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!
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier: fire, smoke or burning smell
7 of the 243 complaints about the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 7
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 49 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
2001 chevrolet cavalier, unit 1 was traveling eastbound on ir 80 in the right lane. Unit 1 caught on fire in the engine compartment area while driving. *bf (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0259-90)
Many problems exist with the chevrolet cavalier 2001. *bf the consumer received a recall letter stating that the vehicle could catch on fire.
While parked for several hours vehicle caught on fire and burned to the ground. The manufacturer indicated that the cause of the fire was due friction on a loose power steering pulley.*ak consumer attempted to start engine, but it wouldn't turn over. Consumer felt that battery appeared to be dead. Manufacturer's inspector said that the fire was caused by the friction from loose pulley on power steering pump.
Engine wiring harness started on fire causing smoke to pour out of the engine and damage to the entire wiring harness and other cables within the engine. The wires continued to burn until the battery was disconnected.
Vehicle was parked in consumers driveway when it caught on fire. Vehicle was totaled. The consumer complained to dealer that the cd's coming out cd player were very hot. Dealer showed no concern. Chevrolet's legal department will not give any information until a investigator has looked at the vehicle.
Vehicle was parked into a parking lot and without prior warning it caught on fire. Fire department was called out. State farm insurance indicated that vehicle was totaled. There was a wire that shorted out through rear seat.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Electrical system
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
- This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to...
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco...
- Electrical system
- Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
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
Questions about the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier?
7 of 243 owner complaints about the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier (3%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier?
There is 1 recall and 49 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
Stalling 19Fuel pump 15Grinding brakes 13No deployment 10Fuel gauge 10ABS 7Check engine light 7Jerking 7Won't start 7Headlights 6Knocking 5Loss of power 5Steering noise 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history