My rear defrost quit working and I went and checked some of the connections. The connection under the dash had been melted, with the plastic showing evidence of being melted. I have done some checking on the internet and it appears it is a problem. If you check gm cars pontiac, and gm some of the vehicles have had this issue. It appears to be very common based off the forums and you tube video's. It appears in impala, cavalier, sunfire, and this isn't an all inclusive list. This is concerning because it appears to have been a problem for a few years and gm allowed this to happen.
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier visibility problems
40 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 76,000.
- owner complaints
- 40
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- typical mileage
- 76,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Windshield wiper/washer13
- Power window devices and controls6
- Glass, side/rear6
- Windshield wiper/washer: motor5
- Rearview mirrors/devices: exterior4
- Windshield3
- Defroster/defogger/HVAC system2
- Windshield wiper/washer: linkages1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chevrolet Cavalier visibility problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier visibility
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
- What is wrong
- These vehicles were built with an incorrect wiper blade assembly (17" long instead of 22" long) on the driver's side. This does not comply with fmvss no. 104, "windshield wiping and washing systems."
- Risk
- The area and pattern wiped on the windshield will be reduced and could affect the driver's view in wet weather increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for the correct wiper blade assembly and install a correct length wiper blade assembly.
Recall number 96V160000 · Recall details
What 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet cavalier. All of the windows in the vehicle were cloudy upon shifting into drive gear within a few minutes after it was started. In order to clear the windows the contact had to bang on the dashboard. The failure recurred intermittently during cold weather conditions. The contact removed the blower motor and noticed that some of the mechanisms were covered with rust. The failure was not diagnosed by the dealer. The failure mileage was 180,000 and the current mileage was 195,000. The VIN was unavailable.
1997 chevrolet cavalier air bags deployed for no reason. *nj an inspection revealed no mechanical reason for the deployment of the air bag. Also, the sunroof was inoperative. The consumer was informed her vehicle identification number was not included in the recall for the air bag.
I have a 97 chevrolet cavalier convertible that I have had to take in 3 times because the driver side power window stopped working and 3 times because the passenger side window quite working.
Incident to report: 97 chevrolet cavalier back window cracked when closed door. This resulted in broken glass all over my infant's car sit and toys. If my infant was in the car at the time, she would have suffered major injury.
My driver window came off the track and fell down to the bottom of the door-the glass didnt brake but it fell for no reason-it could have shattered-is this a common occurance??its a 1997 chevy cavalier-2 door.
Windshield wipers have failed. Dealer notified.
When the windshield wipers are turned off, they stop in the upright position obstructing the drivers view while driving. This poses a hazard while driving, making it difficult to concentrate on the road.
The wipers on vehicle are stuck in the up position. The wipers work in rain, but when turned off, they stop right in the upright position, impairing drivers visibility. Please provide any further information. Ph
While driving windshield wipers make a grinding noise, causing wipers to become inoperable.*ak
Questions about the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier visibility
Does the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier have visibility problems?
Owners have filed 40 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 7% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier visibility problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 76,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier visibility?
Yes, 1 recall: 96V160000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chevrolet Cavalier have the most visibility problems?
The Chevrolet Cavalier model years with the most visibility complaints are 1997 (40 complaints), 2003 (38 complaints) and 1995 (32 complaints).
Other 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Engine 110Electrical 107Steering 83Airbags 78Brakes 64Suspension 27Transmission 26Fuel system 23Body 20Acceleration 18Lights 16Seat belts 13Seats 11Tires 8Locks 4Wheels 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history