Problem started same week I purchase vehicle brand new. Gmc would not exchange vehicle, they just kept repairing it as it broke down. I feel very unsafe in this vehicle, they did not care. Clutch was rubbing against main line, failed twice. Rear lights burned out 3 times, springs on seats popped out 3 times, gas pump went out once, heater/AC went out twice, locks would not open, 3 times, pain chipped off bumper, once. Rear seat clips snapped, once. Headlights, water leaked in. Twice I had a head on collision in june/2007...air bag did not deploy.
Chevrolet Cavalier water leak problems
16 of the 4,549 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Cavalier describe water leaks into the cabin, most of them for the 1993 model year.
- owner complaints
- 16
- worst model year
- 1993
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20051
- 20042
- 20031
- 20011
- 20002
- 19991
- 19981
- 19972
- 19961
- 19952
- 19932
Often reported together
Headlights 3Grinding brakes 2Ball joint 2Won't start 1Wipers 1Transmission failure 1Overheating 1Engine failure 1
What owners say
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.
2001 chevrolet cavalier developed problems with the brakes and the engine.***no answer required***. *mr while turning the steering wheel the consumer heard grinding/rubbing noises intermittently. The fog lamp went out. The brakes were noisy and would stick when applied. Water leaking into the trunk. The vehicle wouldn't start and the vehicle check engine light illuminated. The keyless entry system and alarm stopped working. The transmission not shift into low gear. The daytime running light would not shut off. The HVAC blower would not work in the first and second speed. The dealer foun air in the brake line and determined that hte lower control arm bushing was falling out
Dt: contact states there is a water leak in his trunk caused by the car not being properly welded during manufacturing. The water leak causes mold and mildew to form on the carpeting and the interior of the vehicle. This mold and mildew is causing illness to the occupants of the vehicle. The service dealer applied seam sealer to the vehicle, but did not remedy the problem. The interior and carpet has been replaced once.. The consumer is afraid to use the spare tire because the water has caused it to rust. The service dealer stated they would have to replace the interior and carpet again. This service dealer contacted general motors, and stated they would no longer work on this vehicle because the consumer picked up the vehicle too early from the dealership.
Inside of the vehicle smelled mildew from water leaking inside of the windshield. Dealership was aware of the problem, but did not resolve it.
The head gasket leaked water. As a result, consumer had to check the water level daily to make sure that engine would not overheat.
Various problems regarding 1993 chevrolet cavalier..one complaint submitted on numerous mvoq forms. *mr consumer lost brakes without warning. Dealer discovered that brake fluid line failed. Fuel line failed due to corrosion. Both horizontal and vertical components of the driver's seat were falling apart. Rust was evident on both sides of the lower part of the vehicle's body, from front wheel to rear wheel. Front automatic door locks work intermittently esoecially in cold weather. Driver's side seat back started to collapse and eventually failed completely -- seat back collapsed twice. Consumer also experienced suspension problems and trouble starting vehicle. Water coming in to the trunk of the vehicle. Took vehicle for state inspection for which it failed due to ball joint. Consumer experienced three occurrences of headlight failures on vehicle. Radiator failed with no external cause. Leaking in wiindshield wiper/washer fluid tank.
Major failure of the vehicle's water-resistant envelope: serious water leak on the passenger side from the firewall, resulting in rust and severe damage to carpet, mold and mildew in carpet and underlay, and unpleasant odours
Water leaked inside the vehicle, the dealer was unable to find the cause.
When it rained or if the vehicle was taken to a car wash, water leaked inside the vehicle, the vehicle was serviced for the problem on 5 occasions and the problem was unresolved, consumer purchased a 2001 model and also experienced the same problem with that vehicle.
Related recalls
Structure: body
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with mis-located welds at the joint between the left rocker panel inner reinforcement and the body side ring. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 214, "side door strength."
- Risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the sheet metal structure would not perform as desired increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the welds and, if necessary, place five welds between the involved panels and apply primer and topcoat finish materials.
Recall number 98V032000 · Recall details
Structure: frame and members
- What is wrong
- Some welds were omitted from the body lock pillar, or "b" pillar. This does not comply with fmvss no.208, "occupant crash protection."
- Risk
- Consequence of non-compliance: if a vehicle crash should occur, occupant protection levels could be reduced.
- Remedy
- All vehicles in this recall campaign have been repurchased and replaced with a comparable vehicle.
Recall number 95V141000 · Recall details
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments
- What is wrong
- Front door interlock striker may fail, causing door frame collapse and insufficient strength for the shoulder belt anchorage.
- Risk
- The door frame would collapse. Vehicle does not complywith fmvss 210.
- Remedy
- Replace the passive restraint interlock striker studs on front doors.
Recall number 91V165000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Cavalier water leak
Which Chevrolet Cavalier years have water leaks into the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1993 (2 complaints), 1995 (2 complaints) and 1997 (2 complaints).
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