1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
3 recalls, 14 complaints - 1 TSBs
06E043000 May 19, 2006
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Defect Description
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CE... Read more
Consequence
THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
88V121000 Jul 25, 1988
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Defect Description
THERE MAY BE POOR BOND ADHESION BETWEEN WINDSHIELD GLASS AND MOUNTING.
Consequence
WINDSHIELD COULD SEPARATE DURING A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIERTEST REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212. SUCH SEPARATION DURING AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT INAN UNBELTED OCCUPANT BEING EJECTED AND INJURIED.
Remedy
REINSTALL WINDSHIELD ASSURING PROPER ADHESION.
88V095000 Jun 14, 1988
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
Defect Description
REAR LAMP WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTAIN OPEN OR INTERMITTENT CIRCUITS AFFECTING BACK UP LAMP OR LICENSE PLATE LAMP OPERATION.
Consequence
LAMPS WOULD FLASH OR BE INOPERATIVE; CARS WOULD NOTCOMPLY WITH FMVSS 108.
Remedy
INSTALL NEW WIRING HARNESS.
Complaint Statistics
14 total complaints
1 crashes 1 fires
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | 2 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT | 1 |
| STEERING | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT | 1 |
| STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK | 1 |
| WHEELS | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS | 1 |
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Nov 1, 2005
Incident date: Feb 21, 2004
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS WIND BLOWING AROUND THE FRONT WINDSHIELD SEALANTS, ALLOWING COLD DRAFTS TO ENTER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA RECALL 88V121000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS INDI... Read more
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Apr 9, 2004
Incident date: Apr 4, 2004
WINDSHIELD BONDING DOES NOT MEET FMVSS 212, 1988, CHEVROLET CAVALIER, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO: 88V121000. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 30, 2004
Incident date: Mar 26, 2004
PURCHASED A 1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER FROM E[ILOTOS AUTO SALES 2230 FRANKFORT AVE. PHILA. PA. THE CAR WAS SOLD WITHOUT THE DEALER INFORMING THE BUYER OF THE DEFECTS. THERE WERE MANY....TWO MAIN CRUNCHERS WERE THE BRAKES AND HUDDLED SYSTEMS. THE EMISSION STICKERS WERE DUE. THE DEALER SAID,"HE W... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Apr 25, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
Apr 25, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Apr 25, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
WHEELS
Jun 16, 1998
WATER LEAKS INTO THE SPARE TIRE WELL IN THE TRUNK.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
Jun 27, 1997
DUE TO THE ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION OF THE STEERING RACK AND ITS INTERNAL COMPONENTS, THE STEERING FAILS ON LEFT TURNS IN COLD WEATHER.
SUSPENSION:FRONT
Aug 15, 1996
SUSPENSION/BODY PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WAS IN A WRECKED BEFORE DRIVER PURCHASED IT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Jul 19, 1996
Incident date: Nov 2, 1994
THE ELCTRONIC INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE CLUSTER GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HAS TO PUKK OVER TO WAIT FOR THE CLUSTER TO COME BACK ON, CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX PROBLEM, CONSUMER STATES HE HAS ANOTHR VEHICLE THAT HAS THIS SAME ... Read more
STEERING
Jun 28, 1996
Incident date: Jun 1, 1991
'COLD POWER STEERING'. *DH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Jun 21, 1996
Incident date: Jun 20, 1996
DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT COLLISION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE LAP SEAT BELT BROKE APART. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
May 11, 1995
Incident date: May 5, 1995
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN FRONT DASH, ELECTRICAL. TT
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Mar 13, 1995
WAS DRIVING THE CAR CAME TO A STOP LIGHT PUT ON BRAKE IT FEEL LIKE CAR IS ALREADY TO GO. TT
EPA Fuel Economy, 1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 22.0 | 29.0 | 25.0 | Regular | $2,450 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 22.0 | 33.0 | 26.0 | Regular | $2,350 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 18.0 | 25.0 | 20.0 | Regular | $3,100 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 18.0 | 27.0 | 21.0 | Regular | $2,950 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
1 manufacturer communications from 1 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 1 |
000524001
Apr 1, 2000
034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
INFORMATION REGARDING SNOW INTRUSION INTO REAR DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLIES. **MR
NHTSA Safety Investigations, CHEVROLET CAVALIER
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
EA07015
Opened: Nov 1, 2007 , Closed: Oct 28, 2008
ENGINE STALLING - FUEL PUMP FAILURE
ODI'S ANALYSIS OF THE STALLING INCIDENTS THAT HAVE RESULTED FROM SUBJECT COMPONENT FAILURES FOUND THAT THEY CAN OCCUR AT ANY SPEED AND GENERALLY RESULT IN A NO RESTART CONDITION.THESE ARE GENERALLY CONSIDERED TO BE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF STALLING INCIDENTS.HOWEVER, THESE INC... Read more
PE07033
Opened: Jun 28, 2007 , Closed: Nov 1, 2007
FUEL PUMP FAILURE
AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.GENERAL MOTORS (GM) HAS IDENTIFIED AN ISSUE WITH ACCELERATED MOTOR BRUSH WEAR IN THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 CHEVROLET V... Read more
EA04028
Opened: Sep 14, 2004 , Closed: Nov 22, 2004
TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION
ON MAY 14, 2004 THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-043) BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE BRAKE/TAIL TURN SIGNAL LAMPS WOULD NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WHEN EITHER THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE TURNED ON, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, OR WHEN THE TURN SIGN... Read more
PE04043
Opened: May 14, 2004 , Closed: Sep 14, 2004
TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION
COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE THAT THE REAR TURN SIGNALS FAIL TO ILLUMINATE AND DO NOT PROVIDE A SIGNAL TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED ONE REPORT OF A CRASH WHERE THE COMPLAINANT BRAKED AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE IMPACTED THE COMPLAINANT'S VEHICLE IN THE DRI... Read more
DP03007
Opened: Oct 14, 2003 , Closed: Jan 30, 2004
UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION
ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2003, THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) RECEIVED A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 FROM MR. DONALD FRIEDMAN, PETITIONING THE AGENCY TO OPEN A DEFECT INVESTIGATION INTO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INVOLVING [MODEL YEAR] 1996 AND 1997 GENERAL MOTORS J-CARS.IN SUPPO... Read more
EA02028
Opened: Sep 30, 2002 , Closed: Dec 30, 2003
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AG... Read more
PE02066
Opened: Sep 6, 2002 , Closed: Nov 3, 2003
ENGINE STALL DUE TO FUEL STARVATION
ODI OPENED PE02-066 TO EVALUATE THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCE OF ENGINE POWER-LOSS DUE TO FUEL STARVATION INDUCED BY IN-TANK MODULAR FUEL PUMP STRAINER RESTRICTION.THE SUBJECT PUMPS USE AN EXTERNAL ?SOCK? STRAINER TO FILTER FUEL FLOWING TO THE PUMP INLET.THIS FILTER CAN SOMETIMES BECOME CLOGGED, RESULTI... Read more
PE02001
Opened: Jan 3, 2002 , Closed: Mar 15, 2002
FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN AREA
SQ01002
Opened: Jan 26, 2001 , Closed: Sep 30, 2002
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE
There is no summary currently available
EA98001
Opened: Jan 23, 1998 , Closed: Jul 31, 1998
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
There is no summary currently available
PE97041
Opened: Sep 9, 1997 , Closed: Jan 23, 1998
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
There is no summary currently available
EA94033
Opened: Sep 29, 1994 , Closed: Mar 29, 1996
HORN PAD FALLS OFF
THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.GM WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS THE CONCERNS RAISED BY THE DETACHMENT OF THE HORN PAD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.FOR A TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM SEE EA94-033 ENGINEERING TECHNICAL REPORT.
PE94042
Opened: May 23, 1994 , Closed: Sep 29, 1994
HORN BUTTON FALLING OFF
There is no summary currently available
PE93090
Opened: Oct 8, 1993 , Closed: Feb 28, 1994
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
There is no summary currently available
PE87004
Opened: Nov 5, 1986 , Closed: Jul 16, 1987
ELECT. FAILURES/FIRES
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:MANUFACTURER REPORTS INCLUDE 1OWNER COMPLAINT, 45 FIELD REPORTS, AND 2 LAWSUITS.NO SERVICE OR TECHNICALBULLETINS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO DEALERS.GM REPORTED THAT ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMODIFICATIONS HAD BEEN INITIATED FOR BOTH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRING HAR-NESS AND T... Read more
PE86049
Opened: Apr 24, 1986 , Closed: Aug 1, 1986
SEAT TRACK LOCK
ANALYSIS:EIGHT (8) OF THE 13 COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE FAILURE OCCURREDPRIOR TO ANY IMPACT/ACCIDENT INVOLVEMENT.ONE (1) OF THE FAILURES MAY HAVECAUSED OR AT LEAST INFLUENCED THE DRIVERS INVOLVEMENT IN AN ACCIDENT.THEDRIVER'S SUDDEN TEMPORARY LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL MAY HAVE RESULTED FROMHIS INABILI... Read more
CHEVROLET CAVALIER - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the CHEVROLET CAVALIER across all model years (1982, 2005).
110
Total Recalls
6,469
Total Complaints
16
Investigations
552
Reported Crashes
167
Reported Fires
28
Reported Deaths
CHEVROLET CAVALIER - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 362 | View |
| 2004 | 2 | 428 | View |
| 2003 | 2 | 867 | View |
| 2002 | 5 | 254 | View |
| 2001 | 6 | 356 | View |
| 2000 | 7 | 447 | View |
| 1999 | 8 | 337 | View |
| 1998 | 11 | 473 | View |
| 1997 | 13 | 751 | View |
| 1996 | 13 | 748 | View |
| 1995 | 9 | 392 | View |
| 1994 | 2 | 310 | View |
| 1993 | 2 | 237 | View |
| 1992 | 1 | 178 | View |
| 1991 | 3 | 77 | View |
| 1990 | 1 | 70 | View |
| 1989 | 2 | 71 | View |
| 1988 (current) | 3 | 14 | |
| 1987 | 3 | 27 | View |
| 1986 | 3 | 21 | View |
| 1985 | 3 | 4 | View |
| 1984 | 3 | 10 | View |
| 1983 | 6 | 17 | View |
| 1982 | 1 | 1 | View |