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1999 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems

47 complaints (20% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 52,214. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
47
of this car's complaints
20%
typical mileage
52,214
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Ignition: switch
    8
  • Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
    5
  • Wiring
    5
  • Wiring: interior/under dash
    4
  • Ignition
    3
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    3
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    3
  • Wiring: front underhood
    2

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 electrical problems in other years

1990199520002005

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported January 27, 2004 · 1,415,231 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Risk
If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. The fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
Remedy
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. Owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.

Recall number 04V036000 · Recall details

What 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 15, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 198,000 miles · NC

I was on my way to my dentist appointment, suddenly a hissing noise came from the car.all of the dashboard lights came on and I knew I was in trouble.I was on a busy intersection in the city.I had to act in a split second and steer quickly off of the nearest side ride.the steering wheel was locking up.I had just enough power to get safely off of the street in time and to keep from getting hit from behind.I was in motion on a city street.the car was trouble from day one.I believe it was a flooded out car sold to the unsuspectithat unsuspecting person was me.I got suckered out of over $2400. I have paid for at least 2 new cars with the money I have spent on this lemon.by the way the shady owner don't feel responsible at all for scamming my money out of me.

Filed Jul 17, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 160,000 miles · MO

Takata recall: fuel gage nas never worked since being bought, turn signals ( both right and left) barely worked when bought and went out completly the next day, power steering locks up occasionally and and cant turn wheel,shift gear linkages will only shift manually under the hood, car will die or struggle to continue running unless foot is always pushing on gas, engine occassionally backfires, and not quite sure if the fuel pump is working properly or gone out

Filed Apr 1, 2010 · Electrical, Fuel system · 77,000 miles · FL · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that in 2005 when she made a right turn at 15 MPH, the steering wheel made a clicking noise and began to vibrate. The failure continued to occur. There were no warning lights that would allude to the cause of failure. The contact also noticed that the steering wheel would unlock and turn involuntarily when it was supposed to be locked. The fuel gauge was also defective. She also noticed that the lights on the instrument panel, and headlights, were also faulty. The bulbs in the left rear turn signal and brake light burned out and melted after they were used three to four times. The contact called the local dealer to ask about related recalls and was informed that there were no open recalls for her vehicle; however, the contact found eight recalls for her year, make and model vehicle. The current mileage was approximately 100,000. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2008 · Electrical · 188,500 miles · WV

To make a long story short, my car started smoking through the AC vents one day and I described this to a chevy 800 # rep and he said that it was covered under recall # 04002 ignition circuit thermal events. I take it to the dealer, they said they fixed it. I go to pick it up and the burned wires under the dash were not replaced, the theft system light was still on and the car still would not shut off even with the key out of the ignition. I called the 800# back and told him I was given the run around and now this guy claims that he never told me that the damage to my car was not covered under the recall and that it would have to come out of pocket. This is ridiculous. The description of the recall fits exactly what happened with my car and now they are trying to get away with not fixing my car. I want it fixed! I just wanted to send this quick email and will go in depth about it once I receive your reply. Thanks. *tr updated 09/09/08

Filed Jan 9, 2008 · Electrical · 112,019 miles · AZ

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chevrolet cavalier. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it would not start; however, the instrument panel indicators illuminated. There were no prior warning indicators before the electric system failed. The federal safety agency campaign id number 04v036000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) was referenced. The contact was advised to replace the ignition switch first and then the dealer would complete the rest of the safety recall repair. The current mileage was 112,319 and failure mileage was 112,019.

Filed Dec 18, 2007 · Electrical · CT

With ignition key in start position I begin to smell something burning. This prompted site search and it appears that re-call #02v070000 applies to my 1996 cavalier. Dealer does not acknowledge existance of recall.

Filed Jun 15, 2006 · Electrical · FL

I purchased the vehicle in dec. 1998, and a little over a year later, the odometer stopped working. Half of the numbers show, and it is different every time I start the engine. I cannot tell how many miles are on my vehicle, and my gas gauge moves back and forth from full to empty... I have a relative who is a mechanic and he said it is a computer chip that is faulty. I contacted a local chevy dealer and they said there was nothing they could do about it!

Filed Sep 16, 2005 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · 00

Dt: the consumer was complaining about electrical problems for 3 years. The car has been to the dealer once and to a repair shop 4 or 5 times for electrical problems. The dealership installed a wiring harness kit, and that did not correct the problem. The consumer called the manufacturer, and they would not refund her any money. The consumer received the federal safety agency recall 04v036000 concerning electrical switch. The consumer has had the recall work done. The vehicle is a 1999, chevrolet cavalier. Speed was not a factor in the vehicle. *ak updated 01/04/06. *jb updated

Filed Sep 16, 2005 · Electrical, Transmission · 137,000 miles · KY

Two issues left consumer stranded in 1999 2.2l chevrolet cavalier catastrophic failure of input shaft/input drum assembly on 3t40 transmission, left operator without any forward or reverse drive gears while drive was engaged and rolling. Managed to avoid crash. Remedy was replacement of transmission with remanufactured transmission. Incipient worsening of starting times. Poor factory ECM calibration in all or most 1999 2.2l cavaliers can leave operator stranded in warm starting condition. Results in poor initial running and large amount of unburned hydroarbons released to atmosphere. A technical brochure exists to remedy the situation, but no recall. Dealer wants $90 to reprogram ECM.

Filed Jul 7, 2005 · Electrical · 87,200 miles · AZ

When exiting the freeway after driving approximately 30 minutes, the cavalier quit running at the top of the ramp. This was at evening rush hour and several cars were behind, trying to exit. I could not restart the vehicle. Cars were honking as I was in the lane and could not get out of the way. We had the vehicle towed. We had the entire fuel pump/sender unit replaced. Vehicle then seemed to operate okay, but two days later after driving on the freeway again, the exact same problem occurred. This was morning rush hour and the exit lane on the off-ramp had no shoulder... Cars were coming quickly up the ramp and I was nearly hit more than once, even with my hazard lights on. Towed vehicle again. Told that it was a fuse. Replaced fuse and took vehicle again. Same problem happened a third time. I replaced fuse. Took to dealer who said that wire was loose from fuel pump replacement. They secured wire. Has now happened five more times. I have fuses in car in case of problem. Car is now at electrical shop for review. Last time it happened on july 1, I was entering the hov lane on the freeway! Luckily there was a small area in which to stop. Replaced fuse and get on... This is very scary as it just quits without notice (no check engine light or anything!)

Questions about the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical

Does the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 47 complaints about the electrical of the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, 20% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 52,214 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V036000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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

The Chevrolet Cavalier model years with the most electrical complaints are 2005 (211 complaints), 2004 (185 complaints) and 1997 (107 complaints).

Other 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

Brakes 51Engine 47Steering 31Airbags 24Transmission 20Fuel system 17Visibility 15Lights 13Acceleration 11Suspension 11Body 8Seat belts 8Locks 2Tires 2Wheels 1

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