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2002 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier is electrical system, typically around 64,416 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Cavalier model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
76/100
Owner complaints
196
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
444
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
21-25mpg

The worst 2002 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 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier

Fuel pump 15Grinding brakes 10Stalling 10No deployment 9ABS 8Power windows 6Check engine light 5Headlights 5Seat belt 5

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier 444

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

See all 444 bulletins for the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier

2002 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‑cylFWD20-2228-3023-25
2.4L 4‑cylFWD18-1926-2921-23

What 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 7, 2023 · Airbags · IL

Horn doesn't work..replaced fuse still not working..so I wonder if my air bag will work...how do I fix it no body know not even the dealer

Filed Jun 7, 2023 · Airbags, Seat belts · AR · crash · 1 injury

Was in a horrible car wreck yesterday and none of my airbag is avoid but yet my no check engine light none of my lights were on so I don't understand the problem you could have nearly killed me is what I got spent around three times and put back at the gas station that I left

Filed May 6, 2021 · Fuel system, Lights · FL

Just purchased a 2002 chevy cavalier for our daughter and have been trying to find out if any of the 5 recalls were performed on this vehicle or not. The federal safety agency recall page isn't working at this time and the chevy local dealership isn't willing to help. Can someone please provide some assistance??

Filed Jul 19, 2020 · Lights · 170,000 miles · GA

Problem with electrical system that operates rear blinkers and brake lights. I have changed bulb which are not the problem. I have changed the electrical connectors. Works fine for short period of time when either of these are changed but still not fixed. Started with passenger side but now having issues with driver's side. Online forums suggest many others are having this issue as well. Cant find a permanent fix. Please help. Is not blowing the bulbs, just stops working for no apparent reason.

Filed Aug 12, 2017 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · FL

Key get stuck in ignition in the on position. Cannot shut the car off or remove the key. Must pull ignition fuse to shut off engine and then disconnect the battery. Gm acknowledge this as a problem in 2014 but never issued a recall.

Filed Nov 4, 2016 · Body · 60,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the dashboard of the vehicle was fractured and deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 01/25/17*lj updated 7/3/18*jb

Filed Jan 22, 2015 · Brakes · 70,000 miles · FL

Brake lines are corroded way too early. Began leaking. I'm trying to replace them myself, because I don't have 1500-2000 dollars for parts and labor. Luckily the brakes pedals went to the floor in the driveway when I found the leaks.

Filed Nov 30, 2014 · Electrical, Fuel system · 165,000 miles · OH

Car would just not turn over. Can not hear fuel pump running.

Filed Nov 11, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 90,000 miles · NY · crash

Driver was heading south on i684, on the exit ramp to 287 west, in heavy traffic. Vehicle suddenly appeared to shut off, making it impossible to steer and brake. Driver ran off the road and went nose first into a ditch, damaging the frame, radiator, airco and nose of vehicle. The vehicle was totaled as a result.

Filed Sep 14, 2014 · 63,543 miles · MO

The ignition switch locked and would not operate. First there was a problem with the ignition turning on and shutting off. Then after the vehicle was parked, the ignition would not switch on. Just like the information disseminated about the chevy cobalt, but a year before the announced recall. I contacted gm but they indicated that my make, model and year was not part of the recall. However, I had to install a ignition cylinder and key kit according to my repair invoice. I believe that should a total review of gm vehicles of the ignition part as a defective product.

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Compare the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier

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Questions about the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?

Owners have filed 196 complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, fewer than a typical Cavalier model year.

What is the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier year score?

The 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier scores 76 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 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier?

Electrical system, with 35 complaints, typically around 64,416 miles. Next is brakes (29).

How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier have?

No recalls on record.

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 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier range from 21 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20-22 city and 28-30 highway.

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