This car shuts off while driving like the gm cars being mentioned in the news today. Started in 2005 and was evaluated by multiple mechanics including a chevrolet dealership that kept it over a month. It doesn't show a code when it happens. It randomly shuts off while you are driving (varied speeds). It also randomly won't start. Totally unpredictable when it will quit on you or not start.resetting did not help.car was purchased for daughter (new driver) to drive, but was too unsafe.
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier steering problems
49 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 50,000. 5 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 49
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 50,000
- crashes
- 5
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Rack and pinion17
- Steering wheel/handle bar8
- Hydraulic power assist system8
- Column4
- Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections3
- Column locking: anti-theft device3
- Hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid2
- Gear box (other than rack and pinion)2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Chevrolet Cavalier steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Steering: rack and pinion
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 02V286000 · Recall details
What 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Consumer experienced problems while having the 1996 chevrolet cavalier recall repairs performed. *mr recall campaign#02v286000. There were problems with the steering mechanism, the ignition and the air bag. *sc the consumer believed that none of the recall repairs were ever made on the vehicle.
Recall campaign: power steering gear recall. *nm the consumer had difficulty keeping the steering from wandering after the recall repair was done, the consumer had no problems with the vehicle prior. Recall# 02v286000. *sc after having the vehicle in the dealer 3 times the rack and pinion was finally replaced in which the consumer stated should have been included in the recall. The consumer is requesting reimbursement.
The federal safety agency recall 02v286000, after having the vehicle serviced on a recall for rack and pinion the power steering was still defective.
The federal safety agency recall 02v286000 concerning power steering assembly. After having the lower pinion bearing replaced consumer was unable to turn left. Vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the mechanic could not duplicate the problem.
My 1996 chevy cavalier, steering wheel locked up , while driving 50 MPH on a busy road.I totally lost power and I pulled over, after almost being hit by several other cars. This is another major concern for this vechile.gm, should inquire more about this problem!
I purchased a 1996 chevrolet cavalier ls from advanced care care inc in orlando florida 9-23-03 this car is a lemon. List of problems with it (was sold to me telling me nothing was wrong with it ). *ak problems ive paid to fix so far engine replaced head job (blown head gasket) 02 sensor twice ECM computer twice coil pack- 3 times icm 5 times engine strut transmount front engine mount brakes rotors main rod bearings catalytic convertor they are now saying it needs another engine that the crankshaft is bad , it is pouring out oil, I cant go past 3 rpms it has sudden acceleration that has almost caused multiple accidents the car has a stalling problem as well which has almost costed me and my son our life. Advanced car care inc (silverstar road) in orlando florida sold me this car notifying me nothing was wrong with it. I have already paid 7,000 dollars in repairs and the car is even more messed up than what it was. Everytime I pay for something to be fixed something else wrong shows up... I took it to the chevrolet dealership and the mechanics were all shocked at this car. They sd the have never seen a car built this messed up before. The computer was shooting out 13 different codes. This is a lemon car. I need it fixed or replaced also s & s automotive in apopka florida charged me 1,515 in repairs which they never gave me a written quote or even on the phone. They lied to me about parts being new when they were used. They installed my catalytic convertor wrong as well. They did work and labor to the car and charged me for it without my concent.. When I went to pick up the car and I test drove it I was shocked that now the crank shaft is all of a sudden bad and it will cost me 2,000 there or 5,000 at the dealership. I am a single mom and I dont even have a dollar to my name right now. Couldnt buy my son any gifts for christmas after paying all of these car bills and now im stuck with this lemon of a car .
I read an article about all the gm steering stuff and I just wanted to write my complaint, my steering looked up on me causing me to run off the road and hit a tree which flipped my car over and totalled out my car. I just think that it is a serious problem that gm needs to fix before somebody gets killed or hurt like me.
Fuel pump seal disintegrated. Cost $1,081.00 (including 3 day car rental). Earlier this year there was a recall on the steering column and I wound up paying an additional $600 for other defects not covered by the recall. Think that this and many additional problems on this car constitute it being a lemon. More than 5 recalls in 7 years.
While trying to make a left turn the steering wheel locked and the vehicle crashed into a guard rail. The consumer received a recall notice campaign # 02v28600 with the subject power steering assembly. The consumer contacted the manufacturer chevrolet. The representative stated that the vehicle was under that recall and a gm representative would make contact and test the vehicle. The gm representative called the consumer and stated that the recall part would be fixed but no other assistance would be provided.
Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier steering
Does the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier have steering problems?
Owners have filed 49 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, 10% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 50,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 02V286000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chevrolet Cavalier have bad steering?
The Chevrolet Cavalier model years with the most steering complaints are 1997 (83 complaints), 1998 (54 complaints) and 1996 (49 complaints).
Other 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Engine 118Electrical 100Airbags 73Brakes 60Transmission 54Lights 29Suspension 27Visibility 27Seat belts 21Fuel system 18Acceleration 14Body 13Seats 12Locks 7Tires 7Wheels 4Driver assistance 2
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