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.
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier: engine failure
6 of the 345 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 26 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
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.
Problems with engine failure. *mr the consumer experienced starting problems described in recall# 04v036000. The consumer would place the key in the ignition, turn the key to the start position and the engine failed to start. The original switch was replaced. *sc the consumer did not believe the recall was ever performed on the vehicle, since the vehicle continued to exhibit problems.
While driving at highway speed smoke started coming from under the hood ,then the engine died. When consumer popped the hood, noticed that the engine was on fire. The fire was caused by an electrical failure, per the fire inspector.
Vehicle experienced loss in steering.*mr the vehicle experienced 4 failures when the consumer attempted to make a turn the steering failed and then the engine died. After numerous visits to the dealership, the refused to make any repairs until the vehicle was further evaluated. There was a recall regarding the steering rack and pinion in which the vehicle experienced the same symptoms. *ts (brother on behalf of sister naida schaefer)
Possible engine failure causing vehicle to over heat. Yh
Service bulletins that may apply
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Special policy adjustment 04008 - air cleaner cover - replace
- Special policy adjustment - air cleaner cover - replace
- Some owners may comment on higher than expected engine oil consumption
- Some owners may comment on leakage of a few drops of coolant after parking their vehicle
- Some owners may comment on higher than expected engine oil consumption, and having to add oil between oil...
- Customers may complain of excessive oil consumption and having to add oil between changes
- Exhibiting a loud hoot / whistling noise at start up during cold ambient temperature
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier?
6 of 345 owner complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier (2%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2003.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier?
There are 0 recalls and 26 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
Stalling 20ABS 18Fire or smoke 14Headlights 10Brake failure 8Won't start 7No deployment 6Check engine light 6Steering lock-up 5Sudden acceleration 5
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