1996 Chevrolet Cavalier: jerking or lurching

5 of the 503 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier describe jerking or lurching.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 1%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 9 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Jerking or lurching by model year

2005
1
2004
2
2003
3
2002
1
2001
7
2000
5
1999
3
1998
4
1997
6
1996
5
1995
1
1994
3
1993
2
1992
2
1991
1

What owners say

Filed Aug 17, 2002 · Airbags, Electrical · FL

In april 2002 I received a letter from teh recall information processing center, royal oak, mi in regards to a defect with the ignition switch. When I checked the internet "the federal safety agency" I found out that in fact this was not the only recall on my car. The is also an airbag, check engine light and mud flip kit recall. I contacted the dealer and brought my car in to repair all these defects. The next day the check engine light came on again and the car was running rough again. I contacted the dealership and reported the problem. I was told that this has nothing to do with the recall and that the recall for the "check engine light" was fixed the day before and I have to pay if I want to find out what is causing that light to come on. I am not satisfied at all. First of all, I was never contacted in regards to all these other recalls. I have problems with my car everysince around the middle of 2002. When I drive and take my foot of the gas pedal the car keeps going the same speed without slowing down, sometimes it even speeds up. The engine check light keeps coming on and the engine runs real rough. Also when driving the car keeps jerking, like somebody is hitting the brakes and then speeds ups right afterwards. All these problems occur at no particular speed. Please be so kind and assist me in this matter or advise me who I have to contact. Thank you so much. Best regards, manuela m. Leno.

Filed Jun 11, 2001 · Brakes, Transmission · NY

While driving at highway speeds or for extended periods of time four-speed overdrive transmission will automatically shift down to a lower gear, and "ets off" and "check engine" lights come on simultaneously. Vehicle remains in low gears until lights go off or until vehicle cools down. Also , that when this problem occurs vehicle jerks and vibrates as if the ABS is kicking in at speeds in excess of 40 MPH. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Dec 22, 1999 · Brakes · NC

Rear brake system shakes and lurches...wheels lock up and release...car skids for short periods of time causing car to attempt to run off roadway...this happens most often in wet conditions. Car was returned to dealer who "cleaned rear brake drums" and told us the problem was fixed. Last night the car was almost involved in two accidents when daughter was driving in wet conditions at speeds in 35 to 45 MPH range when braking system locked up twice causing car to skid. Father can cause brakes to lock up in dry conditions duplicating brake lock up in wet conditions.

Filed May 17, 1999 · Steering · MD

A valve inside the power steering mechanism is stuck, causing the steering to be inoperative and allowing it to jerk from side to side, causing a safety hazard.

Filed Oct 19, 1995 · Acceleration, Brakes · MN

While driving, vehicle lurched forward without applying accelerator; applied brake, no effect; vehicle spun around in 360 degree circle; shifted into reverse. The dealership could not duplicate the problem, the only thing they found was that the gas cover was loose and stated that maybe that is why the engine light came on and why the vehicle acted eractically.