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.
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems
56 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 67,000. 4 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 56
- of this car's complaints
- 23%
- typical mileage
- 67,000
- crashes
- 4
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Ignition: switch13
- Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers4
- Wiring3
- Wiring: interior/under dash2
- Ignition2
- Horn2
- Alternator/generator/regulator2
- Wiring: front underhood1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- 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 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
My key came out of the ignition while the car was still running and in the on position, and also another time the car key turned off by itself and I lost power to the vehicle and my brakes locked and almost caused me to get into a crash.
Key can be removed from ignition while car is in gear and in park. And cannot be put back in durning vehicle running
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the key was difficult to turn when inserted into the ignition switch, preventing the vehicle from being started. The vehicle was started after the contact attempted to turn the key to the start position several times. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the ignition switch. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 85,610 and the current mileage was 85,615.
Upon driving vehicle at low speeds 20-30 MPH with front and rear window defroster on,it became more,and more evident of a possible fire. First there was an increasing burning smell followed by smoke. A connector on the drivers side kick panel has melted being so close to the carpet its possible that it being winter moisture from melted snow somehow may have caused this to happen, a search on google seems to pull multiple cars with this same problem. Also I want to note that I was not able to turn off my rear defrosted with the rear defroster switch, I had to pull the 30 amp fuse that still had a complete circuit in it!
Questions about the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical
Does the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 56 complaints about the electrical of the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, 23% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 67,000 miles.
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).
Other 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Brakes 42Transmission 34Engine 32Fuel system 29Steering 26Airbags 21Suspension 15Body 14Visibility 11Lights 9Acceleration 8Seat belts 8Tires 6Driver assistance 2Locks 2Wheels 2Seats 1
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