1992 Chevrolet Cavalier Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 11%of 134 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,750miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier, 11% of the 134 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,750 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 1992 chev Cavalier z-24 and have been reading horror stories aboot the exact woes I have been suffering since buying it used in 1998 with only 15k mi on it; it only has 30000 on it now. The first to go was the heater core and belt tensioner and then the coolant leaks that has required several days of shop time. I have had the intake removed twice, the heads once - they accused me of overheating and warping them - the water pump replaced, 2 window motors installed and the altenator replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10075338, filed 2004-06, 15,500 miles“I own a 1992 chevy Cavalier. I have had to replace the heater core 3 times. Once a year every year since 2001. I am requesting a recall on this issue due to the number of complaints I have read about this problem. I don't think that I or anyone else should have to replace a heater core/ blown head gasket once a year. I would like to hear from you or chevy about this problem. This is ridiculous and very very costly. I believe that the manufacturer should be responsible for the costs incurred and to fix this problem. I love my car and take very good care of it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10062742, filed 2004-03, 114,000 miles“Steering column will not lock in place. Moves when vehicle is in motion. Took to dealer & had it repaired. Problem reappeared. Also, the anti-freeze leaks out. Has been to dealer 5-6 times for both problems.”
NHTSA complaint #828833, filed 1998-10“Radiator hose leak made car run hot; replaced catylic converter so would not run hot; fuse shortage almost caught car on fire; the body sounds squeeky and rusty when goes over bumps”
NHTSA complaint #710485, filed 1999-08“Consumer was at a stop sign wnen vehicle would not change gears, about 2minutes afterward, vehicle was filled with smoke. The fire department put fire out.”
NHTSA complaint #836267, filed 1999-03Engine 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 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
51 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsSeats
12 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsTires
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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