The 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier has 11 safety recalls and 345 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (76 complaints).
Recalls11safety recalls
Complaints345filed by owners
Crashes · fires36 · 10reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths33 · 0reported in complaints
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights
NHTSA recall 09E025000 · May 11, 2009 · 42,540 vehicles · opened 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 lighting
NHTSA recall 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009 · 16,270 vehicles · opened 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.
Steering
NHTSA recall 08E063000 · Oct 17, 2008 · 3,855 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.
Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices
NHTSA recall 07E021000 · Mar 12, 2007 · 742 vehicles
Problem: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
NHTSA recall 07E015000 · Feb 26, 2007 · 3,124 vehicles
Problem: CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.
Risk: A STALLED VEHICLE CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. A FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MRAS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 1-877-335-7443.
Exterior lighting
NHTSA recall 06E049000 · May 24, 2006 · 27,176 vehicles · opened 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 lighting
NHTSA recall 06E026000 · Mar 23, 2006 · 61,944 vehicles · opened 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 system › Ignition › Switch
NHTSA recall 04V036000 · Jan 27, 2004 · 1,415,231 vehicles
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. THE FIRE COULD SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR, WHICH COULD INJURE OCCUPANTS OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO ADJOINING STRUCTURES.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND CHECK THAT YOUR CAR WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 1, 2004. 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 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CHECK THEIR VEHICLE ONLINE BY GOING TO WWW.MYGMLINK.COM AND ENTERING THE VEHICLE'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
Steering › Rack and pinion
NHTSA recall 02V286000 · Nov 4, 2002 · 1,159,156 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel system, other › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA recall 00V053000 · Feb 28, 2000 · 391 vehicles
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BI-FUEL COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) VEHICLES. THE CNG FUEL LINE AND THE CNG HIGH PRESSURE REGULATOR COOLANT LINES CAN CONTACT OTHER FUEL (GASOLINE) AND BRAKE LINES ON THE VEHICLE. ABRASION FROM CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LEAK IN THE BRAKE PIPE, FUEL PIPE, OR BOTH.
Risk: ABRASION FROM CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LEAK IN THE BRAKE PIPE, FUEL PIPE, OR BOTH. A BRAKE FLUID LEAK COULD DISABLE A PORTION OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM, CAUSING LONGER STOPPING DISTANCES. GASOLINE LEAKING FROM A FUEL PIPE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPOSITION THE CNG FUEL AND COOLANT PIPES AND REPOSITION/REPAIR ANY DAMAGED FUEL OR BRAKE PIPES AS NECESSARY.
Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
NHTSA recall 97V219000 · Nov 24, 1997 · 24 vehicles
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED SECURELY RESULTING IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS.
Risk: THE WHEEL COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE OF ALL WHEEL NUTS AND, IF NECESSARY, TIGHTEN ANY THAT MAY BE BELOW REQUIRED TORQUE.
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
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2-DR.
Overall
Not 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
25mpg combined
City / highway
21 / 31 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel
Cavalier
24mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 30 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel
Cavalier
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Cavalier
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Cavalier
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 30 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/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*
Electrical system Ignition; Ignition › Switch
76
0
10
0
76,968 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc
61
8
0
5
79,002 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine › Gasoline; Engine
57
1
0
1
65,000 mi
Steering Rack and pinion; Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Power train Automatic transmission; Clutch assembly
18
1
0
1
40,000 mi
Visibility Windshield; Sun/moon roof assembly
16
1
0
0
—
Vehicle speed control Cables; Cruise control
14
0
0
1
—
Suspension Front; Front › Macpherson strut
12
1
0
0
—
Latches/locks/linkages Doors › Latch; Trunk lid › Lock
11
0
0
2
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jun 29, 2023Power train Transmission failed out of nowhere for no reason no check engine light yes available for inspection
Jun 4, 2020 · 150,000 milesEngine THE STARTER WENT OUT THE FIRST WEEK I GOT IT DID TIRES START RUBBING THE SUCKS WENT OUT MAKING IT HARD TO DRIVE AND A SECOND TIME START RUBBING I END UP BUYING THREE TIMES CUZ THEY GOT BALL REAL FAST THE WIRING UNDER THE ENGINE RIPPED APART AND NOW IT'S THREW A ROD. *TR
Feb 19, 2018 · 335,000 milesElectrical system THE GAS GAUGE IS GOING HAYWIRE. IT PEGS TO THE "F", AND THEN IMMEDIATELY PEGS TO THE "E", EVEN THOUGH THE TANK IS HALF FULL. THE GAUGE THEN JUMPS AROUND THE MIDDLE FORM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER SIDE. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL HOW MUCH IS IN THE TANK. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO WHILE SITTING AT LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS.
Oct 24, 2017Air bags "TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE TRIED TO COONTACT DEALSHIPS, AND AM BEING TOLD MY VEHICLE DOESN'T "SHOW UP"? YET MY CAR IS VERIFIED FROM WWW.NHTSA.GOV ( MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERN040002 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER04V036.
Aug 1, 2017 · 195,000 milesStructure › Body I HEARD VIBRATION BY THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL. I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED I COULD ACTUALLY MOVE (WOBBLE) THE WHEEL, IT CAME LOOSE FROM THE FRAME ACCORDING TO 3 CAR SHOPS. I EVEN TOOK IT TO A CHEVY DEALERSHIP, IT WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ALSO THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY CORRODED, THERE ARE PARTS OF THE UNIBODY FRAME THAT ARE JUST MISSING DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE, BUT DUE TO THE FRAME ISSUE ITS NOW UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WAY TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. ANY RECALLS ON THE 1998 CAVALIER?
Nov 11, 2013 · 125,000 milesService brakes THE ENGINE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WHERE IT DIDN'T WANT TO MOVE AND THE GAS PUMP KEPT MESSING UP AND THE GAS NEEDLE DOESN,T SHOW CORRECT IT WILL SAY YOU HAVE A HALF A TANK WHEN YOU REALLY HAVE A QUARTER TANK, AND THE THROTTLE SENSOR IS MESSED UP I WAS ON I-4 WHICH IS A MAJOR HIGHWAY IN ORLANDO IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC THE WAS ON BUT LOSS POWER AND STALLED OUT.
Nov 5, 2013 · 189,467 milesElectrical system TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,467.
Apr 8, 2015 · 169,000 miles · fireElectrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, LIFTED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRES FROM THE ALTERNATOR WERE ON FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
