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.
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier engine complaints
Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 118, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Cylinder head gasket blew while driving. Dealer said this was covered under a recall, but water pump failed because of gasket, but wouldn't cover the pump.
Head gasket blewout. Also, engine is overheating and the coolant is leaking fluid. Consumer noted there was a tsb listed for this vehicle for same type of problem. Please provide any further details.
While driving or when turning at a light engine will stall without a prior warning. Vehicle had been taken to dealer for repairs, but defect had not been found to be repaired.*ak PCM was replaced twice, fuel pump replaced, dealer cleaned throttle board, egr valve, and fuel injectors, vehicle still continues to stall.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
The head gasket blew while the vehicle was stopped, the check engine light was illuminated for 2 years. Nlm
The water keeps leaking from the weep hole and there was no fault of mine or preventive maintenance that I could of done. Due to the location of the water pump (under the exhaust manifold) the repair is very expensive (approximately $800.00).
With regular scheduled oil changes, no oil leak present, engine made clacking noises while driving. Taken to dealer for inspection and was told to replace entire engine. Contacted manufacturer and had to authorize complete engine tear down ($1900) before they would come look at engine (no longer under warrenty). I'm waiting for further details, but have been told that the manufacturer will probably not help in fixing this problem.
I have talked to many people about this car and they all say it is common for this car to blow head gaskets. I paid $7000for this car it shouldn't have cost another $801to keap it on the road at 56.5k miles. If it is this common there should be a rembersment (recall )on it.. I also have a ti.
Consumer had head gasket repair on the vehicle prior to receiving the manufacturer's recall, consumer is requesting full reimbursement, chevrolet will not reimburse her fully due to the repair work not being done at a dealer.
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.
Rear seat belt guide detached from the seat.
Head gasket was leaking oil. It was around the engine where a technician believed there was a head blown head gasket.
Contacted dealership on recall #c00010, dealer agreed to pay part of repairs and not all. Would not pay for dealership charges on pressure testing cooling system even though dealership required it....
I first noticed the coolant light on at low speeds and when I turned corners. The light never stayed on for more than a few seconds, then I took the vehicle into the dealer to get some recall work completed and they told me that a gasket connecting to my water pump has a slow leak. My brother has a 1997 cavalier z24 and has the same exact problem. I hope you can get something done so others dont have the same problem. Thank you.
I have researched on this site, consumer reports, consumer corner, etc. And have found a number of 1996 chevrolet cavaliers have had cylinder head gasket problems. My extended warranty lasted through 100,000 miles. If I had known that this was a reoccurring problem, I might have been able to keep it from occurring. Gm/chevrolet has asked the dealership to give me a discount. The dealership has refused due to the mileage on my vehicle being approximately 500 miles over the required 100,000 miles. Six (6) days after the incident I received a letter from chevrolet stating that my vehicle experiences this problem and that they would pay for the repairs up to seven (7) years and 100,000 miles. I think this is very convenient. The letter is dated may, 2000. Two weeks earlier I was still within the 100,000 mile limit. I have given the dealership permission to fix my vehicle, but I am afraid to pay for the repairs before some type of agreement is reached. Unfortunately, gm/chevrolet is not interested in helping me.
Vehicle had functioned properly for approximately 35 miles after being picked up from the dealership for an unrelated problem. The coolant light came on, went off, then came on again and stayed on 2 miles before I reached my home. I pulled into the driveway, turned the engine off and heard a noise under the hood. I could not see any problem when I popped the hood, but fluid had begun to puddle under my vehicle that was green in color. The puddle increased in size quickly. It seemed to be the water pump. After finding that the dealership and extended warranty would not help with the cost of a water pump, the car was towed to a auto repair shop that fixes water pumps. The auto repair shop called and said the true problem is a cylinder head gasket. The car was towed to another auto repair shop that cannot get to it until next week. In the meantime, this problem has occurred in other cavaliers and should be covered by a recall by the dealership. The dealership is closed at this time, but I have left a message for the service department to call me.
When car was traveling at roughly 45 MPH, car suddenly lost engine power, though still had electrical power. Subsequent repair showed cam gear had broken, causing timing chain to break. This sent part through engine, damaging 3rd cylinder (valves coming unseated or damage to head). Orig. Part is plastic, replacement is metal. This resulted in repair charge of $1600+ to repair damage caused by inferior part. As vehicle is out of warranty, cust. Forced to pay charge.
Consumer was traveling about 25mph while coming out of a parking lot. She was hearing popping noises. Consumer ran over a bump, and motor fell out of vehicle's hood area.
Feb 2000 I replaced a faulty water pump continued to have slow coolant leak...may 2000 head gasket was found to be bad.no recall and extended warranty was .....not purchased buy the extended warranty is what I recommend.
Vehicle was taken to dealer shop for a manufacturer's recall repairs, and was informed of a blown engine head gasket.
While driving struck a deer on the road. Then checked under hood, where anti-freeze was leaking from engine head gasket without prior warning.
Head gasket diagnosed to be leaking coolant into engine and in need of replacement according to palanker chevrolet in west babylon n.y. Vehicle known to have gasket problems on this particular engine in 1995 cavaliers and 1996 cavaliers according to other chevrolet dealers( ie, dobler chevrolet, hemstead n.y) and believe that gm should issue a recall or good will assistance. I am very disalussioned by the fact that the dealer I brought my car into to be repaired says that it is normal for this milage and year and that chevrolet will not pay for repairs or offer any assistance.. I have spoken to chevrolet customer assistance and have not received any help or enlightenment regarding my problem, instead iu have been shoved aside and ignored. I have had many other problems within the first three years of ownership that have no explainable answer as to way they occurred buit yet have had parts replaced continuously under the factory warranty. I am thoroughly disgusted with this lemon of a car and this is the final straw!!! Please help me in any way possible with my unfortunate circumstance and contact me when possible. Thank you very much in advance :)
Knocking noise near trunk area, burning smell constantly, panel lights always show something wrong, ets off light blinking, tilt sticks, horn defective, don't start in warm weather,popping noise in rear side, coolant leaks, power steering hoses had to be replaced because they burned up and leaked fluid onto exhaust system, window rattles when coming down, window not aligned right air comes through on both sides,alarm doesn't work 85% of the time even with new batteries, nothing but problems since june 1, 1999.
Engine head gasket/struts/starter/transmission/ dome light/ paint/,muffler/seats and ABS brakes have all gone badly at least once, and some have been replaced twice and are bad again. Dealer was notified several times, but refused to check or replace. No longer doing business with them due to the service. I have been having to pay for all of the services.
In 53000 miles: spontaneous airbag deployment, computer failure, valve train failure.
Due to a defective design engine cylinder gasket is leaking at 17,000 miles. Cause is unknown.
S while driving on the road vehicle died out, causing the consumer to almost become involved in an auto collision.
When traveling at any speed vehicle will stall and cut without prior warning, also, dash lights are illuminated . Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced the computer chip.
Muffler defective. Nlm
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