The Chevrolet Cavalier has 50 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1982–2005. On average a defect was admitted 6.64 years after the car was built, the slowest took 23 years. The most recalled system is Exterior Lighting (9 campaigns). Owners also filed 3,474 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Chevrolet Cavalier
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Exterior Lighting 9 Read
What's wrong. On certain passenger vehicles, the rear lamps that provide stop and turn signals and tail lamp functions stop working because of inadequate contact between the bulb and socket. In addition, if one bulbs were to become inoperative while the vehicle was operating in cruise control, the cruise control would disengage when the remaining bulb was activated. If both lamps were to become inoperative, the cruise control would not engage
Risk. An inoperative brake lamp will not convey the driver's intention of stopping to drivers in following vehicles, and an inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. Both of these failures can increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect the rear lamp bulb socket assemblies and apply grease or replace them if necessary. The recall began on january 18, 2005. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668
What's wrong. K2 motor is recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk. Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash
Fix. K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact k2 motor at 1-909-839-2992
What's wrong. 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
Fuel System, Gasoline 5 Read
What's wrong. 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
What's wrong. 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
What's wrong. 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
Electrical System 4 Read
What's wrong. 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…
What's wrong. 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…
What's wrong. 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…
Steering 3 Read
What's wrong. 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
What's wrong. 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
What's wrong. 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
Interior Lighting 3 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the bi-fuel option fail to comply with fmvss no. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination." the instrument panel lights in these vehicles are at full illumination levels and cannot be adjusted. The standard requires at least two levels of illumination
Risk. This could make it more difficult to see objects outside the vehicle when driving at night
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel type indicator switch assembly, which includes the instrument panel illumination control
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination." the instrument panel backlighting may not function after adjusting the interior light intensity
Risk. If the instrument panel is not lit at night, the driver may not be able to see the controls and displays
Fix. Dealers will test the body control module, and if necessary, replace it
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident
Fix. Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it
Suspension 3 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break
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
Fix. Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break
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
Fix. Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners
What's wrong. 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
Structure 3 Read
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. In the event of a vehicle crash, the sheet metal structure would not perform as desired increasing the risk of personal injury
Fix. Dealers will inspect the welds and, if necessary, place five welds between the involved panels and apply primer and topcoat finish materials
What's wrong. 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
What's wrong. Front door interlock striker may fail, causing door frame collapse and insufficient strength for the shoulder belt anchorage
Risk. The door frame would collapse. Vehicle does not complywith fmvss 210
Fix. Replace the passive restraint interlock striker studs on front doors
Engine And Engine Cooling 3 Read
What's wrong. The engine air cleaner plastic trim cover could fall off the air cleaner assembly and land on the exhaust manifold creating a fire hazard. Consequence of defect: if the car is being operated at the time that the plastic trim cover falls off, an engine compartment fire could occur without warning
Fix. Remove the trim cover and discard
What's wrong. The engine air cleaner plastic trim cover could detach from the air cleaner assembly and fall forward on the exhaust manifold. Consequence of defect: if the car is being operated at the time of detachment, an engine compartment fire could occur without warning
Fix. Remove the trim cover and discard
What's wrong. Internal corrosion of pulsair check valve assembly could permit exhaust gas to melt the plastic shut off valve and draw valve pieces into the air cleaner and throttle body
Risk. If valve pieces lodge against throttle plate, engine maynot return to idle resulting in loss accelerator control and possibly a crash
Fix. Replace pulsair check valve and shut off valve with newly designed valves
Seat Belts 2 Read
What's wrong. Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, 'seat belt assembly anchorages.' the passenger-side rear safety belt may have been installed with an incorrect nut and bolt
Risk. In a severe crash, the upper seat belt anchorage may separate. The effectiveness of the seat belt could then be reduced and the occupant could receive greater injuries
Fix. Dealers are to inspect the safety belt anchorage and install a new nut and bolt, if necessary. The recall began on august 23, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and pontiac at 1-800-620-7668
What's wrong. The front door shoulder belt guide loops may be cracked and are not in compliance with fmvss 208
Risk. The seat occupant faces increased risk of injury in theevent of a sudden stop or accident
Fix. Install reinforcing plates on the cracked shoulder belt guides
Fuel System, Other 2 Read
What's wrong. 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
What's wrong. 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
What's wrong. 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
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 6.64 years |
| Slowest campaign | 23 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 60.4% |
| Campaigns on record | 50 |
Which Cavalier years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Steering | |
| 2004 | Seat Belts | |
| 2003 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2002 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2001 | Electrical System | |
| 2000 | Interior Lighting | |
| 1999 | Electrical System | |
| 1998 | Fuel System, Other | |
| 1997 | Electrical System | |
| 1996 | Electrical System | |
| 1995 | Electrical System | |
| 1994 | Steering | |
| 1993 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1992 | Latches/locks/linkages | |
| 1991 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1990 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1989 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1988 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1987 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1986 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1985 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1984 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1983 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1982 | Fuel System, Gasoline |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
Go deeper
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Cavalier have?
50 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1982–2005. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my Cavalier still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 6.64 years, and the slowest campaign came 23 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.