While driving at 55 MPH, the engine died. There was no power steering or brakes and the consumer was to pull over. The dealer inspected the vehicle and could not duplicate or correct the problem. *ak the service dealer could not duplicate the problem. *sc
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier: engine failure
9 of the 503 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 9
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 16 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
Engine failure- stalling at high/low speeds. No steering,brakes, very frightening!! Already spent enormous amounts of money at mechanics to find problem. Probably another recall on vehicle. Almost becoming many accidents due to this problem.
While driving approximately 5mph in heavy traffic the car engine cut out, with noindication of any problem. The mechanic from the chevrolet dealer where the car was regularly service could find no reason why the engine had failed. The diagnosis was: engine piston cracked, number 1 spark plug cracked and burn, spun rod in lifters causing car not to start, engine needs to be replaced. I was also advised that an engine replacement would be approximately $4,500. After consulting with another mechanic, I replaced the engine elsewhere. The mechanic there could not offer a explaination other than a defect for the engine failure. Both mechanics noted how well the engine looked despite the failure. Regular engine maintenence had always been done in a timely manner, and the car had clearly been driven abusively. Ts
Consumer noticed light on the temperature gauge flashing and steam pouring out from under the hood, dealer said engine was replaced due to the failure of the lower radiator hose, another mechanic says failure was due to the cylinder head gasket failure, consumer wants reimbursement.
Check engine light keeps coming on. Dealer has only disconnected the wires, but not repaired vehicle. Engine blew, recall was issued, and light still remains on. *ak.et.
Vehicle was taken to dealer shop for a manufacturer's recall repairs, and was informed of a blown engine head gasket.
When driving engine makes a loud knocking noise that increases when the accelerator is being applied. Dealer says the vehicle needs a new engine.
Engine failed while in motion and would not restart.
Engine failed.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Some owners may comment on leakage of a few drops of coolant after parking their vehicle
- Some customers may experience a failure of the cylinder head gasket leading to external coolant leaks from...
- Voluntary emission campaign involving vehicles exhibiting symptons resulting in the illumination of the...
- Information regarding additional corrections from privious campaign 99088, conditions that concern rough...
- Vehicles exhibit symptoms resulting in the illumination of the check engine light or the engine running...
- Comments that a metallic noise or cold rap heard on cold exhaust system
- Comments that a metallic noise on cold exhaust systems
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier?
9 of 503 owner complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier (2%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2003.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier?
There are 0 recalls and 16 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
Stalling 33ABS 28No deployment 17Check engine light 17Brake failure 13Fire or smoke 13Loss of power 12Overheating 12Transmission failure 12Won't start 11Headlights 9Seat belt 9Steering lock-up 9Knocking 7Fuel pump 6Jerking 5Power steering loss 5Pulling 5
VIN decoder
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