1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Chevrolet › Cavalier › 1996
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
13 recalls name the 1996 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…
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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…
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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…
If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
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 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…
A stalled vehicle can increase the risk of a vehicle crash. a fuel leak can result in a fire.
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.
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.
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If the switch IS damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. one of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.
If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sensing and diagnostic module, an inadvertent air bag deployment could occur in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan.
Air bags deploy with great force and can seriously injure unrestrained occupants who are too close to them.
Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module.
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."
The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.
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."
If these lamps were not flashing, other vehicles would not be aware that this vehicle was stopped increasing the risk of an accident.
Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. if necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.
The accelerator control cable could have been kinked during assembly causing high accelerator pedal effort, sticking accelerator control cable, or a broken accelerator control cable.
If the accelerator control cable sticks or breaks, unwanted acceleration and/or loss of throttle control can result increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Dealers will replace the accelerator control cable assembly.
TL* the contact owned a 1996 chevrolet cavalier. While the contact was making a u turn, another vehicle crashed into the driver side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The driver sustained injuries to the head, right shoulder, and left knee. The passenger sustained injuries to the left shoulder. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed destroyed. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the air bag failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet cavalier. While driving approximately 25 mph, the contact's vehicle was struck on the driver's side by another vehicle. The driver side air bag did not deploy during the crash; however, it suddenly deployed while the contact attempted to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained severe whiplash, leg bruises, and head lacerations. Medical attention was required. The contact was treated and released from the hospital under her doctor's supervision. The following day, the doctor determined that the contact's neck was fractured and she was sent to get an mri at the regional hospital. The vehicle was diagnosed by marion chevrolet/cadillac in marion, illinois. The air bag was replaced and the vehicle's body damage was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a stop sign and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 195,450.
This car shuts off while driving like the gm cars being mentioned in the news today. Started in 2005 and was evaluated by multiple mechanics including a chevrolet dealership that kept it over a month. It doesn't show a code when it happens. It randomly shuts off while you are driving (varied speeds). It also randomly won't start. Totally unpredictable when it will quit on you or not start.resetting did not help.car was purchased for daughter (new driver) to drive, but was too unsafe. *tr
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the interior lights would sporadically illuminate. The failure occurred numerous times over the course of sixteen years. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis numerous times but the contact was told that there were no failures discovered. The contact eventually removed the interior light fuse to stop the failure. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 98v027000 (interior lighting) but was told that the vin was not included in the recall. The contact also stated that the catalytic converter was replaced six times. The vehicle was not repaired for the interior lighting failure. The failure mileage was 11,000 and the current mileage was 233,163.
There's alot of stuff wrong with this car. It ran good and IS reliable when running,but recently stop running. *tr
I replaced the battery on my 1996 chevrolet cavalier 2.4L with manual transmission about 3 days ago. Today as I was driving to get gas the vehicle started to idle low as if it was not getting enough fuel to the engine. As I came to a stop it got worse and then I check the dash for any indication of malfunction only to see my airbag, check engine, ABS, check oil & battery lights flickering. Moments later as I shift into 3RD gear it dies rendering all safety and normal operation of the vehicle nearly impossible. I had to call a friend to jump me 3 more times before reaching my home which was less than a mile away! *tr
Yes car will turn over but won't start it does this at time or u can press the gas to try and start interior light don't work. *Tr
I purchased a 1996 chevy cavalier in 1999 and from the beginning had problems with the check engine light continually on etc. From 1999 to sept 2010 - I took it to several chevy dealers while it was under warranty and they never fixed the problem completely and the lights remained on. I was told to put fuel injection cleaner in it by one car dealer of course that didn't work. years later and many repairs, engine rebuilt, thermostat replaced, water pumps, fans etc.. Four catalytic converters I still have the same problem - loss of power, car shutting off and leaving me in intersection, freeways etc.. Causing a very dangerous situation, I have over these years become very frustrated the codes read O2 sensors, the cat converter pieces fall apart easily causing very costly repairs because these defective parts clog the air flow causing overheating and loss of power, it should not be this difficult or cost to keep this car in repair order. cat converters, sensors, head gaskets, seals, water pumps, sticking thermostats etc.. Continually replaced and still the same on going problem with no hope of ever finally fixing this dangerous defective problem. *Tr
TL* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet cavalier. While driving at 30 mph, the driver side air bag independently deployed. The contact was unable to see the roadway and the passenger had to maintain control of the steering wheel as the vehicle steered of road into a gas station area. Both the passenger and contact exited the vehicle and the front passenger side air bag then independently deployed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was awaiting a diagnosis of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,950 and the current mileage was 136,018. updated 9/13/10 *cn updated 09/15/10
Speedometer and odometer just stopped working,and I was told my throttle cable IS just barely hanging on. *Tr
I have just got a 1996 chevy cavalier and the anti theft light came on and shut down going down the hwy 50 miles per hour no brakes or steering . The ignition switck it has a code silinder now it want run or nuthing it turns over but want start. *Tr
I have a 1996 chevy cavalier that was driving down the road when the steering went haywire. When it was checked by a shop it was found to be caused by a rusted out subframe. This car has 112K on it with very minimal rusting ie around the gas cap. *Tr
I have a 1996 chevrolet cavalier. The sub frame on the front has rotted and the lower control arm ripped out and the front wheel was ripped off at highway speeds. Gm needs to recall all of these cars to evaluate the condition of these subframes. Repair or buy back if necessary. *tr
I am the owner of a 1996 4 door, 2.2 liter chevrolet cavalier automobile that has a faulty timing belt tensioner. The tensioner went and the timing belt skipped, thus causing major damage to the vehicle engine. This vehicle flaw IS well documented in some car review magazines. *tr
Ets and check engine lift on all the time. From the time that I purchased the car these two lights remained on. the car would lose power while I was driving causing me to be left in the middle of intersections and traffic. I took the car back for repairs numerous times to the dealer and the seller and to various car repair places. but, no one was able to find the problem and repair it. a few years ago - I took my car for repairs to another chevorlet dealer and they told me that it was the catalytic converter. and that it would be cheaper to have it replaced tby someone other than a dealer. so, I took my car muffler repair and had it replaced (at a very expensive cost). the lights did not go off after the repair. I was told they had to be re set which they could not do. so, I took it to a car repair place and had the lights reset. it seemed to fix the problem. now, a year or so has gone by and the lights came back on. a few months later the car started to lose power again and I took it back to the muffler shop - they could find no problem . again I took it to a repair place and had the lights reset. at this time the lights have remain off, but the car still loses power off and on. *tr
The engine/car turned off and looses all power while driving.. causing a very dangerous problem. without reason this car turns off and looses power while fully engaged in drive, this leaves me the driver without power in the middle of various intersections and main streets...very scary. *tr
Interior lamps coming on unexpectedly and/or stay on after car IS turned off. I purchased this car when it was two years old. I took the car back several times complaining about this problem. they could not repair the problem. I finally got tired of complaining and I removed the fuse - so that the light would remain off (of course this IS also a fuse to several other items within the car). but, it was they only way I could resolve this problem myself. *tr
Blown head gasket vehicle over heating, nothing has been done to repair issue; head gasket recall. the vehicle IS running very badly even though a complete tune up has been done; fuel system recall suspension making lots of noise; rear suspension recall. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet cavalier. the rear hazard warning lights would not flash when the switch was activated. the dealer stated that the hazard lamp switch failed. the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number (exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights). the contact stated that the interior lights illuminated without warning. the dealer stated that the lamp control module failed. the dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number (interior lighting). the current and failure mileages were 75,000.
Airbags deployed inadvertently while my daughter was driving causing her to hit a tree. eye witnesses state this as well. *jb
TL*- the contact has a 1996 chevrolet cavalier. while driving both driver and passenger air bags deployed. The driver injured his arm when air bag deployed and crashed the vehicle. After contacting the dealer, the dealer stated he has no recall records for his vehicle prior to 2003.
Dt*: the contact stated there were nhtsa recalls campaign 98v027000 regarding the interior lighting and 98v319000 regarding the rear suspension. The vehicle had the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it was not included in the recall due to the vin. there was a loss of the interior lighting, and an intermittent clanking noise coming from the rear suspension. *ak
Dt: the contact stated the headlights glowed an orange/yellow color. the dealership replaced the sockets and bulbs, but this has not solved the problem. the dealership stated there was no problem with the vehicle. the contact insisted this impaired his vision and he could not see three feet in front of the vehicle. *ak
1996 chevrolet cavalier passenger air bag inadvertently deployed striking the consumer's 9 year old son in the face. the vehicle was traveling at 20 mph.*mr *jb
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
On september 23, 2003, the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) received a letter dated september 8, 2003 from mr. Donald friedman, petitioning the agency to open a defect investigation into unintended acceleration involving [model year] 1996 and 1997 general motors j-cars.in support of his petition, mr. Friedman cited a report he received for gm showing it had received far more reports of alleged unintended acceleration for these models than for others.after assessing the data claimed by the petitioner to justify his request, odi found no indication that defect trend related to the petitioner's allegations exists at this time.therefore, there IS no reasonable posibility that an order concerning the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect would be issued as a result of granting mr. Friedman's petition.consequently, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition IS denied.for additional information concerning this analysis, please refer to the attached federal register notice.
There is no summary currently available
There is no summary currently available
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.