Model year record

1995 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls & problems

The 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier has 9 safety recalls and 270 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (99 complaints).

Recalls9safety recalls

Complaints270filed by owners

Crashes · fires32 · 10reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths26 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

SteeringOct 17, 2008

Steering

Recall 08E0630003,855 vehicles

Problem: DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
Risk: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E04900027,176 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Electrical systemMar 6, 2002

Ignition › Switch

Recall 02V0700001,589,948 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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

Exterior lightingDec 17, 1996

Hazard flashing warning lights

Recall 96V250000270,014 vehicles

Problem: 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."
Risk: IF THESE LAMPS WERE NOT FLASHING, OTHER VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE AWARE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS STOPPED INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS OR VEHICLE OWNERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER FUNCTION OF THE HAZARD WARNING LAMPS. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD LAMP SWITCH.

StructureJul 26, 1995

Frame and members

Recall 95V14100016 vehicles

Problem: SOME WELDS WERE OMITTED FROM THE BODY LOCK PILLAR, OR "B" PILLAR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF A VEHICLE CRASH SHOULD OCCUR, OCCUPANT PROTECTION LEVELS COULD BE REDUCED.
Fix: ALL VEHICLES IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN HAVE BEEN REPURCHASED AND REPLACED WITH A COMPARABLE VEHICLE.

SuspensionFeb 16, 1995

Front › Control arm › Lower arm

Recall 95V02500021,340 vehicles

Problem: THESE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH WELDS MISSING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES CAUSING EXCESSIVE LOADS ON THE EXISTING WELDS.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE FRONTBUSHING SLEEVE SUBASSEMBLY FROM THE CONTROL ARM INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH LEFT-HAND AND RIGHT-HAND FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES AND REPLACE ALL CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES FOUND WITH OMITTED WELDS.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Cavalier

26mpg combined

City / highway	22 / 33 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Cavalier

23mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Cavalier

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	99	2	1	4	73,306 mi
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; Ignition	66	0	8	0	85,000 mi
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core	37	0	0	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	36	4	0	1	—
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	27	25	0	20	—
SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Hydraulic power assist › Pump	22	2	2	3	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)	19	0	0	0	—
SuspensionFront › Control arm; Front › Macpherson strut	15	3	0	1	—
StructureBody › Door; Body	12	1	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Buckle assembly	11	1	0	3	—
Exterior lightingTurn signal; Hazard flashing warning lights	8	0	0	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineFuel injection system › Injectors; Fuel injection system	8	0	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO STAY IN THE RUN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 207,636.
Sep 7, 2014 · 207,636 miles
Structure › Frame and members
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTING SEVERELY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/18/11*LJ UPDATED 3/29/12 *CN
Sep 7, 2011 · 60,800 miles
Electrical system
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. LATER THAT DAY, THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE THERMOSTAT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MECHANIC CLAIMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE AND MADE THE REPLACEMENT. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT…
May 17, 2004 · 48,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE IGNITION AND ENGINE COMPLETELY FAILED. THE VEHICLE TAKES SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT CAN BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER A RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,340 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Apr 5, 2007 · 60,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
I BOUGHT A 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER NEW, IN JULY 1995. I HAD THE FOLLOWING MAJOR REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR. ON 8/97 -ENTIRE EXHAUST FROM CONVERTER BACK BAD BAFFLED UNDER WARRANTY. ON 10/97-SERPENTINE BELT/ROTORS/ALTERNATOR & RECALL ON HAZARD LIGHTS UNDER WARRANTY. 4/00-HEAD GASKET,SEAL,OIL,FILTER,COOLANT;RECALL ON COVER,SHIELD,RETAINER,SEALANT (DEALER COVERED COSTS UNDER A SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT. 4/00-EGR VALVE 10/00-ADJUST SERPENTINE BELT;REPLACE SERPENTINE BELT 10/01-REPLACE BACK BRAKE PADS,CLEAN FRONT PADS 05/02-REPLACE FAN BELT & TENSIONER;RECALL ON IGNITION SWITCH 06/02-BROKEN FORWARD CLUTCH HOUSING,CLUTCH,GASKETS,FLUID,LEFT FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY 07/02-REPLACE BATTERY,BAD CELL DUE TO CAR…
Jun 22, 2007 · 72,012 miles
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING 65MPH, THE GAS GAUGE IDLED BACK AND FORTH UNCONTROLLABLY. WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL THE GAUGE IDLED FROM FULL TO A QUARTER THEN BACK TO FULL. IT ALSO IDLED FROM A HALF TANK, QUARTER TANK THEN TO EMPTY. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE TRUNK, IT FAILED TO CLOSE DUE TO THE LINK AND LATCH MOVING OUT OF PLACE (NOT ALIGNED). THIS FAILURE ALSO CAUSED HER TRUNK TO OPEN RANDOMLY. WHILE DRIVING 65 MILES PER HOUR, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE STRUTS. THE STRUTS WERE REPLACED THREE TO FOUR TIMES AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 179850.
Jan 2, 2004 · 179,850 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
CONSUMER REQUESTED RECALL INFORMATION ON A 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. *KB. NAR NO ADDRESS PROVIDED. THE CONSUMER HAD VALVE WORK DONE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. *NM
Jan 1, 1901
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
MASSIVE LEAKS OF COOLANT DUE TO FAULTY GASKET CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS CONSTANT RUNNING THROUGH A BOTTLE OF ANTIFREEZE A DAY B/C OF SAID LEAK. *NM
Apr 1, 2006 · 149,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN AREAClosedLed to recall 02V070000
PE02001 · opened Jan 3, 2002 · closed Mar 15, 2002