Model year record

1997 Chevrolet Cavalier

7 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 751 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 98V032000

Structure: body

Component
Structure: body
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
8
Reported to NHTSA
1998-02-25
Owners notified
1998-03-15

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MIS-LOCATED WELDS AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE LEFT ROCKER PANEL INNER REINFORCEMENT AND THE BODY SIDE RING. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 214, "SIDE DOOR STRENGTH."

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SHEET METAL STRUCTURE WOULD NOT PERFORM AS DESIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS AND, IF NECESSARY, PLACE FIVE WELDS BETWEEN THE INVOLVED PANELS AND APPLY PRIMER AND TOPCOAT FINISH MATERIALS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V106000

Wheels: space saver wheel

Component
Wheels: space saver wheel
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
652
Reported to NHTSA
1997-06-28
Owners notified
1997-07-15

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH INCORRECT RIMS. IF THE SPARE TIRE IS UNDERINFLATED, THE BEAD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE RIM CAUSING A RAPID LOSS OF AIR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

Safety risk

A RAPID LOSS OF AIR CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIM ON THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNERS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO USE THE SPARE TIRE UNTIL THE RIM HAS BEEN REPLACED.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V160000

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

Component
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
50
Reported to NHTSA
1996-08-29
Owners notified
1996-08-29

Defect description

THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT WIPER BLADE ASSEMBLY (17" LONG INSTEAD OF 22" LONG) ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS."

Safety risk

THE AREA AND PATTERN WIPED ON THE WINDSHIELD WILL BE REDUCED AND COULD AFFECT THE DRIVER'S VIEW IN WET WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE CORRECT WIPER BLADE ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL A CORRECT LENGTH WIPER BLADE 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: engine: gasoline47109,848 mi
Air bags: frontal4452,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion3681,150 mi
Air bags32110,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch32112,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip31
Engine and engine cooling: engine2984,993 mi
Unknown or other26105,502 mi
Electrical system: ignition23
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system1751,000 mi
Steering16116,000 mi
Electrical system15117,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor14
Engine and engine cooling1350,000 mi
Vehicle speed control13
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer1381,844 mi
Power train: automatic transmission1225 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery1068,887 mi
Electrical system: horn1080,000 mi
Suspension9107,000 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar8
Suspension: rear8
Steering: hydraulic power assist system7
Structure: body: door796,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator6
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash665,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage6
Seats6
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components6
Structure: frame and members6135,000 mi
Suspension: front662,000 mi
Tires613,600 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear676,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls649,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner5
Service brakes, hydraulic565,300 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc5
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior5
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor5
Electrical system: ignition: module4
Engine4119 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys487,469 mi
Exterior lighting4119 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump496,000 mi
Power train4
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly4105,200 mi
Steering: column498,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module3
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module375,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers3
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly3
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system3
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner315,648 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights3
Fuel system, gasoline348,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings3
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system336,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors356,200 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly3
Interior lighting323,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)3
Power train: manual transmission3
Service brakes, air: antilock3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings3118,000 mi
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)3
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump3
Steering: rack and pinion: rack356,485 mi
Suspension: front: macpherson strut3
Visibility: windshield3
Air bags: side/window2
Electrical system: starter assembly2
Electrical system: wiring2
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe2
Equipment275,000 mi
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer2135,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights263,500 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch2
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft2
Seat belts2115,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor2
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module2
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections2
Structure2
Structure: body2
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments2
Structure: body: trunk lid2
Tires: tread/belt2
Vehicle speed control: cruise control2164,900 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages2
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system2180,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module1189,000 mi
Child seat: handle (infant)1
Child seat: tether: strap/webbing1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)1
Equipment: electrical1
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift1
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer: LPG systems1
Exterior lighting: fog lights1
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch1
Exterior lighting: tail lights1
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1
Fuel system, other1
Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1112,000 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system143,000 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: filling/charging1
Fuel/propulsion system1120,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock1
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)1
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift1
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter1
Power train: axle assembly1
Seat belts: front: webbing1
Seat belts: rear/other1
Service brakes1118,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: ABS warning light1
Service brakes, air: disc1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1
Steering: linkages: drag: power assist system1
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting1
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly176,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion: pinion shaft1
Structure: body: bumpers1
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm1
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint1
Suspension: front: hub178,633 mi
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar1
Suspension: front: wheel bearing1
Suspension: rear: shock absorber1
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal172,622 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables1
Visibility1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: rear window1
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor170,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages1
Wheels1

The 1996 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1998 model has about 1.5 times as many 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.