1997 Chevrolet Cavalier body problems

20 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints: 20
of this car's complaints: 4%
crashes: 0
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Frame and members
6
Body: door
5
Body: trunk lid
2
Body: door: hinge and attachments
2
Body
2
Body: bumpers
1

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 body problems in other years

Related recalls

Structure: bodyReported February 25, 1998 · 8 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with mis-located welds at the joint between the left rocker panel inner reinforcement and the body side ring. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 214, "side door strength."
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the sheet metal structure would not perform as desired increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the welds and, if necessary, place five welds between the involved panels and apply primer and topcoat finish materials.

Recall number 98V032000 · Recall details

What 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 26, 2013 · Body · 120,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, the mechanic stated the passenger and driver side of the frame was completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Dec 15, 2008 · Body · 135,000 miles · VT

My sub-frame has broken twice on my cavalier. I don't want to repair it anymore!!!

Filed Dec 15, 2008 · Body · 137,000 miles · VT

My cavalier frame rotted and broke. This is very serious do to the fact that I lost control of my vehicle and almost crashed.

Filed Jan 18, 2005 · Body, Brakes · 96,000 miles · OH

Head gasket replaced @27000 miles, fuel pump @ 30000 and again at 96000 miles. Brakes replaced 2x a year for 5 years. Driver's side door doesn't seal properly. Fan only works on speed 3 or 4.

Filed Jun 6, 2003 · Body · AR

Bumper came off about a month ago.

Filed Mar 25, 2003 · Acceleration, Body · NM

The engine overheated, and stalled. The spark plugs melted. The technician found the head warped, causing excessive internal exhaust heat. The dealer replaced the relay switch, removed the head and resurfaced. The electric fans don't turn on. The technician found the fan relay, ect sensor, and fusible link shorted(removed replaced). The vehicle had surged and died out. The sensor connector clip broken and was replaced. The console under the radio had cracked. The vehicle wouldn't start, due to multiple dtc plugs fouled. The vacuum line had broken, and the connectors were re-pinned. The vehicle wouldn't start until the engine cooled down. The alternator was not charging and there was poor battery contact to the terminal. The alternator was replaced. Between the speeds of 25-30 MPH, the vehicle felt like it was going to rev up. The transmission did not shift into gear. The transmission was replaced and the cooler lines were flushed. There was noise coming from the engine and or the defective timing chain. The tensioner was replaced/resealed, the timing chain was greased, and the serpentine belt was replaced. Scc

Filed Apr 10, 2002 · Body · OR

Water is leaking into trunk. Dealer has been notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed Feb 20, 2002 · Body · CA

Door was difficult to close. Top hinge on driver's side broke, causing door to almost fall off. Dealer contacted.

Filed Jan 30, 2002 · Airbags, Body · CA

I believe that they should have told me about these recalls when I bought the car. I travel 17 miles or more to and from work each day on the freeway. I would like to have this fixed asap. No safety defect listed.

Filed Aug 17, 2001 · Body, Steering · MO

Was informed by independent mechanic that seal around crossmember was missing due to manufacturer's defect/neglect. This caused the rack and pinion to fail. Dealer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.

Questions about the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier body

Does the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier have body problems?

Owners have filed 20 complaints about the body of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 4% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier body problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier body?

Yes, 1 recall: 98V032000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Cavalier have the most body problems?

The Chevrolet Cavalier model years with the most body complaints are 1998 (28 complaints), 2000 (27 complaints) and 1997 (20 complaints).