1991 Chevrolet Cavalier Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 31%of 55 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the electrical system of the 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier, 31% of the 55 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased this vehicle for a teenage driver. I have spent well over $l,000 to bring it up to speed - fuel filter, oil & air filters, serpentine belt radiator ignition switch (key & tumbler), tires, front brake pads, front brake rotors, rear brake shoes. It will soon need a new muffler, and my mechanic now informs me that the cylinder head gasket is leaking. He said he sees quite a few of cavaliers with this problem and wonders if there is a silent recall that could help me with the possible $600.00 cost to repair.”
NHTSA complaint #701195, filed 1999-01“The starter has been replaced twice, once in december of 96, in february of 97 at 70,000 miles. Because the overrun clutch burns out, the starter is being replaced again for the third time for the same reason at 89,000 miles. The flywheel has also been replaced in january of 97 because of this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #816414, filed 1997-09“Driver's side wiring harness caught on fire. The electrical system remained functioning and the engine continued to run. The vehicle was burned from the back of the dash foreward. Front suspension melted and the front brakes fused into one piece.”
NHTSA complaint #538970, filed 1998-08“Steering stiffened/locked as driver was pulling into parking space, causing minor contact with adjacent parked vehicle. Following contact, vehicle stopped and steering wheel realigned (with great effort) to complete parking. After parking, key could not be removed from ignition switch, and vehicle would not continue running after starting (only 1-2 seconds). After local Chevrolet dealership retrieved vehicle, service rep stated he knew what happened when incident described and vehicle identified as '91 Cavalier. Ignition switch assembly replaced, no problem since. …”
NHTSA complaint #701480, filed 1998-12“While driving experienced intermittent failure, initially dash and rear lights were inoperative, also driving at night headlight suddenly went out due to short”
NHTSA complaint #980271, filed 1996-03Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 211 | 74% |
| 2004 | 185 | 56% |
| 2003 | 106 | 16% |
| 2002 | 35 | 18% |
| 2001 | 56 | 23% |
| 2000 | 69 | 22% |
| 1999 | 47 | 20% |
| 1998 | 66 | 19% |
| 1997 | 107 | 20% |
| 1996 | 100 | 20% |
| 1995 | 59 | 22% |
| 1994 | 23 | 11% |
| 1993 | 26 | 18% |
| 1992 | 21 | 16% |
| 1991 | 17 | 31% |
| 1990 | 20 | 36% |
| 1989 | 6 | 14% |
| 1988 | 3 | 25% |
| 1986 | 5 | 28% |
Other parts of the 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
8 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology