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Fuel systemPart report

1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Fuel system Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
4%of 503 total for the year
Median mileage
84,651miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the fuel system of the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, 4% of the 503 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,651 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Guess what, here is another problem for my vehicle GM. (another complaint)we've already spent nearly a $1,000, on this car. Now, taking it to the mechanic again, the had spent a hour and a half looking for now what is the fuel pump that had gone bad. I understand that parts in a vehicle have to be maintained. So when we found this out , we really enjoyed your company's money making scheme to have the cavaliers, new fuel pump cost around $500. With a 1 year warranty, other manufacture have lifetime warranties, which we will be replacing with. ( carter, or master). …”

NHTSA complaint #10054318, filed 2004-01, 61,210 miles

“Blown head gasket vehicle over heating, nothing has been done to repair issue; head gasket recall. The vehicle is running very badly even though a complete tune up has been done; fuel system recall suspension making lots of noise; rear suspension recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10210010, filed 2007-11, 93,309 miles

“Fuel injectors get cracks and leak, could result in a fire if not changed. I have had all 4 injectors leak, and 2 had hairline cracks allowing large amounts of gas to leak onto hot engine which could easily start a fire.”

NHTSA complaint #10064029, filed 2004-03, 160,000 miles

“When car fuel tank is reading below 1/4 tank, car will not start. Car backfires, while trying to start and check engine light comes on. I have been fighting with this since I [urchased the car in 1997. Everytime that I take the car in, I am being told it is always something different. This item definately needs to be looked at cuase I have been told by numerous chevy cavelier owners are having this same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10005013, filed 2003-01

“Ets and check engine lift on all the time. From the time that I purchased the car these two lights remained on. The car would lose power while I was driving causing me to be left in the middle of intersections and traffic. I took the car back for repairs numerous times to the dealer and the seller and to various car repair places. But, no one was able to find the problem and repair it. A few years ago - I took my car for repairs to another chevorlet dealer and they told me that it was the catalytic converter. And that it would be cheaper to have it replaced tby someone other than a dealer. …”

NHTSA complaint #10219234, filed 2008-02

Related service bulletins

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2005166%
2004155%
200338356%
2002189%
20012912%
20004314%
1999177%
1998144%
1997234%
1996184%
199593%
199484%
199353%
199254%
199124%
199047%
1989614%
1984113%

Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier

Engine cooling
117 complaints
Electrical system
100 complaints
Air bags
73 complaints
Brakes
60 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
54 complaints
Steering
49 complaints
Other or unknown
28 complaints
Suspension
27 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaints
Seat belts
21 complaints
Equipment
19 complaints
Exterior 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 31, 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