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1998 Chevrolet Cavalier engine problems

56 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 72,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
56
of this car's complaints
16%
typical mileage
72,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine: gasoline
    20
  • Engine
    12
  • Cooling system
    5
  • Exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
    4
  • Exhaust system
    2
  • Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
    2
  • Cooling system: radiator assembly
    2
  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    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 engine problems in other years

1990199520002005

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 20Won't start 7Check engine light 6Engine failure 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 6, 2020 · Engine, Suspension · 150,000 miles · TX

The starter went out the first week I got it did tires start rubbing the sucks went out making it hard to drive and a second time start rubbing I end up buying three times cuz they got ball real fast the wiring under the engine ripped apart and now it's threw a rod.

Filed Sep 27, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

I have a z24 and my car stalls out and turns off while driving I have contacted a chevy dealer who stated that the cavalier's do, but my type of vehicle(z24) isn't affected. Explained it is and they should see about this. And I would have to pay to get this fixed. Also, when researching this information on the internet I have found many other customers who have had the same problem as I with my type of vehicle. Why would 1 type of car of the same year have the problem and not all of them? It has the same components just designed a little different.

Filed Jan 31, 2009 · Engine, Steering · 2,000 miles · OH

Ever since I bought my car brand new, I have had issues with the engine stalling on hills or inclines. My car will start to feel as if it's going to stall, and the RPM's jump up as if I am accelerating the gas, but since this normally only happens on hills, when I apply the brakes, my car will not stop, b/c the RPM's are still high, then that's when the car stalls, and of course my steering wheel locks, and I cannot stop without using the e-brake, or put it back into neutral and restart it. I have no warranty left since it has expired, however, I had taken my vehicle to the dealership and they always said nothing was wrong. I have small children, and it's not fair that this defect has "slipped" through the cracks for this long. Something must be done before owners of this car get injured or killed! I am also having a rack and pinion problem, but gmac said that my car didn't come from the plant with the defective parts! Well, I think it did. My car has been unreliable more often than not. Every time I have drive down a hill, I say a prayer. This happens about 2-3 times/week. My steering is so bad from the defective rack and pinion, that I can't turn my steering wheel until the car has been running for about 15 mins.(when it's cold out). Gmac has failed to take my concerns serious, it's sad that a company I paid all my hard earned money to, can't even make/or fix an unsafe vehicle! And I also have the recalled dex coolant, but you have to have paid for the damages and repairs in order to get reimbursed! They need to fix all the affected cars, not just the ones people have paid to already have it fixed!

Filed Nov 9, 2006 · Engine · 175,055 miles · WI

1998 cavalier check engine light illuminated. *ts the vehicle was taken to the dealer to determine what was causing the check engine light to illuminate. The diagnostic test determined that the egr valve was sticking and needed to be replaced. The egr valve failed at 142,673 miles and again at 175,055. When the consumer looked at the service invoice it stated that there was a lifetime warranty on the egr valve. The consumer requested reimbursement from the manufacturer since the part had a lifetime warranty.

Filed Apr 11, 2006 · Engine · 72,000 miles · PA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection; however, the problem could not be duplicated.

Filed Jul 5, 2005 · Engine · 100,000 miles · OH

Dt: the vehicle is not drivable, it stopped on the freeway close to 100,000 miles. Complains of engine not working.

Filed Jun 9, 2005 · Engine · OH

On my 1998 chevy cavalier my timing belt tention pulley has broken twice,also my idler pulley has also broken twice

Filed Jun 3, 2005 · Engine · 100,049 miles · MD

Pattern of overheating and vehicle failures in 98 cavaliers. A second car with the same problems is now being reviewed right next to mine at fox chevrolet timonium. 410‑667‑6666. Car with 100,049 miles overheated for first time after ordinary flush and fill 2 days prior. (the serpentine belt and an oil change were also performed following a complaint of smelling antifreeze no other evidence of any cooling problems) following the overheating, the car was promptly pulled over within 2 miles and flatbedded back to the service station. After replacing the thermostat and water pump (signs of low coolant flow - temperature differential in the upper and lower hoses) car continued to overheat. The car was flatbedded to the dealer: no leaks or damage were found in the heater core, radiator, head gasket, or cylinder head. Dealer conclusion is that there are micro cracks inside the engine because engine gases are mixing with the antifreeze, although oil is not entering the cooling system. Dealer insists only possible repair is an entire engine replacement.

Filed Mar 7, 2005 · Engine · DC

The consumer was concerned about the emission control system in her 1998 chevrolet cavalier. *nm *sc

Filed Jun 3, 2004 · Engine · 60,000 miles · IL

While driving the consumer saw smoke coming from under the hood. The consumer stated that problem was pertaining to the antifreeze leaking. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Please provide more information.

Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier engine

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier have engine problems?

Owners have filed 56 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 16% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 72,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Cavalier have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Cavalier model years with the most engine complaints are 1996 (118 complaints), 1997 (110 complaints) and 1995 (82 complaints).

Other 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

Electrical 66Brakes 59Steering 54Airbags 34Body 28Lights 18Transmission 16Visibility 15Acceleration 14Fuel system 14Locks 11Suspension 11Seats 9Seat belts 8Wheels 4Tires 3Driver assistance 1

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