500 mi
Equipment: electrical163,871 mi
Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices189,950 mi
Equipment: other: labels1
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch1
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch168,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch1
Exterior lighting: tail lights1
Exterior lighting: turn signal1135,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings184,651 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting1
Fuel system, other: fuel injection system1
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)1
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch1
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter1
Seat belts: front: webbing1
Seats: front assembly: head restraint1
Service brakes1195,450 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1
Structure: body1
Structure: body: hood1
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields1
Suspension: front: shock absorber1
Suspension: front: springs: air suspension system1
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly174,500 mi
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element1
Wheels: hub139,500 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs1

The 1995 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. The 1997 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.