1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Cavalier › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
11 recalls name the 1998 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 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 and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A stalled vehicle can increase the risk of a vehicle crash. a fuel leak can result in a fire.
Remedy
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.
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. the fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
Remedy
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 authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with bi-fuel compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. the CNG fuel line and the CNG high pressure regulator coolant lines can contact other fuel (gasoline) and brake lines on the vehicle. abrasion from contact can cause a leak in the brake pipe, fuel pipe, or both.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Abrasion from contact can cause a leak in the brake pipe, fuel pipe, or both. a brake fluid leak could disable a portion of the brake system, causing longer stopping distances. gasoline leaking from a fuel pipe, in the presence of an ignition source, could cause a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and reposition the CNG fuel and coolant pipes and reposition/repair any damaged fuel or brake pipes as necessary.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the wheel lug nuts were not tightened securely resulting in a fracture of the wheel studs.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The wheel could separate from the vehicle. if the vehicle were in motion, a vehicle crash could result.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the torque of all wheel nuts and, if necessary, tighten any that may be below required torque.
Owner complaints
345 complaints36 involved a crash10 involved a fire33 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
Transmission failed out of nowhere for no reason no check engine light yes available for inspection
- Engine · Suspension · Wheels
The starter went out the first week I got it did tires start rubbing the sucks went out making it hard to drive and a second time start rubbing I end up buying three times cuz they got ball real fast the wiring under the engine ripped apart and now it's threw a rod. *Tr
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
The gas gauge IS going haywire. It pegs to the "f", and then immediately pegs to the "e", even though the tank IS half full. The gauge then jumps around the middle form one side to the other side. It IS impossible to tell how much IS in the tank. This happens while driving and also while sitting at lights or stop signs.
- Air bags
"Takata recall" I have tried to coontact dealships, and am being told my vehicle doesn't "show up"? Yet my car IS verified from www.nhtsa.gov ( manufacturer recall numbern040002 nhtsa recall number04v036.
- Structure › Body
I heard vibration by the rear drivers side wheel. I inspected the vehicle and noticed I could actually move (wobble) the wheel, it came loose from the frame according to 3 car shops. I even took it to a chevy dealership, it was deemed unsafe to drive. also the frame IS completely corroded, there…
I heard vibration by the rear drivers side wheel. I inspected the vehicle and noticed I could actually move (wobble) the wheel, it came loose from the frame according to 3 car shops. I even took it to a chevy dealership, it was deemed unsafe to drive. also the frame IS completely corroded, there are parts of the unibody frame that are just missing due to rust and corrosion. the rest of the car IS in very good shape, but due to the frame issue its now unsafe to drive and way too expensive to repair. any recalls on the 1998 cavalier?
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
The engine started having problems where it didn't want to move and the gas pump kept messing up and the gas needle doesn,t show correct it will say you have a half a tank when you really have a quarter tank, and the throttle sensor IS messed up I was on I-4 which IS a major highway in orlando in the middle of traffic the was on but loss power and stalled out.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 189,467.
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. While driving at 35 mph, there was an odor of smoke inside the vehicle. The contact coasted over to the side of the road, lifted the hood, and noticed that the wires from the alternator were on fire. The contact extinguished the fire. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. While driving at 35 mph, there was an odor of smoke inside the vehicle. The contact coasted over to the side of the road, lifted the hood, and noticed that the wires from the alternator were on fire. The contact extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle hydroplaned on ice. As a result, the contact crashed into the guardrail. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a fractured spine that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the key could not be inserted all the way in the ignition. Also, the contact stated that in order to turn on the vehicle the key needed to be slightly out of the ignition switch. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the key could not be inserted all the way in the ignition. Also, the contact stated that in order to turn on the vehicle the key needed to be slightly out of the ignition switch. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that while traveling 15 mph, the sub frame fractured. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was determined that the sub frame was completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 120,000. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that she experienced difficulty steering the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was determined that the sub frame failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the issue. The failure mileage was 155,000 and the current mileage was 156,000.
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel/propulsion system
I have a Z24 and my car stalls out and turns off while driving I have contacted a chevy dealer who stated that the cavalier's do, but my type of vehicle(z24) isn't affected. explained it IS and they should see about this. and I would have to pay to get this fixed. also, when researching this…
I have a Z24 and my car stalls out and turns off while driving I have contacted a chevy dealer who stated that the cavalier's do, but my type of vehicle(z24) isn't affected. explained it IS and they should see about this. and I would have to pay to get this fixed. also, when researching this information on the internet I have found many other customers who have had the same problem as I with my type of vehicle. why would 1 type of car of the same year have the problem and not all of them? it has the same components just designed a little different. *tr
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the ABS brake module failed. The contact stated that the failure caused the brake pedal to become abnormally soft and the vehicle had become increasingly difficult to stop when the brakes were applied. The contact was advised…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the ABS brake module failed. The contact stated that the failure caused the brake pedal to become abnormally soft and the vehicle had become increasingly difficult to stop when the brakes were applied. The contact was advised by the manufacturer that the ABS brake module component was not available for replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 134,000.
- Steering
Steering does not turn going at a rate of 5 mph. *tt
- Structure › Frame and members
Took vehicle for state inspection. Vehicle failed inspection due to frame being rusted. Mechanic/inspector states that this IS very common on the 1998 chevrolet cavalier. There are mfg. Frame holes that the subframe IS rusting near the rear wheels. Suggested that could have a body shop weld plates over the mfg holes in the frame. *js
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that at engine startup, the vehicle was able to be shifted from park to drive without depressing the brakes. The safety failure caused the vehicle to crash into several rocks. The police were not contacted and the crash caused no…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that at engine startup, the vehicle was able to be shifted from park to drive without depressing the brakes. The safety failure caused the vehicle to crash into several rocks. The police were not contacted and the crash caused no injuries. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 121,566.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the driver was driving approximately 35 mph when he was pulled over by a police officer who informed him that one of the wheels was protruding outward abnormally. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot where the contact was…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the driver was driving approximately 35 mph when he was pulled over by a police officer who informed him that one of the wheels was protruding outward abnormally. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot where the contact was informed that the sub frame was severely rusted and corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated the anti-theft system failed. When the theft system failed the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was told that the pass lock system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 142,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
No events except the sub frame just split in half ,causing the vehicle has very little control and pulls erratically from one way to another, had to replace the sub frame. *tr
- Steering · Steering › Rack and pinion
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. While driving in reverse approximately 5 mph, the contact attempted several times to turn the steering wheel but the steering wheel would not respond. The failure was a continuous occurrence in any selected gear. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. While driving in reverse approximately 5 mph, the contact attempted several times to turn the steering wheel but the steering wheel would not respond. The failure was a continuous occurrence in any selected gear. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 02v286000 (steering: rack and pinion) but was advised that his vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired for the failure. The vehicle was no longer being driven. The failure mileage was 139,000. updated 5/24/11 *cn updated 1/18/2012 *ln *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Chevy cavalier rusted sub frames. Car vibrates wildly at a certain speeds. Car was parked. Was told vehicle warranty had already expired and there had been no other calls related to this. Was told by gm service department car (if driven) should be driven cautiously (no bumps, potholes, long distance trips) recommended we don't drive. *Tr
- Electrical system
Ignition switch, or anti theft system, causes fuel pump to not work properly and also fuel injectors, been in garage 3 times and finally was told the problem after spending hundreds of dollars, was told gm had a recall on this part. *Tr
- Structure › Body
The 1998 chevrolet cavalier starts to shake when it reaches 60 mph or more. It IS a horrible feeling. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. While driving 60 mph the vehicle will begin to vibrate. Also when striking a small bump on the road way, the vehicle will fish tail. during the installation of new tires, she was advised that the vehicles sub frame had corrosion. It cost $3500.00 to repair the frame. No repairs were made. the failure mileage was 170000. The current mileage was 172000.
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.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 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.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 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.
- 10160637This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a customer?s request to remove or disable the Bi-Fuel Compressed Natural Gas system. General Motors does not condone the removal of the original equipped Compressed Natural Gas systems.
- 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.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10115093This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a customer?s request to remove or disable the Bi-Fuel Compressed Natural Gas system. General Motors does not condone the removal of the original equipped Compressed Natural Gas systems.
- 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.
- 10113258This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. Technician will need to check for an incorrect or non-existent VIN number in modules that require them. Technician should ensure that all modules that are replaced are programmed per currently published Service Information. Technician should also check the Sensing and Diagnostic Module part number if it was replaced.
- 10023942Information on 4t40-e (MN4) and 4t45-e (MN5) front wheel drive automatic transmission valve body reconditioning, dtc p0741, p0742, p0751, p0752, p0756, p0757, p1811, harsh shifts, slips, no drive, no reverse.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 10022926Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation (lubricate intermediate shaft [i-shaft]).
- 10019516Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation.
- 10017096Vehicle will not move in either direction. Transmission may show over full. P90 4t40e 4t45e no movement drive or reverse. Converter may be empty of fluid.
- 100170864T40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
- 10013000If 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.
- 10009214Ignition circuit thermal events, three phase safety recall 04002. Gm voicemail express.
- 10008727Special policy adjustment - air cleaner cover - replace. Bi-fuel (compressed natural gas and gasoline) engine may experience a higher rate of backfire than on gasoline engine cavaliers.
- 10008726Special policy adjustment 04008 - air cleaner cover - replace.
- 10008657Clunk noise from front of vehicle during turning maneuver/steering wheel rotation.
- 10007858Product safety recall ignition circuit thermal events.
- 10007816Anti-lock braking system (ABS) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10007293ABS front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10007178Sunroof supplemental information to 03-08-67-009.*mr
- 10006895Front suspension steer noise smooth road turns.
- 10005595Sunroof will not open or close completely due to the sunroof motor.
- 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.
Every Chevrolet Cavalier model year
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