1992 Chevrolet Cavalier engine problems

Filed Jun 14, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 15,500 miles · MD

I own a 1992 chev cavalier z-24 and have been reading horror stories aboot the exact woes I have been suffering since buying it used in 1998 with only 15k mi on it; it only has 30000 on it now. The first to go was the heater core and belt tensioner and then the coolant leaks that has required several days of shop time. I have had the intake removed twice, the heads once - they accused me of overheating and warping them - the water pump replaced, 2 window motors installed and the altenator replaced. I haven't even gotten to the brakes - the ABS system on this bucket of junk seem to work fine most of the time but love to chatter internal to the electronic/hydraulic system as if it can't make up its mind. I have disabled the system in diagnosing it myself and found that the brakes work better without the system controlling your braking. The system is intact as I don't want to fool around too much but this should have been a switch on the dash - ABS on - ABS off. I am in poor health and haven't been able to take the jalopy to ourisman chevrolet again - I bought it at ourisman's rockville store - to show them the coolant in the oil that I found recently. I have used synthetic oil in it since I bought it but I can't vouch for the service dept at ourisman. They probably use goodwrench 5-30 as it came from the factory. If there are this many reports of this piece of junk, wouldn't chevy be more concerned aboot it? I am lucky to have gotten a 4 year extended warranty as I would never have been able to afford it; I would have just left the car with ourisman and let them deal with it. Ak

Filed Mar 21, 2004 · Engine, Visibility · 114,000 miles · CA

I own a 1992 chevy cavalier. I have had to replace the heater core 3 times. Once a year every year since 2001. I am requesting a recall on this issue due to the number of complaints I have read about this problem. I don't think that I or anyone else should have to replace a heater core/ blown head gasket once a year. I would like to hear from you or chevy about this problem. This is ridiculous and very very costly. I believe that the manufacturer should be responsible for the costs incurred and to fix this problem. I love my car and take very good care of it. I have incurred costs of over $2000 and am sick and tired of hearing that I have blown a head gasket due to heater core\cooling failure. Please contact me about this matter asap. Thank you. Sheri madrid

Filed Nov 28, 1999 · Engine · VT

None

Filed Sep 21, 1999 · Engine · OR

Engine head gasket blew out, causing fluids to spray all over the engine and transmission. Coolant leaked out of raditor.

Filed Aug 25, 1999 · Electrical, Engine · AL

Windshield gets foggy residue makes poor vision; seat latches don't latch first adjustment; they latch while driving;

Filed Aug 25, 1999 · Brakes, Electrical · AL

Radiator hose leak made car run hot; replaced catylic converter so would not run hot; fuse shortage almost caught car on fire; the body sounds squeeky and rusty when goes over bumps

Filed Jul 9, 1999 · Engine · FL

Engine stalls out about every 8 months because the belt tightner needs to be replaced. Belt tightner has been replaced 3 times.

Filed Mar 29, 1999 · Engine, Transmission · VA · fire

Consumer was at a stop sign wnen vehicle would not change gears, about 2minutes afterward, vehicle was filled with smoke. The fire department put fire out.

Filed Oct 13, 1998 · Engine, Steering · IL

Steering column will not lock in place. Moves when vehicle is in motion. Took to dealer & had it repaired. Problem reappeared. Also, the anti-freeze leaks out. Has been to dealer 5-6 times for both problems.

Filed Nov 27, 1996 · Engine · OH

Cylinder head cracked.