Chevrolet Cavalier engine failure problems

Filed Jun 6, 2020 · Engine, Suspension · 150,000 miles · TX

The starter went out the first week I got it did tires start rubbing the sucks went out making it hard to drive and a second time start rubbing I end up buying three times cuz they got ball real fast the wiring under the engine ripped apart and now it's threw a rod.

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 Jun 18, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 77,700 miles · WA

My son was pulling into a parking lot and as he describes it, everything but the radio went dead all by itself (the engine died and there was no power steering or brakes). Obviously the same symptoms as the current recalls. I called the dealer and was told the car isn't on the list. I've complained to chevy and am getting the runaround by multiple members of their "consumer support team" (we've assigned you a service request number but I am to wait until it happens again and then bring it in "so we could start reviewing on your case"). I took it to my own mechanic and he ran a bunch of tests but couldn't find anything that would cause the car to die.

Filed Jun 18, 2014 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the key seized in the ignition and they were unable to shut the engine down. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 130,000. Updated 08/19/14*lj updated 08/23/2017

Filed Apr 23, 2014 · Transmission · 150,300 miles · MN

Clutch fluid leak from slave cylinder detected 4/19/14. Fluid level in master cylinder was low but not dangerously so, so I added dot-3 to master cylinder. Evening of 4/22 noticed no new leakage on garage floor. On morning of 4/23 en route to work, noticed clutch engaged much closer to floor than usual, and had much more "play" between it's normal position and when clutch began to engage. In city-street traffic, speed limit 50 MPH, clutch began to seize, causing inability to shift into another gear. Clutch pedal to floor, car in gear, right foot off gas, car moved forward under power. Turned around to head back home and within two miles clutch went back to mostly normal operation. After another 3 miles (the entire trip was on city streets with speed limits between 40 and 55 MPH, including lots of stoplights=more shifting) clutch seized up entirely. Pedal flat to floor, needed toe under lever to pull it back up. Stuck in 3rd gear, no amount of pumping the pedal would alleviate the problem. Upon stopping, checked fluid level in master cylinder and it is slightly lower than when it was filled on 4/19, but level had not changed in 24 hours. Unable to shift into any gear, car will need to be towed home then to shop.

Filed Mar 11, 2014 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated the engine failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the engine wiring harness was faulty and exposed melted wires. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Jan 16, 2012 · Engine · 92,400 miles · NY

After consulting licensed mechanics, and one such nationally certified airplane-engine tech-mechanic, being ranked in the top three (3) of the nation's aviation mechanics industry from 1981-1983 period (and still has qualifications authority), [and before making a fool of myself], the consensus/verdict [by these professionals] was agreed that it borders on criminality (and I quote), that automakers are using plastic coverings and seals, as the engine's oil filter housing caps. Known (industry-wide) to exert pressures in 'pounds per-square-inch' ( lbs/psi) and extreme temperatures that these plastic materials--such as the oil filter-housing caps, cannot withstand. They also strip. It was explained to me by the certified airplane mechanic that, to understand the effects of pressurization theory behind that technology, and the knowledge that fifty-50 to sixty-60 pounds (lbs/psi) of pressure per-square-inch is being given to the plastic caps from the engine's internal combustion will cause any plastic cap, housed under such pressures to fail. He said he was surprised it did not cause engine failure two(2) years after being newly purchased. He said the science that industry insiders do not want us to know is that the proper semi-precious metals, as aluminum, copper and the like are perfect conductors of electricity and heat, allowing the metal to expand/contract according to temperatures and/or torque pressurization of the 50-60 lbs/psi being release to housing. Even tampered steel would work as it would conform. But plastic once overheated will remain in warped state causing oil leakage in that area. This depressurization of engine physics and chemistry, a couple-to-few years later results in engine's crank case housing depressurizing to the point of cracking after pistons themselves giveway rendering engine being irreparable. My car should have flipped @ 70mph.

Filed Jul 29, 2011 · Engine · 74,000 miles · IN

My 2004 chevy cavalier has suffered a number of defects since its purchase. While they did not result in any collisions or injuries, they easily could have. At 10,211 miles (8/31/2004) the water pump failed; luckily, this was covered under warranty, and the pump, along with several seals and gaskets were replaced. At 29,522 miles (5/23/2005), white smoke began billowing out of the exhaust. Multi chevrolet in union, nj discovered that a cylinder head was defective, the head gaskets were cracked, and the timing chain needed to be replaced. These repairs were again covered by the warranty at 48,241 miles (6/9/2006), the instrument cluster and a suspension beam failed. Luckily, we had purchased an extended warranty, and the repairs were again covered. Finally, at 74,000 miles (5/10/10), the vehicle suffered catastrophic engine failure. Luckily, my son [xxx] was driving on a local road, and was able to pull over safely. After having the vehicle towed, [xxx], service manager of bill defouw chevrolet in lafayette, indiana, informed us that every lifter was broken and every valve was bent, and the pistons were irreparably damaged as well. Because the vehicle is outside of warranty, gm has refused to replace the engine, and we cannot afford to do so out of pocket. We are reporting this in case other buyers of this model/year or later have experienced issues, and are currently driving unsafe vehicles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 28, 2011 · Engine · 72,000 miles · WA

Timing chain broke on 2002 chevrolet cavalier ls causing catastrophic engine failure. Automobile only has 70,000 miles on a well maintained motor. Gm installed faulty oil nozzle as well as timing chain tensioner in motor originally but refuses responsibility even though checked at gm certified service center 4 months prior complaining of timing symptoms. No repair has been done at this time. After much research it seems that this is a common problem in all vehicles from 2002 and 2003 that have 2.2l ecotec motors.

Filed Feb 16, 2011 · Fuel system · 78,000 miles · AZ

Driving down the highway at 70 MPH. The car began to shudder and lose acceleration. I got off at the nearest exit and as I passed through the exit intersection, the engine died. I coasted into a gas station, where the engine would turn over and then die right away. After 15 minutes it no longer turned over....the tow truck man tried it. Turns out the fuel pump is shot and apparently this is a common problem for 03 cavaliers. The car only has 78,000 miles on it.