1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier Problems

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

Complaints Reported

Radar Detector GPS Tracker OBD2 Scanner Car Refrigerator Jump Starter Dash Cam

As an Amazon Associate, ForCar.org earns from qualifying purchases.

Complaints by Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 complaints

STARTER WAS REPLACED, AND DID NOT FIT PROPERLY IN THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE STARTER TO COM ELOOSE/ SHAKE. BOLTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Sep 27, 1999

DRIVER'S SIDE WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REMAINED FUNCTIONING AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN. THE VEHICLE WAS BURNED FROM THE BACK OF THE DASH FOREWARD. FRONT SUSPENSION MELTED AND THE FRONT BRAKES FUSED INTO ONE PIECE.

Aug 02, 1998

Fire: 1

ALTERNATOR FAILED.

Oct 27, 1997

THE STARTER HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, ONCE IN DECEMBER OF 96, IN FEBRUARY OF 97 AT 70,000 MILES. BECAUSE THE OVERRUN CLUTCH BURNS OUT, THE STARTER IS BEING REPLACED AGAIN FOR THE THIRD TIME FOR THE SAME REASON AT 89,000 MILES. THE FLYWHEEL HAS ALSO BEEN REPLACED IN JANUARY OF 97 BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. *AK

Sep 17, 1997

PROM FAILURE.

Jun 09, 1997

+ 11 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

8 complaints

ANTI LOCK BRAKES ARE HARD TO STOP AND LOCK UP TOO. YH

Sep 30, 1999

ANTI LOCK BRAKES ARE HARD TO STOP AND LOCK UP TOO. YH

Sep 30, 1999

WHILE TRAVELING THE BRAKES WOULD MAKE A LOUD NOISE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMANTION. *AK

Jul 22, 1999

REAR DISK BRAKE CALIPERS FROZEN CAUSING FAILURE.

Jun 24, 1998

BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR.

Nov 05, 1997

+ 3 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

8 complaints

DEFECTIVE FAN MOTOR MELTED WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *AK

Nov 13, 1998

STARTER AND FLYWHEEL BECOME NOISY AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START.

Jun 22, 1998

OIL PAN FAILED.

Oct 27, 1997

OWNER STATES THAT AFTER 45 MINUTES WHEN THE CAR WAS LEFT AFTER IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN VEHICE BLEW UP, CAUSING A MELT DOWN, FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *AK

Mar 12, 1997

Fire: 1

VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED,CAUSING OIL LEAK.

Feb 26, 1997

+ 3 more complaints for this component

SEATS

7 complaints

DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME WELD BROKE. *AK

Oct 21, 1997

WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED DRIVER'S SEAT TRACK AND ANCHOR FAILURE, SEAT BRACKETS CRACKED/BROKE ON BOTH SIDES, CAUSING SEAT TO MOVE/ROCK REARWARD, AS A RESULT, FOOT CAME OFF PEDAL AND VEHICLE STALLED OUT. *AK

Mar 26, 1997

SON DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SNOW-COVERED ROAD WITH LITTLE STRREET LIGHTING, DRIVER LOST CONTROL, VEHICLE VEERED OFF ROAD AND STRUCK A TREE, DRIVER'S SEATBACK FAILED AND DRIVER WAS EJECTED BACKWARD THROUGH REAR WINDOW AND WAS KILLED. *AK

Nov 01, 1996

Crash: 1

FAILURE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOUNT THAT HOLDS THE SEAT IN PLACE IS BROKEN, CAUSING THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT TO MOVE. *AK

Aug 09, 1996

FAILURE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOUNT THAT HOLDS THE SEAT IN PLACE IS BROKEN, CAUSING THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT TO MOVE. *AK

Jul 24, 1996

+ 2 more complaints for this component

SEAT BELTS

4 complaints

MY SON LOST CONTROL OF A 1991 CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND WAS EJECTED AFTER HE WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD. WHEN ENTERING THE MEDIAN, HIS CAR WAS SKIDDING BROADSIDE AND EVENTUALLY ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES. AS THE CAR ROLLED, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OPENED WHICH DEFEATED THE ABILITY OF THE SEAT BELT TO HOLD HIM INSIDE BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT DESIGN HAD THE SHOULDER HARNESS ANCHORED TO THE TOP OF THE DOOR/WINDOW FRAME AND THE LAP BELT ANCHORED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. *JB

Feb 04, 2005

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

SEAT BELT GUIDE LOOPS ON PASSENGER SIDE ARE CRACKED. NOTICED RECALL ON WEBSITE (#92V003000). CALLED DEALER & MANUFACTURER & WAS TOLD BY BOTH VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. OWNER WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *AK

Jun 30, 1998

THE PLASTIC PIECE THAT GOES OVER THE BUTTON ON THE FEMALE PART HAS COME OFF, MAKING IT EASY TO UNBUCKLE AND HARDER TO BUCKLE PROPERLY.*AK

Sep 11, 1996

FAILURE ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND LEFT REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE, SEAT BELT COMES OUT OF THE BUCKLE. *AK

May 21, 1996

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY; THIS COULD RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND REDUCED DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. *AK CAUSED BY BAD WIPER PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS THAT ARE LOCATED IN A SEALED COMPARTMENT, IT GETS DAMAGED BY WATER. *YH

Sep 28, 2000

THE REAR WINDOW OF THIS VEHICLE BLEW OUT AS ONE LARGE PIECE (WITH GASKET MATERIAL) AND SHATTERED INTO NUMEROUS PIECES UPON ROAD IMPACT. I SUSPECT THAT THIS IS VERY UNUSUAL AND SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED WITH THE MANUFACTURE & OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. ALSO, IF A PROBLEM EXIST WITH THIS VEHICLE, MAYBE THE MANUFACTURER WILL REPLACE THE PART.

Aug 15, 2000

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL QUIT DURING OPERATION, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *AK

Sep 22, 1999

THE WINDSHEILD WIPER STOPPED WORK AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. TT

Aug 17, 1995

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

TRANSMISSION MOUNT FAILED.

Feb 26, 1997

TRANSMISSION LOCKED INTO GEAR, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL.

Nov 01, 1996

HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSION REPLACED THREE TIMES. WAS THROWING OUT TRANSMISSION FLUID. TT

May 11, 1995

TRANSAXLE FAILURE. *AK

May 11, 1995

STEERING

3 complaints

AN '88 BLUE DODGE VAN (VIN 2B6GB113Y3JK56747)CRASHED INTO MY LITTLE GIRLS CAR THE 1991 CAVALIER. EXPERT RECONSTRUCTIONIST (TX DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY) BLAME MY LITTLE GIRL FOR HAVING RAN THE STOP SIGN AND HITTING THE VAN, CAUSING AN INDIRECT DEATH OF THREE AND THE DIRECT DEATH WAS AN ABANDON UTILITY POLE. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT IF THE CAR WAS TO HIT THE VAN IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED SO MUCH DAMAGE. MY DAUGHTER STATES THAT SHE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND PROCEEDED ENTERING THE INTERSECTION AT 6 MPH. HOW CAN A SMALL CAR DO SO MUCH DAMAGE EVEN IF IT WAS TO HAVE RUNNED THE STOP SIGN. I BELIEVE THAT THE VAN HIT THE CAR CAUSING THE ROOF OF THE CAVALIER TO COLLAPSE AND DOING IRREPAIRABLE DAMAGE TO MY LITTLE GIRLS FRIEND. MY LITTLE GIRL HAD MULTIPLE CONTURSIONS TO THE HEAD WHEN THE ROOF CAVED IN AND HER ANKLE HAD THREE FRACTURES ON HER LEFT ANKLE. THERE WAS EVIDENCE IN THE DRIVER SIDE THAT THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE DOOR WAS PINGED INWARD AND THE ROOF OVER HER HEAD WAS CAVED IN. LUCKILY THE TWO GIRLS SURVIVED. EVEN THOUGH ONE IS A VEGETABLE MY LITTLE GIRL IS NOT THE SAME AND HER YOUTH HAS BEEN STOLEN BY THIS ACCIDENT. SHE HAS RECURRING NIGHTMARES AND A BRAIN CONTUSSION THAT MIGHT NOT GO AWAY UNTIL ALL THE PRESSURE HAS BEEN RELIEVED AND THAT IS GOING TO TAKE TIME. WHY DID THE ROOF COLLAPSE INJURING BOTH OCCUPANTS WHO WERE WEARING SEATBELTS? WHY DID THEY HAVE TO USE THE JAWS-OF-LIFE TO RESCUE BOTH GIRLS? *AK

Feb 13, 2000

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

WHILE DRIVING A PIN WITHIN THE TILT STEERING WHEEL CAME LOOSE,NEARLY CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Oct 26, 1999

TIE RODS CAME COMPLETELY OFF AT 46,000 MILES. TT

Jan 17, 1995

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

WHILE IN STOP POSITION VEHICLE RPMS REVVED UP, THEN LURCHED FORWARD, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *AK

Oct 16, 1996

AFTER SLIGHTLY BUMPING A PARKING STOPPER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATOR STUCK OPEN AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY TAKE OFF, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Jun 08, 1995

Crash: 1

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 complaints

THE FUEL PUMP GOES OUT IN THE COLD WEATHER. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Feb 26, 1996

THE FUEL PUMP GOES OUT IN THE COLD WEATHER. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Feb 26, 1996

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

HEADLIGHT GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY AT HIGH AND LOW BEAM. TT

Jun 05, 1995

HEADLIGHT GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY AT HIGH AND LOW BEAM. TT

Jun 05, 1995

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

THE FIRST PROBLEM I HAVE ENCOUNTERED IS THE POOR BODY OF THE CAR. THE PANELS BELOW THE CAR HAVE COMPLETELY DIMINISHED. ANYTHING REMAINING OF THEM IS EITHER ROTTING AND RUSTING AWAY, OR HAS PAINT REMOVED FROM THEM. THE PAINT IS ALSO COMING OUT OF THE FRONT PLASTIC BUMPER AND FROM THE FRONT HOOD OF THE CAR. SOME RUST IS ALSO APPEARING AT THE SIDES. WHEN I STEP INTO THE HIGHWAY AT THE SPEED OF A MINIMUM 100 KM/H, THIS TRASH IS ANYTHING BUT QUIET. APART FROM THE ENGINE, WHICH IS NOW BROKEN, THE GASKETS OR WHATEVER KEEPS THE AIR OUT DOESN'T KEEP IT OUT. INSTEAD, SOME AIR COMES IN AND THUS MAKING THAT NOISE; LIKE HAVING YOUR WINDOWS OPEN AND GETTING ALL THAT NOISE OF THE AIR. IT'S NO DIFFERENT WHEN CLOSED. THE RUBBER SEAL OF THE DOORS IS EXTREMELY POOR IN THIS REGARD. MY SECOND PROBLEM HAS BEEN THE ENGINE. MY ENGINE'S MOTOR IS BROKEN DOWN. NO MECHANIC CAN FIX IT. I TRIED TO GO THROUGH CHEVROLET AND ONE OF THEIR LOCAL DEALERSHIPS. BUT JUST THE COST OF REFURBISHING MY ENGINE WOULD APROXIMATILY ADD UP TO $2,500 (MIGHT AS WELL BUY A NEW CAR INSTEAD!).

Jan 15, 2004

WHEELS

1 complaint

WHILE TIGHTENING UP THE LUG NUTS ON THE WHEEL, PIECES OF METAL SHEARED OFF AND DROPPED SMALL PIECES OF METAL ON THE GROUND. *AK THE LUG NUTS IN QUESTION WERE NEWLY PURCHASED. PART#254 ABN 10.9 MANUFACTURED BY R+B INC. *SCC *JB

Dec 10, 2003

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING DOWN 25-35MPH VEHICLE STALLED OUT AND DIED WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER REPLACED FUEL PUMP FILTER. *AK

Aug 25, 2003

TIRES

1 complaint

NO ONE WAS INJURED. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND HAD ALMOST GOT THERE WHEN I HEARD A BANG ON THE SIDE OF THE CAR AND SAW THE TREAD FLY OFF BACK BEHIND FROM MY DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE. TIRE STAYED AIRED UP AS I GOT OFF THE INTERSTATE I80, AND PULLED IN THE PARKING LOT. I GOT OUT TO EXAMINE THE DAMAGE. THE GROUND EFFECTS ON MY DRIVERS SIDE WERE HANGING BY LIKE ONE SCREW. THE TIRE WAS STILL AIRED UP BUT THERE WAS NO TREAD LEFT ON THE TIRE. IT RIPPED HALF OF MY FRONT BUMPER OFF DENTED MY FRONT QUARTER PANEL AND DRIVERS DOOR AND GROUND EFFECTS WERE DESTROYED. FIRESTONE ,P205/60R15 90S M+S FIREHAWK SS10 MY CAR 1991 CHEVROLET, Z24 CAVALIER. *AK

Aug 25, 2003

SEAT BELTS,SEATS

1 complaint

BACK SEAT IS NOT CONNECTED TO THE CAR AND REAR SEAT BELTS ARE MISSING.

Feb 24, 2001

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR A TEENAGE DRIVER. I HAVE SPENT WELL OVER $L,000 TO BRING IT UP TO SPEED - FUEL FILTER, OIL & AIR FILTERS, SERPENTINE BELT RADIATOR IGNITION SWITCH (KEY & TUMBLER), TIRES, FRONT BRAKE PADS, FRONT BRAKE ROTORS, REAR BRAKE SHOES. IT WILL SOON NEED A NEW MUFFLER, AND MY MECHANIC NOW INFORMS ME THAT THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING. HE SAID HE SEES QUITE A FEW OF CAVALIERS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND WONDERS IF THERE IS A SILENT RECALL THAT COULD HELP ME WITH THE POSSIBLE $600.00 COST TO REPAIR. *AK

Jan 21, 1999

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

STEERING STIFFENED/LOCKED AS DRIVER WAS PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE, CAUSING MINOR CONTACT WITH ADJACENT PARKED VEHICLE. FOLLOWING CONTACT, VEHICLE STOPPED AND STEERING WHEEL REALIGNED (WITH GREAT EFFORT) TO COMPLETE PARKING. AFTER PARKING, KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION SWITCH, AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT CONTINUE RUNNING AFTER STARTING (ONLY 1-2 SECONDS). AFTER LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP RETRIEVED VEHICLE, SERVICE REP STATED HE "KNEW WHAT HAPPENED" WHEN INCIDENT DESCRIBED AND VEHICLE IDENTIFIED AS '91 CAVALIER. IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY REPLACED, NO PROBLEM SINCE. VEHICLE REPAIR COST $327; DAMAGE TO ADJACENT VEHICLE $450. I THINK THIS IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE MODE, INVOLVING STEERING WHEEL LOCKING, IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT. AS A MINIMUM, I FEEL I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR ALL REPAIR COSTS AND DAMAGES.

Dec 20, 1998

Crash: 1

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

PAINT PEELING OFF VEHICLE.

Oct 10, 1998

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN HE SUFFERED A HEART ATTACK. VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER THE GURDRAIL. THE CONSUMER'S AIR BAG DRIVER SIDE DID NOT DEPLOY, AND CONSUMER WAS KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT. *AK

Sep 25, 1998

Crash: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WITHOUT ADDING PRESSURE TO THE IGNITION SWITCH, ONLY OPERATE WHEN HOLDING IGNITION SWITCH.

Aug 26, 1998

STEERING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN STEERING COLUMN, CAUSING RADIO AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Nov 01, 1996

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

AIR CONDITIONER FAILED.

Nov 01, 1996

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, REAR DOOR LATCH FAILED, CAUSING REAR HATCH DOOR TO POP OPEN ON ITS OWN; NO WARNING. TT

Jun 23, 1995

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

DASH PADDING REPLACED DUE TO WARPING. *AW

Oct 06, 1993

4.3/5.0

22 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your CHEVROLET dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier have?

The 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier currently has 74 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier?

The most common problems reported for the 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier?

You can report safety problems with your 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 1991 CHEVROLET Cavalier. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.