1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Cavalier › 1995
These records cover every 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
9 recalls name the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
If the switch IS damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
If these lamps were not flashing, other vehicles would not be aware that this vehicle was stopped increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy
Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. if necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.
Some welds were omitted from the body lock pillar, or "b" pillar. This does not comply with fmvss no.208, "occupant crash protection."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: if a vehicle crash should occur, occupant protection levels could be reduced.
Remedy
All vehicles in this recall campaign have been repurchased and replaced with a comparable vehicle.
These vehicles have been built with welds missing from the front suspension lower control arm assemblies causing excessive loads on the existing welds.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in separation of the frontbushing sleeve subassembly from the control arm increasing the potential for a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
270 complaints33 involved a crash10 involved a fire27 injuries
What owners report most
Latest 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.
- 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
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
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…
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 been repaired since the most recent failure. the manufacturer has not been notified. the current mileage was 50,000 and failure mileage was 48,000.
- Electrical system › Ignition · 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.
- Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
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…
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 sitting for so long during previous repair 12/03-water pump, head gasket, thermostat,oil,filter,coolant $461.79-50% of bill reimbursed by chevrolet upon written request 07/03-rear brakes; 08/04-resistor (blower motor, 09/04-alternator 07/05-front rotors & pads; 06/06-rear brake line 06/07-won't pass state inspection-frame rusting out. Rear bumper support frame must be replaced to pass inspection, more frame repair will likely be needed for next inspection;head gasket IS starting to seep again third head gasket. I contacted chevrolet twice by their e-mail site in the past 2 weeks and have had no response. Site claims response will be within 48 hours. I asked for repair costs for rear frame support, head gasket or a voucher for credit toward a new/newer vehicle. Pointed out the problem of the third head gasket, that frame rusted on a car only 12 years old that just last month turned 72,000 miles. also, pointed out that when I bought the car the dealer recommended a protective undercounts which I agreed to. when I read the owner's manual it stated not apply *ak
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system · Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch · 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…
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.
- 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
- 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
- Engine and engine cooling
1995 chevrolet cavalier lost power, when coming to a stop. Vehicle caught on fire. *ts *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
I swerved to avoid a deer in the highway. the car rolled over 2 or 3 times. the airbags did not deploy. I was thrown through the windshield. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Check engine light was turning on and off intermittently, informing the owner that vehicle needed coolant. Taken vehicle to dealer for repairs and results showed that the vehicle needed a new head gasket. Then, vehicle experienced the same problem twice within the last few months. *Ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving 45 mph, the consumer collided with the vehicle in front of her. upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. this caused the driver to sustained minor injuries. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. please provide further details. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
In january 2004 the check coolant guage would light intermittently, then on a daily basis, and vehicle was taken to mechanic for inspection. mechanic had found that there was coolant leakage from the radiator and had advised that the cylinder head gasket be replaced.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Fire under hood - had the recall ignition work done on 09/23/2003 while getting the fifth alternator replaced since march of 2002. On 03/28/2004 car would not start for 20 minutes. Finally started, drove approx. 2 miles when smoke poured out from under hood, parked and raised hood, flames. Fire was…
Fire under hood - had the recall ignition work done on 09/23/2003 while getting the fifth alternator replaced since march of 2002. On 03/28/2004 car would not start for 20 minutes. Finally started, drove approx. 2 miles when smoke poured out from under hood, parked and raised hood, flames. Fire was put out by extinguisher. This IS the same problem I read about in the recall notice before I got the recall work done on the ignition. Called dealer that did the recall work who stated he had never heard of a fire after the recall work had been done.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal
Left turn and brake light does not work have replaced all bulbs. Power steering constantly going out. Car shakes badly. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
As described in prior defect reports, e.g. 98054A, my cavalier has a leaking head gasket. however, since it was discovered after the warranty expired, the dealer & mfr have refused to repair it. I'm faced with a hefty repair bill for a known mfr's defect.*ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
The defroster didn't work. *Ts *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer states they still having the same problems after the recall on head gasket has been perform on vehicle. Recall number unknown. Kyle chevrolet 860-872-6530. *ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Electrical system › Starter assembly · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Since the end of august 2002, my car has been falling apart. it all started when my air conditioner stopped working. I had freon put back into it, but after a few days, the freon was gone. the mechanic put a dye into the system to see if there was a leak, but he couldn't see any problem. my car…
Since the end of august 2002, my car has been falling apart. it all started when my air conditioner stopped working. I had freon put back into it, but after a few days, the freon was gone. the mechanic put a dye into the system to see if there was a leak, but he couldn't see any problem. my car has always overheated in traffic. oil IS leaking from my head gaskets. now, it IS having trouble starting periodically. I was in camden when it wouldn't start. Now I'm afraid to drive it. when I start the car, a clicking noise comes from the starter. oh yeah, I had the starter "fixed" a year ago because of the recall. there IS a noise coming from my alternator. I don't know if it IS the alternator or the starter that's keeping the car from starting. from what I've seen in my car and the complaints from others, this IS not a reliable car. *Jb
- Electrical system › Ignition
Vehicle caught on fire due to a short circuit in the ignition. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Number one piston rod broke which caused the engine to blow and a baseball size hole in the oil pan. entire engine had to be replaced. *tt
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The consumer noticed oil on the ground while the vehicle was sitting. the vehicle was taken to mechanic who changed the gasket but a leak was still present. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The engine stalled, the consumer stated the dealer was aware of the problem. *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition
The ignition failed which caused the steering column and key to get hot while in use. *jb..*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
The right tire experienced tread separation.*jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fire in steering column area
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.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 10007816Anti-lock braking system (ABS) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10007293ABS front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10006895Front suspension steer noise smooth road turns.
- 10005579Neutral flare and/or rpm flare while in drive, no 1-2 upshift, service engine soon (ses) light illuminated, diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p1810, diagnostic trouble code p1815 set.
- 10005527Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including 1988-2004 chevrolet and GMC light duty trucks.
- 10004339Mirror vibrates at highway speeds.
- 10004338Left outside breakaway mirror inoperative. Update.
- 10004278Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including 1988-2004 chevrolet and GMC light duty trucks.
- 10003650Proper installation instructions for the high mounted stop lamp that IS integrated in the rear spoiler. Some dealers have complained about the lamp not fitting properly or that parts are being damaged during installation.
- 10002392Neutral flare and/or rpm flare while in drive, no 1-2 upshift, service engine soon (ses) light illuminated, diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p1810, diagnostic trouble code p1815 set.
- 10000759Engineering changes to the valve body, pressure regulator valve, 2-3 accumulator valve and bore for 2002-2003 model year 4t45e transaxles and subsequent overhaul procedures which affect 1995-2001 model year transaxles.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 6088948On some convertible models, the door rattles when closing.
- 4031300Unknown
- 628053Customer concern of premature fog lamp failure.
- 622716Subject regarding revised instrument panel cluster (ipc) replacement. Nlm
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 619039This message concerns vehicles exhibiting a clunk noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Customers may state that a clunk noise IS heard when turning the steering wheel.
- 615097General motors has determined that some vehicles equipped with 2.2 liter engines may develop a failure of the cylinder head gasket leading to external coolant leaks from the cylinder head gasket to engine block joint.
- 614376Experiencing a rattle / squeak in right side of instrument panel or right front door trim panel scratched or right side end of instrument panel contacting door trim panel.
- 613596Subject regarding addtional information for special policy 98054 - coolant loss, visible coolant leakage, or coolant odor. **Mr
- 613594Voluntary emission campaign involving vehicles exhibiting symptons resulting in the illumination of the check engine light or the engine running rough. **Mr
- 613590Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies. **Mr
- 612668Vehicles exhibit symptoms resulting in the illumination of the check engine light or the engine running rough (inspection, clean/replace and seal pcm, and install protective pcm shield assembly). *Mjs
- 612655Information regarding additional corrections from privious campaign 99088, conditions that concern rough running engine and check engine light illumination. Mjs
Every Chevrolet Cavalier model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.