2003 Chevrolet Cavalier: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jul 27, 2006 · Transmission · CO

9-17-2005 - clutch pedal pressed to floor and stayed on floor, car would not go in gear. Clutch master cylinder found at fault and replaced under warranty. 7-19-2006 - clutch pedal pressed to floor and barely came up off floor. Very difficult to put into gear without grinding gears. Clutch master cylinder found at fault and replaced. Customer and dealer split cost of repairs. 7-25-2006 - clutch pedal pressed to floor and barely came up off floor. Very difficult to put into gear without grinding gears. Suspect master cylinder is again at fault, car is presently being repaired. **very nearly caused and accident when clutch would not engage. Note: the federal safety agency # 10005459 and 10019423 for same problems.

Filed Aug 16, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 1,392 miles · NY

Dt: the consumer owns a 2003 chevrolet caviler. Was losing control of the steering and the brakes. It started in the winter. The consumer stated the direction that car was headed was the way it stayed. Also, she noticed that there was a hum in the steering wheel which lasted a couple of seconds each time. The consumer contacted the dealer, and they said that it did not sound to them as dangerous. A couple of months later the problem finally came to ahead in june. Lights came on the dashboard. The belt broke, and the alternator seized. When the car was repaired by the dealer they concluded the alternator and the belt malfunctioned. Also heard a grinding noise in the brakes. The dealer never did any repairs to the steering. The consumer said that the key was hot after it had been in the ignition. And the steering wheel was tight when turning to the right. The car went back to the dealer , and she did not have the tightness to the steering. But, the car was still pulling to the right. The brakes were spongy. There was a popping sound in the front wheel. There was a delay in the speed of the car. And almost had a collision.

Filed Mar 10, 2005 · Acceleration, Brakes · 21,000 miles · TN

There are numerous things, and the delaership has convinced gm, because I wrote gm about the problems with this, that I am making this stuff up to get an SUV. First the radio wasn't working, they put the cable back on said it was loose, its still not sounding like a radio should. Next was the popping in the front end, dealership turned rotors, under warranty back brakes squealed real loud they said it was dust I had to pay for that. Back brakes still squeal, front end still pops like a bad cv joint. Trunk wouldn't shut had to keep slamming it. Took it back they greased it worked for awhile starting to get hard to shut sometimes. Brake lights and back lights and cruise control quit working . Took it to dealership at least 5 or 6 times till they finally replaced it how long it will last I don't know. Front sun visor popped when it hung up in rear view mirror real floppy can't use it no more dealer said they ordered it in december. Still waiting not fixed. Real bad odor of gas in car when tank is half full, no explanation as to why. Seat belt makes a funny noise when you are wearing it, pins you back against seat real hard. No explanation for that. Have to stop and jerk on it to loosen it like a seat belt should work. Dealer says I am imagining this stuff because I do not want car, bought it new still paying for it. Been trying to get rid of it they have everyone convinced I am a psycho woman wanting an SUV and thats why I am complaining that is all false. Just plain hate a car I am paying for.

Filed Mar 7, 2005 · Brakes · IA

The brakes of the consumer's 2003 chevrolet cavalier grind loudly while braking. *nm the consumer also experienced extended stopping distance while braking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who indicated that the brakes were operating as designed.

Filed Feb 28, 2005 · Electrical · NY

I bought my 2003 cavalier in feb. 2003. Within months of purchase I began to have problems with my tail lights. My left tail light burnt out completely (both turn signal and brake light). It was brought into the dealership in which they replaced the socket, bulb and greased the socket. In the following months, my left tail light continued to fail. Two of those times I was pulled over by the local police. Also during the summer of 2003, my battery died, although no lights were left on; my car stalled while in drive waiting at a stop light; my window motors died and had to be replaced; my locks failed to work properly which also had to be replaced. This past year I've had even more problems. As of recently, both left and right tail lights failed, and both were replaced, and the right one went out yet again. The trunk was leaking, which caused mold to grow in my trunk and damaging personal effects, and also causing the right socket and wires to become corroded. The socket and wires were replaced again, and the leak was fixed, but dealer refused to replaced fabric in trunk. Driver's side window motor died yet again, and was replaced. Cd player stopped working. Dealership ordered and installed new system. Currently I have problems with my power steering upon ignition when cold outside, squeaking sounds over front tires while going over bumps and turning, and all air vents, except passenger side are not functioning properly. Dealership looked at vents but stated that they were "operating as designed." over the past 2 years, my "new" car has been back to the dealership about 15 times. Way to go gm...another winner!

Filed Oct 27, 2004 · Brakes · 10,200 miles · MA

When braking consumer heard a squeaking noise coming from the rear brakes. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician and consumer took the vehicle for a ride and determined that the rear brakes were the problem. The consumer asked if the brakes were covered under the vehicle's warranty and was assured that they were. When the vehicle was returned the next day for repairs someone else told the consumer that the rear brakes were not covered under the warranty. The consumer chose not to have the repairs made.

Filed Oct 1, 2004 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · MO

Six months or so after the purchase of my vehicle I started experiencing rotor problems, I took it to my dealer and they fixed it. It worked well for about a month or so then it start to pulsate and grind again so I took it in and they fixed it again, this is the pattern two months ago was my fith or six time that I have had them fix it. Well the problems is getting worse it make a very bad grinding sound when I push on the breaks and it is really pulsating this time around. I would just like for the rotors to be replaced. I'm really tired of the constant trips to the shop.

Filed Sep 21, 2004 · Brakes · 15,000 miles · FL

Vehicle experiencing grinding/scraping noise when backing up or coming to a stop. Dealer was notified. Dealer had to turn the front rotors twice, but problem recurred.

Filed Sep 21, 2004 · Brakes, Locks · 42,000 miles · TX

While driving 55 MPH,= the trunk came open and would not stay latch. Dealer was not notified. Vehicle experienced grinding/scraping noise when backing up or coming to a stop. Dealer was notified. Dealer had turn the front rotors twice and the problem recurred.

Filed Apr 16, 2004 · Brakes, Lights · IL

I've owned my 2003 cavalier for 1 yr. 3 months. I'm very irritated with having to go to the dealership every other month for the same problem. I've had my car in 7 times to get the taillight fixed. The first 2 times the light blew out, my radio completely wiped out my preset stations. I also had my car in 2 months after I bought it because there was a bad snow and as I was driving 5 MPH I bumped over a pot hole which ended up cracking my spring and strut on the front pass. Side. I had to pay out of pocket because the repair was $100 less than my deductible. And I was in the service dept. A week before complaining of a squeak coming from my front tire that they put off as the wheel cover.coincidence?there was no reason that the spring and strut should have cracked like that! I've also, just for the record, asked them twice to check my brakes because as I come to a stop they begin to pulsate. The service dept. Told me I needed new brakes.I've only had my car for 1 year, 24,000 mostly highway miles!!! They want $250.00 to fix my brakes and they should still be under warranty. Even midas gurantees their brakes w/ a lifetime warranty. You'd think the manufacturer would for an original owner.it's only 2 pads for goodness sake! If I knew how, I'd do it myself. A service tech told me that gm is well aware of these safety hazards that other gm customers like myself are experiencing, yet they aren't doing a recall. Something needs to be done before something bad happens to someone while in their vehicle. Not doing anything is bad business!! Customers should be first priority. As a manufacturer, your responsibility is toward your customer if something you sell or manufacture is defective!!!

Filed Feb 23, 2004 · Lights, Steering · GA

I bought the car brand new arround 04/2003 chevrolet cavalier 2003 since then I reported several times back to the dealer ship with the following problems:drivetrain - clunk noise during low speed turns A/C - difficult mode/temperature setting operation . Steering - momentary loss of power assist. Steering - rattle/knock when turning wheels - front/rear wheel squeaking noise ---all those complaints are never been taken care off - they allways had some "low excuses for me - like the wheater/rain/dirt on the wheels (I live in the city ...not on a dirt road..) anyway the only complaint they taken serious is that I brought in the car now for the 3rd time to repair the right signal light - last time just today! I reported again all the other problems, with the sucess that they at least orderd now a "new part" for the A/C, everything else is again been "played" down. Honestly, I'm getting tired of having so much trouble with a new car. Bringing it to the dealership always cost me a nearly a whole day of missing work. I would like to know if there is any way to fix all tjose problems for once and all or does a customer from chevrolet just has to suffer and put up with such a poor quality?!

Filed Nov 11, 2003 · Brakes · 32,000 miles · FL

Grinding noise in the braking system when brakes are applied. Have had the car back to the dealer for service twice. The second time service manager stated that gm was well aware of the problem, that all cavaliers have it and there is nothing they can do about it. Service manager stated that it was caused by "travel" in the calipers.