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2001 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

The most common problem on the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier is electrical system, typically around 67,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Cavalier model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
243
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
387
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
21-24mpg
Typical repair
$640

The worst 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier

Stalling 19Fuel pump 15Grinding brakes 13No deployment 10Fuel gauge 10ABS 7Check engine light 7Fire or smoke 7Jerking 7Won't start 7Headlights 6Knocking 5Loss of power 5Steering noise 5

Recalls 1

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

See all 1 recalls for the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier

Defect investigations

Erratic fuel gaugeOpened September 30, 2002, closed December 30, 2003

Odi opened ea 02-028 to review complaints of consumers reporting that their fuel gauge was incorrectly displaying the amount of fuel in the gas tank.the fuel gauge receives an electrical signal from a fuel tank sending sensor circuit card.a float arm in the tank moves electrical contacts that rub against the card as the level of fuel rises and falls.disruption of the electrical signal (such as caused by corrosion of the circuit card) will cause incorrect readings to register on the fuel gauge.gm reported in their response to odi dated january 13, 2003 that the primary cause of erratic fuel gauge operation is excess elemental sulfur in fuel.gm reported that abnormal levels of sulfur sporadically occurred in certain parts of canada and the u.s. Resulting in reports of fuel gauge malfunction.gm modified the sending sensor for vehicles built after october 2000.it made a second sensor modification for vehicles built after january 2003.gm also issued a customer satisfaction campaign (gm number 00101) in december 2000 for u.s. Customers in the state of maine and issued several service bulletins informing dealers of the availability of sensors with improved corrosion resistance.the complaint trend indicates that complaints peaked in late 2000 to early 2001.warranty claims declined since peaking in april 2002.based on the number of complaints and the indication of a declining trend, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

EA02028

Erratic fuel gaugeOpened January 26, 2001, closed September 30, 2002

There is no summary currently available

SQ01002

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier 387

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 387 bulletins for the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.2L 4‑cylFWD20-2127-3023-24
2.4L 4‑cylFWD18-1926-2921-23

What 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 18, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 138,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the gear shift was difficult to move and the lever became stuck. Occasionally, the key became stuck in the ignition and the gear shift would not go into gear. Also, the hood was hot, the engine overheated, and the vehicle experienced electrical failures. There were also multiple unknown warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact scheduled a diagnostic appointment with an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 138,000.

Filed May 21, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · 100,000 miles · NJ · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet cavalier. Upon exiting the vehicle and closing the doors, the interior dome light remained illuminated. The contact also noticed a burning odor coming from the light bulb wiring in the roof. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Nov 6, 2016 · Electrical · TN

Ignition switch and the ignition lock cylinder malfunctioned in 2009, roughly five years after gm's recall. The original owner of the vehicle took advantage of the ignition switch's service. In addition to the recall, gm installed an ignition wiring harness. Back in 2009, the vehicle's ignition would overturn, and then, the engine would automatically shut-off. To repair the problem, both the ignition switch and lock cylinder were replaced at a cost of $492. In 2014, the ignition switch malfunctions. This time, it appears the ignition lock cylinder to be working properly. The ignition switch became damage due to current flow to the ignition when holding the key in the start position. The heat melted the internal switch. I had not known in 2014 that the problem was the ignition switch. In the same year, however, gm recalled a massive number of vehicles for ignition switch defect. Chevrolet cavalier was not on the list. Today, it costs $180.00, excluding taxes and fees, to get the ignition switch installed by a chevrolet technician. A locksmith rate starts at $90 but does not include service fee, and labor. Based on few online reports, the installation takes a minimum of 20 minutes. Would installed the ignition switch myself but cannot locate step by step instructions. All the chevrolet manuals owned do not provide instructions on replacing the ignition switch. If I do install the ignition switch, I am unsure if the vehicle's computer will need reprogramming. A few reports made reference to reprogramming the vehicle's computer following the changing of the ignition switch. Solution: I think gm needs to add chevrolet cavalier to the "recall" list. The alternative, ignition wiring harness does not support the electrical system entirely when the charging system light remains on the dashboard.

Filed Jun 14, 2016 · Body · 90,000 miles · LA

The whole front dash has many cracks in it and appears to be danger since pieces are flying off as I drive.

Filed Nov 18, 2015 · Steering · 180,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet cavalier. While driving approximatley 35 MPH, an unusual noise emitted from the steering wheel and the entire instrument panel illuminated. In addition, the vehicle began to jerk. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The trouble code detected a failure within the steering column. The mechanic reset the steering column sensor; however, the failure persisted. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 08e063000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired for a second time. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2015 · Brakes · 73,000 miles · OR

Sometimes, during regular braking, rear brakes lock and car does not stop. Happens on asphalt even at slow speeds. Online research reveals that this is a common issue that seems to stem from a few causes at time of production.

Filed Mar 8, 2015 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 188,288 miles · TN · crash · 4 injuries

My vehicle was in an accident on 2/15/2012. I had my vehicle towed to greenleaf collision inc., located at 5100 a. Kentucky avenue, nashville,tn 37209,615.320.7818, owner [xxx]. On 2/16/2012 my vehicle was towed in to greenleaf collision inc, for repairs. Once I found out from greenleaf collision, inc. That my chevrolet cavalier 2001 was on recall list to be repaired for "ignition switch failure", general motors. The greenleaf collision inc., had my chevrolet cavalier 2001, towed to freeland chevrolet 5333 hickory hollow parkway, antioch, tn. 37013, 615.731.3020. My chevrolet cavalier, is in the recall for "ignition switch failure", once my vehicle was sent over to freeland chevrolet for repair of the "ignition switch failure", to my understanding by greenleaf collision inc. I was informated that my vehicle the chevrolet cavalier, was not repaired for "ignition switch failure", on 3/8/2012 I was in an accident were my chevrolet cavalier," ignition switch failure" . My was totaled out, the vehicle just cut off in the middle of the street, and we were hire and totaled out. My "ignition switch failure" with my chevrolet cavalier totaled out, and was not repaired, at freeland chevrolet on 3/7/2012 the" ignition switch", was not replace/nor repaired. My vehicle was totaled out, and I was left without vehicle compensation, and I was injured, and my grandchildren were injured also. I have an claim number with general motors:[xxx]. Who has a third party company named esis/gm central claims unit p.o. Box 300, detroit, mi 48265-3000. 800.888.0164. Esis/gm central claims unit has not processed my claim with the" ignition switch failure", on the chevrolet cavalier. I request help in receiving compensation on my totaled out vehicle. Your urgent assistance is greatly need. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 26, 2015 · Electrical · TN · crash · 4 injuries

Tl* the contact owned a 2001 chevrolet cavalier. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. As a result, another vehicle crashed into the driver side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a back injury, the rear driver side passenger sustained body and head injuries, the rear middle passenger sustained a head injury and the rear middle passenger sustained body injuries. The injuries required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jan 26, 2015 · Electrical · 13,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the ignition key was slipping in and out of the ignition. As a result, the interior light was turning on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000.

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 99,000 miles · NJ

My car abruptly slowed down and began to drag as though the transmission was going into a low gear and the brakes were being applied.

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Compare the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier

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Questions about the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier

Is the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?

Owners have filed 243 complaints about the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, fewer than a typical Cavalier model year.

What is the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier year score?

The 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Cavalier: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier?

Electrical system, with 56 complaints, typically around 67,000 miles. Next is brakes (42).

How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier have?

1 recall, covering electrical system.

Was there a recall on the 2001 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).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier get?

Official estimates for the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier range from 21 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20-21 city and 27-30 highway.

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