1996 Chevrolet Cavalier: brake failure

Filed Jul 16, 2009 · Electrical · 188,000 miles · TN

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.

Filed Aug 27, 2001 · Body, Engine · TX

Consumer states while driving was unable to stop, there were no brakes, also vehicle would make loud sounds and then stall, consumer was always being told by delaership that it was a sensor and the fuel filter which was always being replaced, but never resolved the problem, however it was finally determined by a manager at the chevrolet shop that the manufacturer programmed the air conditioner to be on at all times, which caused these malfunctions as well as burning out the carburetor, the manager fixed the dial so the A/C would not be on, but still informed consumer that it needed to be properly reprogrammed, consumer has not experienced the failures since the dial was readjusted, consumer has obtained legal represenation and feels she should not be held financially responsible for something that the manufacuter created.

Filed Jul 10, 2001 · TX · 1 injury

My car was programmed by the manufacturer to have the A/C on at all times. So, during the last five years, my A/C was always on, unbeknownst to me. This caused the compressor to malfunction this fall. That's when the problem with the car finally revealed itself, and a mechanic at don ringler's chevrolet finally figured out that the A/C needed to be reprogrammed so that it was not on at all times. Meanwhile, all during the five years, the brakes kept failing at various times, causing me to nearly crash or run out into traffic. Many times I was bruised from the incidents. My car also stopped running altogether several times while operating at different speeds, and just as the power would shut off, the brakes would stop working. I have gone out into the middle of highways, almost being killed. Each time I took the car in, I was told that the problem could not be detected or the problem had been resolved. Being only the second car in my life (the first one, a geo metro, caused no problems at all), I trusted the verdict each time, and did not know that there was a deeper, underlying problem to report. It took me five years to uncover this. Believing the mechanics at chevrolet dealerships each time that the problem had been resolved, I continued to keep careful maintenance on it with the very best quality care. This fall, I was told the same thing, that it was something other than the real source of the problem, and after another $500 and a test drive with the head mechanic where the power failed once again, it was discovered that the A/C was misprogrammed and causing power failure. Evidence of this lies in the fact that when the A/C is kept off, the car runs fine. The compressor is ruined. I am concerned that all the other 1996 cavalier complaints (the federal safety agency) on power/brake failure may be attributable to A/C misprogramming. Those customers could not figure out the reason either. A recall may be necessary. Please investigate--gm staff is ignoring me.

Filed Oct 10, 2000 · Brakes, Transmission · SC

Brakes failure to stop, car slips in gear when pressing on brakes, horn sometimes doesn't work then it starts to work , headlights go dim when brakes are pressed ,noise in rear area

Filed Aug 3, 1999 · Brakes · WA

Brake pedal went all the way to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance.

Filed Feb 26, 1999 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

Manufacturer was contacted in all effort to resolve situation and was of no assistance whatsoever. I am a 22 year old college student who has had numerous problems with this car since bought including brake failure and horn failure. In my estimation, this vechicle is a lemon

Filed May 31, 1998 · Brakes · IL

Front brakes failed at 17000 miles and needed replacing.

Filed May 27, 1998 · Brakes · PR · 1 injury

Anti lock brakes failed resulting in a vehicle collision.

Filed May 18, 1998 · Brakes · SC

Brakes failed on several occasions, resulting in a loss of control.

Filed Apr 29, 1998 · Brakes · WA

Abs brakes failed. Also warped rotors, causing brakes to pulsate.

Filed May 31, 1997 · Brakes · IL

Front ABS brakes failed/needed to be replaced at 17000 miles.

Filed Mar 26, 1997 · Brakes · IN

Started to stop, ABS brakes gave out; kicked in few minutes later. Steering wheel w/ strong pulling, hard turning or correcting; hard turning r/l. Rpms revved but did not accelerate, gears shifted hard from 2nd to 3rd.