1991 Chevrolet Cavalier Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 15%of 55 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier, 15% of the 55 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The first problem I have encountered is the poor body of the car. The panels below the car have completely diminished. Anything remaining of them is either rotting and rusting away, or has paint removed from them. The paint is also coming out of the front plastic bumper and from the front hood of the car. Some rust is also appearing at the sides. When I step into the highway at the speed of a minimum 100 km/h, this trash is anything but quiet. Apart from the engine, which is now broken, the gaskets or whatever keeps the air out doesn't keep it out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10071378, filed 2004-01, 90,000 miles“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“Owner states that after 45 minutes when the car was left after it had been driven vehice blew up, causing a melt down, fire department was unable to determine the cause of the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #809899, filed 1997-03Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 43 | 6% |
| 2002 | 22 | 11% |
| 2001 | 29 | 12% |
| 2000 | 54 | 17% |
| 1999 | 44 | 18% |
| 1998 | 55 | 16% |
| 1997 | 106 | 20% |
| 1996 | 117 | 23% |
| 1995 | 82 | 30% |
| 1994 | 56 | 26% |
| 1993 | 41 | 28% |
| 1992 | 15 | 11% |
| 1991 | 8 | 15% |
| 1990 | 7 | 13% |
| 1989 | 10 | 23% |
| 1986 | 6 | 33% |
| 1984 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier
17 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 28, 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