Chevrolet Cavalier adaptive cruise problems

Filed Dec 17, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 264,383 miles · GA

I was driving on the highway at about 65 MPH when my car unexpectedly increased it's speed to about 80-90 MPH. I initially thought the car accidentally some kind of way made cruise control come on. I am not a fan of cruise control so I wouldn't have turned it on. After the acceleration, I quickly attempted to get my car back down to normal driving speed because I was on the highway and did not want to crash with anyone by accident. I quickly stomped my foot on the brake. This did not help at all. Matter of fact, my brakes locked up too. I couldn't control the brakes nor the gas. The gas continued to accelerate. At this point, I am doing about 100 MPH. I thought quickly and maneuvered my way out of traffic. I almost hit several cars but there was some type of protection around me because I didn't even have a single scratch on me or the car. The car continued to accelerate despite my several attempts to slow down. I was able to gain a little control of the car by putting the emergency brake up and placing the car in neutral. This only slowed the car down to about 80 MPH. I had to turn the switch off the stop the car. I attempted to crank the car but the engine only revved up and made my car smoke. This was a very dangerous situation that was out of my control. I almost lost my life and may have been the cause of death for innocent families on the road. I know I am not the only person that has unexpectedly had this to happen.

Filed Sep 3, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 150,000 miles · MN

While accelerating on an on-ramp onto an interstate, I was using my multi-function device (signaling my merge into traffic, then once at 65mph setting cruise control) when the car lost power. I was able to turn the steering wheel slightly to the right before the wheel locked. I turned my emergency flashers on and coasted/braked my way to the shoulder of the road. The car was towed to a mechanic who tried to find the source of the problem. The incident was on a saturday. On monday when the shop was open for business, they tried the car and it started/ran just fine. They couldn't duplicate the problem so they charged me for the tow only. Previously, the car would fail to start. Similarly dead. I have been told it was the ignition - replaced that twice. I was told it was the fuel pump - replaced that. I was told it was the multi-function switch-replaced that three times. Winter 2013 the car started fine and then a block from home all power went out and engine failed to start up again. Towed car to electrical specialist. They ran diagnostics and found that there was a rusted out wire. Replaced the wire. It happened again six months later. They replaced another wire. I've notice the car will think a blinker is out before the whole electrical system just fails.

Filed Jul 23, 2014 · Acceleration · 65,000 miles · MI

Several times since purchasing this car in 2009, the cruise control would shut off without warning at highway speeds from 55 to 70. Still does this on occasion.

Filed Jun 19, 2014 · Electrical · GA

2000 chevrolet cavalier. Consumer writes in regards to acceleration issues and vehicle ignition problems. *smd the consumer stated after he had the battery, alternator and oxygen sensor replaced, he experienced an unusual problem with the vehicle. While driving 55 MPH, with the cruise control on, all the lights on the dashboard lit up, the RPM gauge began to decrease and the cruise control somewhat disengaged as if the motor was about to shut down. He placed his foot on the accelerator and drove the vehicle home. He parked it, and the next day, he discovered something drained the new battery. A mechanic rode with him, and the vehicle displayed the same symptoms. The mechanic, then checked everything on the vehicle, but could not come up with the cause of the problem. He stated he believed the problem was electrical, but could not say for sure. The next day, the consumer checked the vehicle, and the battery was dead again. The consumer talked to another mechanic, and he informed the consumer, of all the ignition problems gm was having with their vehicles.

Filed May 17, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 152,000 miles · MN

2004 cavalier, 2.2l dohc, 5-speed manual transmission. While driving at 60 MPH vehicle felt as if cruise control was engaged. Rpms would not fall off as fast as usual when foot taken off gas, and when I depressed the clutch (which was just replaced last week due to another known issue that chevy refuses to recall) rpms went above 4,000. Tapped gas pedal thinking maybe it was stuck and it only revved higher and did not come down on its own. Rpms continued to climb as I came to a stop, around 6,000 by the time I pulled over. Shut the car off and immediately back on, no problems for the rest of the trip home (another 8 miles). I cannot risk my car revving at 6,000 rpms in stop and go traffic which I'm in every weekday and I can't shut it off and turn it back on to fix the problem, so I have to find out what causes it and fix it asap. Thanks for another spendy repair, chevy.

Filed Feb 19, 2013 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · PA

When driving on a long trip, I noticed that the speedometer kept increasing after each time I stopped the car. When I stopped, the speed read 25. I went 45 MPH, it went to 70 MPH. Etc. It now rests in vertical position facing down. The gas gauge has also begun to go haywire. I also noticed that the car would longer can go into cruise control (without working for a few minutes then shutting off), I am thinking because of the speedometer or cluster. Either way, it now no longer works at all. Seeing everyone's complaints on here and with "government motors" not doing anything about it, I will not put my trust in their brand on any future vehicles. This also happened on my 2005 cavalier. Good thing for a GPS...

Filed Nov 9, 2012 · Acceleration, Electrical · 52,000 miles · AZ

First driver side rear turn signal blinked rapidly, then brake light and turn light ceased to work. When checked, the light and lens were fused (melted) together. As well driver side window ceased to work. Mechanic stated its electrical and advised I check recalls.also sometimes gas pedal accelerates without pressure from me. No cruise control engaged, not able to determine when or why...just occasionally happens.

Filed Jan 1, 2011 · Electrical · 65,720 miles · TX

When cold outside the temperature gauge will read inaccurate temperatures and gauge is stuck to far left and does not budge. A week later the gas gauge also gave out. Do not know how much gas in tank! Was driving across the state on a vacation trip and was using cruise control. Once taken off cruise control the speedometer is stuck at 65mph and will not change. Very dangerous. Going on long distance trips and not knowing how much gas, my speed or the temperature of the internal system is scary indeed.

Filed Dec 27, 2010 · Acceleration · 171,000 miles · CA

I drove my 02 chevy cavalier on thursday back from tahoe,ca and my gas pedal got stuck down and kept increasing in speed, so I prayed and then started to mess with my cruise control and finally came back up, this morning same thing happened, so I called chevrolet customer service and the rep-eric told me that I need to pay for a diagnoses before I can get any answers, he called up the closest dealer and they could not give him a quote, I would rather buy a new car if I have to pay money for a diagnoses. This incident is a mechanical problem which occurs on its own. I cant afford another car as of right now and am still using my car for work. What would you say I should do??

Filed Dec 18, 2008 · Fuel system · 22,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet cavalier. While driving 70mph with his cruise control on, the vehicle shut off and lost power. There were no warning lights prior to the vehicle shutting off. The weather was not a factor. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the emergency lane. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 22,000.