2004 Chevrolet Cavalier: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jan 21, 2009 · Tires, Transmission · 40,000 miles · OH

While driving in my car one day I intended to shift into 3rd gear, but it only made a grinding noise. I can only assume since the noise persists even with rev matching that its a syncro/cone problem. I try to shift during the proper RPM area, and sometimes it will shift without a problem other times it grinds. I have no idea why. It had approximately 45,000 miles on it then, now around 70,000, still has the issue.

Filed Jul 5, 2006 · Brakes, Visibility · 25,500 miles · NM

Dt*: the contact stated that there were three problems with the vehicle. The automatic windows failed to roll either up or down. The second problem occurred with the trunk; water continually leaked into the trunk. The third problem was related to the brakes; they were no longer working at only 25000 miles. The brake light illuminated and made a squealing noise as soon as brake pressure was applied. The dealer determined the trunk was not installed properly. Although the dealer fixed the trunk, the problem persists. When it rain, water still leaks in the trunk. The water leak has been an ongoing problem since july 2003.

Filed Jun 4, 2006 · Brakes, Electrical · 40,000 miles · MI

I have had problems with brake grinding since I bought my 04 cavalier. It has been into the dealership 3 times and each time I was told there was only rust build up and it was sanded off only to reccur. The last time in the dealership, I was told my car was no longer under warranty and if I wanted a brake job done it would be in excess of $140.00...this...was for the same problem the car was in for the previous 2 times and no new brakes installed..only the rust ground off. My check engine light periodically goes off and on and the dealership cannot determine why. I no longer have any lights on my radio/cd player..I can play cd's and use the radio but have no idea what station etc I am on. Shortly after this occurred in like 2 weeks, I lost my speedometer...it works briefly and then sticks at 90 MPH ( the odometer works however) the dealership checked fuses and said all was fine. They said it appeared to be a cluster module and even though the part was not that expensive, the labor would be the most because it entailed them removing the dash board. The cost factor of over $400 was verbally given to me. I live on a fixed income and cannot afford this. They said there were no recalls and given my car is off warranty, I would need to absorb this cost myself. I bought this car brand new and feel that after less than 2 years of owning it, these problems should not have happened. I gave an estimated account of dates of incident been they have been on going and can be verified through the dealership I bought it from as I have taken it no where else for service. I am registered with carstats and there have been several complaints of the same things I am experiencing.

Filed Mar 6, 2006 · Brakes, Electrical · MI

Bought a brand new 2004 cavalier approximately april 2004. Since purchase date,car has been into dealership due to loud grinding noises in brakes 3 times. First time to best of my knowledge within 6 months of ownership. Every time I have been the noises are rust buildup on shoes and pads. The remedy was to sand the rust, it worked but temporarily. I had the car in again november 2005 for this same thing & my check engine light stayed on. My car was still under warranty. The tech told me I had rust & the rotors were " a little out of round". He told me the car had 30,000 miles on & they couldn't do new brakes as warranty it would cost me about $140.00. The check engine light was attributed it to having some floats in tank from gas that affected a sensor. Wouldn't cause problems they said & it still happens. The 2nd visit to the dealer they fix a side mirror & defroster..didn't work. 1 week ago, I have use of radio & cd player only no lights/radio now. The next day I started car up my & speedometer says 35 MPH idling. Going with traffic flow it registered 105 & is now stopped there. Mileage gauge, gas and other lights still work as does gas gauge. I called a local chevy dealership near me & inquired as to an aprox. Cost to have radio & speedometer fixed/looked at. Warranty now is off. I was told labor be the expensive part..looking at $400 or more. I live on a fixed income & can't afford this. Brakes/radio/speedometer are nothing I caused. I was never offered to have brakes replaced. Speedometer issue is very dangerous. I have checked websites to see if there were complaints like mine& there are. I have guessed the incident date I cannot recall exact date I took car in for the 1st brake issue.

Filed Mar 3, 2006 · Suspension · 39,925 miles · GA

Noticed squeaking noise on front wheels when turning.

Filed Jul 14, 2004 · Transmission · 34 miles · OK

I have an excessive grinding feel within the clutch pedal. A tsb for this has been issued and so far the vehicle is 6 months old. 2 clutch assemblies have been installed and one flywheel. The original tsb states do not replace the clutch components and flywheel because this will not correct the problem. Gm, why are you going against your own technical experts advise? Want to prevent a devastating recall by hoodwinking your customers in saying the problem is designed in the transmission as normal? This has to be up channeled to higher government officials. Lemon laws and ignorant and complacent customers who are afraid of going the distance will only allow their investments to be traded or just live with the complaint. Looking at the history of 2000-2004 cavaliers, sunfires and malibus with this transmission and engine combination is only the tip of the iceberg. I wish there was a forum to allow cross communication between owners for a class action law suit. This is america. For crying out loud I get better return service at wal mart for defective merchandise.