Chevrolet Cavalier brake failure problems

Filed Jul 16, 2009 · Electrical · 188,000 miles · TN

I have just got a 1996 chevy cavalier and the anti theft light came on and shut down going down the hwy 50 miles per hour no brakes or steering . The ignition switck it has a code silinder now it want run or nuthing it turns over but want start.

Filed Apr 16, 2009 · Engine · 79,000 miles · AZ

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet cavalier. While driving 65 MPH, the contact stated that the vehicle shut off and the brakes failed. She then noticed that the steering became stiff. She was able to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder and had it towed to her destination. The contact did not notice any warnings prior to the failure. She is in the process of taking the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The manufacturer advised her to take the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. She would not be compensated for the repairs because there was no recall available. The failure mileage was 79,000.

Filed Mar 7, 2009 · Fuel system · 51,000 miles · FL

Bought 2003 cavalier 7-26-2003, brand new. Stalled while driving 3-31-04 - smelled burning/chemical smell- car restarted - took to dealer - dealer found no problem. To dealer 3 times to fix detective exterior lighting 2004/2005. Several additional engine stalls 2004-2009 - car restarted. On 3-6-09 stalled while driving - wouldn't start - towed to dealer- dealer said fuel pump went bad - will repair at my expense - over $1,000. Dealer asked if I have extended warranty - I don't. When the car stalls out I have no brakes, no power steering - it is terrifying and very unsafe. And if the car is repaired is it going to be any safer? Will the same problem keep recurring as it did with the lighting signals? I am a safe driver, I am the only driver of this car, the car has only 51,000 miles on it, I only drive 10 miles to and from work, it is garage kept. I have owned several cars and have kept them all for many years and I have never had a major repair such as this occur on such a young car. This problem has been apparent since I bought the car but the dealer has ignored and neglected it at the expense of me and my family's health. I have children and grandchildren that are driven in this vehicle and could be victims of this defect. For the public safety in the u.s. Please request a recall of this component (fuel pump). This is a serious matter and should be remediated as soon as possible. Please help before a deadly accident occurs.

Filed Jan 2, 2009 · Brakes, Transmission · 58,000 miles · AR

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. The contact attempted to stop the vehicle, but it failed to stop. He noticed that the hydraulic brake hose between the master cylinder failed. The risk of serious injury and crashed was increased. The contact is in the process of notifying the dealer. The failure and current mileages were 58,000. Updated 05/06/09 *bf the consumer stated there was no clutch tubing and it rubbed in two places. The consumer wife had no clutch and the pedal went to the floor. Updated 05/08/09.

Filed Oct 10, 2007 · Fuel system · 55,000 miles · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet cavalier. While driving 55 MPH the vehicle stalled. There was a loss of power steering and the brakes failed. The engine shut off and the vehicle would not restart. The oil warning indicator light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The road conditions were not a factor. The dealer information is unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 55,000. Updated 1/02/08 . *lj updated 12/12/07

Filed Oct 4, 2006 · Transmission · 63,018 miles · WI

My clutch pedal went to the floor. It caused a traffic jam and was almost hit. I couldn't get my car into gear, I finally shut off my engine and started it in first gear.

Filed Jul 9, 2006 · Brakes · KY

At approximately 30000 miles my car would shake or bounce, sometimes violently, when the brakes were applied. The brake pads and rotors were checked and it was determined that the rotors were warped, though the pads were ok. The rotors were turned and everything seemed fine for a couple of months until the problem returned. Again the rotors were turned, and this time the pads replaced. But a few months later the problem returned yet again. Now the rotors have to be replaced, as well as the pads. A co-worker said he had the same problem on his 2002 cavalier. He was told at a chevy dealership that the rotors were too small on the car and warped easily due to this defect. This seems to me to be a major safety issue since rotors that are too small may cause a brake failure.

Filed May 25, 2006 · Brakes · 26,500 miles · NJ · crash · 1 injury

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 45 MPH, the brakes failed. There was significant extended stopping distance while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was stopped when hit by another vehicle. There was a police report taken at the scene and the contact received minor injures although the seat belt was worn. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic that determined the brakes failed. The insurance company determined the vehicle totaled.

Filed Nov 1, 2005 · Brakes · 1,600 miles · PA

Brake failure on my new 2005 cavalier. Created a very terrifying ride home for my son, who was driving home when the failure occurred. Dealership service department informed me that the master brake cylinder was the source of the failure. They have corrected the problem, but have not returned my car to operable condition for me to drive, as of 11-01-05/1:32 p.m.

Filed Jun 22, 2005 · Brakes · 3,550 miles · TX · crash

Aug 31 2002, purchased vehicle. December 5, 2002: ABS activated - lost brake power, sailed through red light. Abs activated on dry pavement in garage, no deceleration, used emergency brake to prevent collision with back wall of garage. December 9, 2002: took the vehicle to the dealership/ mechanic and manager drove the vehicle. Said ABS was functioning properly. January 21, 2003: brakes failed causing rear-end colllision. Airbags didnt deploy $5,000 worth of damage to front end - less that 4000 miles on veh. Contacted gmc, explained events . Gmc investigator downloaded data from ABS/air bag device. From that information alone, gmc determined nothing wrong with brakes without driving it -undrivable damage. I received a copy of this print out. Immediately upon getting my vehicle back from the repair shop, I notice vehicle shakes violently when brakes are applied. Repair mech states he didnt touch the brakes - wasnt accident related. Dealership blamed the brake problems on the accident even after repair mech told them directly it wasnt. Dealer turned my rotors and replaced the left wheel bearing which was broken. I still have consistant problems with the ABS -activates for no reason/doesnt activate when it is supposed to/when activated it doesnt slow the car down/when activates -all brake power is gone. The left front tire locks up and skids regularly when braking but ABS doesnt activate. An independant mech pointed out the dealership had turned my rotors to a point beyond the "machine to" and they failed to sand the rotors which was causing the horrible grinding. I spoke with the dealership general and maintenance managers. We all observed remeasuring of the rotors then they replaced them *too thin*. Managers stated they didnt know anything about "machine to" specifications and they told me they dont sand rotors after turning them. Untrue: the second time they turned them, they did sand them .