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1998 Chevrolet Cavalier transmission problems

16 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 40,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
16
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
40,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    6
  • Clutch assembly
    4
  • Manual transmission
    3
  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
    1
  • Automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
    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 transmission problems in other years

1990199520002005

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 29, 2023 · Transmission · KY

Transmission failed out of nowhere for no reason no check engine light yes available for inspection

Filed Mar 21, 2012 · Transmission · 121,566 miles · MI · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that at engine startup, the vehicle was able to be shifted from park to drive without depressing the brakes. The safety failure caused the vehicle to crash into several rocks. The police were not contacted and the crash caused no injuries. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 121,566.

Filed Jun 14, 2004 · Transmission · 31 miles · NY

Vehicle did not have a dip stick for the transmission fluid. Dealer insisted that the vehicle must be brought to them in order for the transmission fluid to be checked. Consumer claimed that the transmission was slipping while the dealer was servicing the vehicle.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · CA · 1 injury

Power steering has slowly gone I took it to mechanic who could not read but says there seems to be a leak but he can't figure out where. It's caused the entire car to act up and I don't even want it anymore.!!

Filed Jun 30, 2003 · Engine, Transmission · 18,868 miles · KY

This e-mail is in regards to my 1998 cavalier rs. This car has been nothing but trouble since I bought it on june 29, 1998. Just 14 months after I purchased the car, the clutch goes out. Then it goes out four times thereafter. A total of five times my clutch has went out. The reason I purchased a brand new automobile was for the dependency of the chevrolet product. I was mistaken in my thinking obviously. That dates of having to replace the clutch master cylinder are as follows: 08/29/99, 04/05/01, 08/09/01, 10/17/01, 06/26/03. I understand things go wrong with vehicles, but five times on the same problem. (no the clutch is not being ridden.) thankfully I have reimbursment towing on my insurance, considering I was miles away from a chevrolet dealership. Also, the engine light came on july 20, 1999 (13 months after I bought the car). My receipt states all the cylynders were misfiring. On november 21, 2001 my catatylic converter had to be replaced. (don't ever go on a trip in this car!) all the work stated above was done by chevrolet dealerships. The car is paid for now and they received all of their money out of me. I just hope this doesn't happen to someone else. (the car was in my grandmother's name, mary h. Decker 3416 st ann st owensboro, ky 42303. It is now in the process of changing the name on the title.)

Filed Mar 19, 2003 · Transmission · 57,180 miles · CT

Vehicle description:1998 chevrolet cavalier/5 speed manual transmission total failure. While driving - went to make a turn - something snapped - steering wheel snapped back - front end shifted and motor twisted - vehicle cannot be driven - there is no transmission function .

Filed Feb 3, 2003 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · IL

Clutch went out at approximately 40,000 miles. Tranmission synchronizers also went out at the same time. Dealer refused to rectify problem under extended warranty because the extended warranty I have does not cover transmissions. I was not offered any extended warranty choices when I purchased the vehicle. I was just asked if I would like to purchase one. I paid a lot of money for an extended warranty that I have used 1 time for a faulty fuel pump. Meanwhile, I have had a new clutch put in ($650), but have been unable to have the transmission repaired yet so my current clutch is bad as well due to the synchronizers being faulty. So now I have to pay for another new clutch and a new tranny!

Filed Nov 28, 2000 · Body, Locks · MD

The transmission failed prematurely, consumer is requesting warranty reimbursement from the dealership.

Filed Sep 15, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · NY

My vehicle has trouble doing everything a new car should do. This vehicle has jeopordized my families safety on numerous occasions. Having the horn not work when another vehicle pulls out on me is a serious matter which should be looked into. Everytime the oil is changed on the car they come back and tell me the transmission is leaking again. Obviously replacing the shaft seal is not fixing the problem especially when it leaks again 3000 miles in between dealership visits. Having a constant gasoline and sulfer odor emitting from the vehicle worries me especially considering I have two very young children.when brought up to the dealership they will not look into the matter anymore unless a engine light is on. This vehicle will shortly run out of warranty and I believe general motors has blown off my letters, phonecalls and e-mails knowing this. Thank you for your time in this matter, sincerely clifton cole.

Filed Apr 21, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · IL

High pitch hum usually after 45 MPH but occurs also when motor is stressed related not shifting . Motor shifts at 10mph, 20mph, and sounds stressed / labored from 45 to 55mph before it shifts again if it shifts again. Car is automatic 3 speed. When shifting it jerks forward and then suddenly pulls backward hard. When sitting still shifting from park to drive car jerks hard. Whensitting still and shifting from rear to drive, car shifts hard. All gears shift hard. Using transmission oil. Often have to restart engine 4 times before it remains running. Count to 10 before restarting does not help. When driving down the road, often feels a hard pulling like it is really working hard to pull itself. Accelerates and decelerates as if it has its own mind. Chevy tried to reprogram twice but would not take so replaced computer about 8 months ago. But it is doing it again.

Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier transmission

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the transmission of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 40,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier transmission?

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

What year does the Chevrolet Cavalier have bad transmission?

The Chevrolet Cavalier model years with the most transmission complaints are 1996 (54 complaints), 2001 (34 complaints) and 1997 (26 complaints).

Other 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

Electrical 66Brakes 59Engine 56Steering 54Airbags 34Body 28Lights 18Visibility 15Acceleration 14Fuel system 14Locks 11Suspension 11Seats 9Seat belts 8Wheels 4Tires 3Driver assistance 1

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