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 2008-02Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 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…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 383 | 56% |
| 2002 | 18 | 9% |
| 2001 | 29 | 12% |
| 2000 | 43 | 14% |
| 1999 | 17 | 7% |
| 1998 | 14 | 4% |
| 1997 | 23 | 4% |
| 1996 | 18 | 4% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 8 | 4% |
| 1993 | 5 | 3% |
| 1992 | 5 | 4% |
| 1991 | 2 | 4% |
| 1990 | 4 | 7% |
| 1989 | 6 | 14% |
| 1984 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
117 complaintsElectrical system
100 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 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 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