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Chevrolet Cavalier premature wear problems

26 of the 4,549 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Cavalier describe rotors or pads wearing out early, most of them for the 1999 model year.

owner complaints
26
worst model year
1999
typical mileage
26,432
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2005
    1
  • 2003
    2
  • 2002
    2
  • 2001
    1
  • 2000
    3
  • 1999
    7
  • 1998
    3
  • 1997
    3
  • 1996
    2
  • 1994
    1
  • 1993
    1

What owners say

Filed Apr 14, 2008 · Suspension · 55,000 miles · AZ

I have had a continuing problem with a single part on this vehicle that is prematurely wearing out. I called chevrolet to express my concern about this issue and that I was 99% sure that it had failed again (for the 4th time), and was in need of replacement (for the 4th time). Because I had the 'right upper strut mount & bearing' replaced 3 previous times, I felt that chevrolet should be made aware of a defective part and also hoped that chevrolet would pay for this replacement. It is my opinion (and have not been proven otherwise by chevrolet or anybody at chevrolet), that the upper strut mount is an automotive part that should at least last 100,000 miles if not longer. It is also my opinion that this part should not have to be replaced 4 times in less than 60,000 miles.

Filed May 24, 2006 · Brakes, Steering · 3,000 miles · MO

Dt*: the contact stated since purchase the brakes have been replaced two times due to the rotors warping and a noise was heard coming from the rear brakes. The first brake replacement was at 3,000 miles on the vehicle. On may 23, 2006 while making turns at 20 MPH, the steering wheel froze. In an attempt to free the steering, the contact pulled the wheel so hard that something broke within the steering column. The vehicle is currently at the dealership therefore, it is uncertain as to what repairs are necessary to correct the problem. There was a noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The dealer replaced the sway bar insulator. Updated 06/16/06.

Filed Dec 11, 2005 · Brakes · NJ

Brake light and ABS lights are on. The ABS motor pack needs to be replaced, and was told by mechanic that this is a frequent problem. Bad motor pack due to corrosion in gears in motor pack. This causes ABS to "shut off" but also for brakes to drag, stick, premature break wear, and warped rotors. Many people have this issue. Newer design of motor pack consists of electronic solenoid. Chevrolet needs to recall this.

Filed Dec 6, 2004 · Airbags, Brakes · AZ

More than one incident: brake light and ABS lights are on. The ABS motor pack needs to be replaced, and was told by chevrolet dealership that this is a frequent problem. Bad motor pack due to corrosion in gears in motor pack. This causes ABS to "shut off" but also for breaks to drag, stick, premature break wear, and warped rotors. Many people have this issue. Newer design of motor pack consists of electronic solenoid. Chevrolet needs to recall this!

Filed Dec 4, 2004 · Brakes · 28,000 miles · CA · crash

1) brake failure, warped rotors and hubs, lro. 2) crash, rear end collision. Property damage. 3) gm refused to fix 2003 cavalier on 01-17-04 under warranty and as a result a crash happened on 02-28-04, a rear end collision due to brake failure.cause was defective factory equipment, warped rotors and hubs resulting in violent judder, shutter, and chatter, due to a lateral brake run out problems.this condition shows up thru the steering wheel which shakes violently when applying the brakes, especially on the freeway at 70 MPH. It's a total out of control condition.there is indeed 2 tsb's out on the lro problem from gm, tsb 01-05-23-001a, brake lateral runout,tsb 00-05-05-22-002b, brakes rotor service guide on 02-28-04 my daughter audra m griffin crashed into a 2001 ford pickup due to front brake failure. My daughters statement was "daddy the brakes didn't work", this after an extreme nasty gram (fax) was sent to jessica white gm customer service about the dangerous condition regarding my from brake system. Gm absolutely refused to fix this unsafe condition under my warranty contract. They did nothing thus endangering me and my family. Fast action is required to investigate and get this car fixed pronto. So far gm seems content to do nothing. They now seem to be more interested in avoiding legal liability, then they are about my safety.

Filed Dec 13, 2003 · Brakes, Fuel system · 10,000 miles · MD

Front rotors warped prematurely, about every 10000 miles. Grinding noise heard at low speeds, whether in gear or coasting & not brake related. Premature fuel pump failure, causing engine to shut off.

Filed Sep 15, 2003 · Brakes · IN

Consumer noticed vehicle showed premature wear of braking system . Brakes have been replaced several times.

Filed Aug 15, 2003 · Brakes · 26,432 miles · PA

Consumer stated the brake rotors experienced premature wear. When the brakes were applied, the vehicle experienced a vibration and extended stopping distance. Dealer notified.*ak the cause due to rotor disc and cooling fin side dimensions, which were not designed for the vehicle. *ph

Filed Nov 23, 2001 · Brakes · MO

Brake pads and rotors are prematurely wearing, cause unknown. *ak the consumer stated that replaced original pads three time and rotors once.

Filed Nov 20, 2001 · Brakes · MO

Premature wear of brake pads and rotors since date of purchase. *ak consumer stated brake pads had to be replaced and rotors were turned, consumer has had 3 sets of brake pads on vehicle.

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported July 21, 1993 · 2,848 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The brake hoses were manufactured incorrectly, and do not comply with fmvss 106, "brake hoses."
Risk
The improperly manufactured brake hoses can causereduced brake effectiveness and/or uneven braking, which could result in anaccident.
Remedy
Replace the right front brake hose assembly on ciera and century models, and both rear brake hoses on cavalier and sunbird models.

Recall number 93V121000 · Recall details

Questions about the Chevrolet Cavalier premature wear

Which Chevrolet Cavalier years have rotors or pads wearing out early problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1999 (7 complaints), 1997 (3 complaints) and 1998 (3 complaints).

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