1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 100about this part
- Share
- 20%of 503 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,714miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 100 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, 20% of the 503 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,714 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 9 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Having problems with stalling, placed other complaints recently. Steering locking up and fixed more part in vechile, now might be relating to the ignition switch recall, which my mechanic has found was inproperlly placed in car. Called the dealership and since it has been over 1 year and 12,000 miles, they will charge me a labor fee and also the part fee. Could this become any worse GM??????”
NHTSA complaint #10053076, filed 2004-01, 61,204 miles“Head gasket on my 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. We couldn't figure out why the vehicle would continue to stall , after placing nearly $800.00 worth of new parts in vehicle, changing several alternators and starters, from the ingnition swith recall. I had taken to a mechanic and found out the car had a blown head gasket. Which, apparently there is a recall on other cavaliers, although not with my VIN number. I have called GM motors and they want me to have the car diagnosised at their dealership, costing $100-$200. …”
NHTSA complaint #10049640, filed 2003-12, 60,714 miles“Driving down the road, motor stops running and I lost all power both steering and electrical. Got it to the side of the road. Waited 2 minutes and started it back up it was fine. Only did this 2 times within a week period. Engine idle rough since I purchased it in 1998. Took it in and they said they could not find anything. Came back several times they essentially said thay could do nothing thats just how they run. Motor surges and lags after start up. Regardless of temperature. Push pedal motor bogs down and then it will take off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069950, filed 2004-01, 63,871 miles“I have just got a 1996 chevy Cavalier and the anti theft light came on and shut down going down the hwy 50 miles per hour no brakes or steering . The ignition switck it has a code silinder now it want run or nuthing it turns over but want start.”
NHTSA complaint #10277045, filed 2009-07, 188,000 miles“Prior to recall notification (02v070000) consumers vehicle experienced the same failure, consumer was informed by the dealership that a refund would be in order, however consumer still had not received any compensation, consumer was then informed that the reimbusement was denied stating that the recall was not covered.”
NHTSA complaint #567709, filed 2002-09, 38,207 milesRelated recalls
- 02V070000Mar 6, 2002On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows…Covers: Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1997, Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1997, Grand AM 1996–1997 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical 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 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
117 complaintsAir bags
73 complaintsBrakes
60 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
54 complaintsSteering
49 complaintsOther or unknown
28 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsSeat belts
21 complaintsEquipment
19 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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