1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Cavalier › 1991
These records cover every 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier. Newest first.
Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. the recall began on october 18, 2006. owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
The front door shoulder belt guide loops may be cracked and are not in compliance with fmvss 208.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The seat occupant faces increased risk of injury in theevent of a sudden stop or accident.
Remedy
Install reinforcing plates on the cracked shoulder belt guides.
Front door interlock striker may fail, causing door frame collapse and insufficient strength for the shoulder belt anchorage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The door frame would collapse. Vehicle does not complywith fmvss 210.
Remedy
Replace the passive restraint interlock striker studs on front doors.
Owner complaints
55 complaints7 involved a crash6 involved a fire5 injuries6 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling · Structure · Unknown or other
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 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!).
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
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
- Fuel system, other › Delivery › Fuel pump
While driving down 25-35mph vehicle stalled out and died without warning. Dealer replaced fuel pump filter. *Ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
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.…
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
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage · Seats › Mid/rear assembly
Back seat IS not connected to the car and rear seat belts are missing.
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
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.
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
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…
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
- Steering › Column
While driving a pin within the tilt steering wheel came loose,nearly causing loss of steering control. Please give any further details. *ak
- Electrical system › Starter assembly
Starter was replaced, and did not fit properly in the vehicle, causing the starter to com eloose/ shake. bolts need to be replaced. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wipers will quit during operation, causing poor visibility. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
While traveling the brakes would make a loud noise. Dealer and manufacturer have been contacted. Please provide further informantion. *ak
- Seat belts
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
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
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…
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
- Electrical system › Ignition · Steering › Linkages
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…
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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
Defective fan motor melted which could cause a fire. *ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Oil pan failed.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wipers fail without adding pressure to the ignition switch, only operate when holding ignition switch.
- Air bags › Frontal
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
- Electrical system › Wiring
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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Starter and flywheel become noisy and the vehicle will not start.
- Seats
Driver's seat frame weld broke. *ak
- Electrical system › Starter assembly
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
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Prom failure.
- Seats
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fires
There is no summary currently available
- Sticking throttle
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 615073Some V6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that IS generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not reappear until the next change of oil.
- 613590Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies. **Mr
- 37843Crunch noise from right side dash area when turning steering wheel.
Every Chevrolet Cavalier model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.