1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Interior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 3%of 503 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the interior lighting of the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, 3% of the 503 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Interior lamps coming on unexpectedly and/or stay on after car is turned off. I purchased this car when it was two years old. I took the car back several times complaining about this problem. They could not repair the problem. I finally got tired of complaining and I removed the fuse - so that the light would remain off (of course this is also a fuse to several other items within the car). But, it was they only way I could resolve this problem myself.”
NHTSA complaint #10219209, filed 2008-02“The contact stated there were NHTSA recalls campaign 98v027000 regarding the interior lighting and 98v319000 regarding the rear suspension. The vehicle had the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it was not included in the recall due to the VIN. There was a loss of the interior lighting, and an intermittent clanking noise coming from the rear suspension.”
NHTSA complaint #10146993, filed 2006-01, 249,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that the interior lights would sporadically illuminate. The failure occurred numerous times over the course of sixteen years. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis numerous times but the contact was told that there were no failures discovered. The contact eventually removed the interior light fuse to stop the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 98v027000 (interior lighting) but was told that the VIN was not included in the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10501440, filed 2013-03, 11,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. The rear hazard warning lights would not flash when the switch was activated. The dealer stated that the hazard lamp switch failed. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number (exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights). The contact stated that the interior lights illuminated without warning. The dealer stated that the lamp control module failed. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number (interior lighting). The current and failure mileages were 75,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10207954, filed 2007-11, 75,000 miles“Engine head gasket/struts/starter/transmission/ dome light/ paint/,muffler/seats and ABS brakes have all gone badly at least once, and some have been replaced twice and are bad again. Dealer was notified several times, but refused to check or replace. No longer doing business with them due to the service. I have been having to pay for all of the services.”
NHTSA complaint #718613, filed 2000-02Related recalls
- 98V027000Feb 17, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are…Covers: Chevrolet Cavalier 1996, Pontiac Sunfire 1996, Grand AM 1996 +3 more
Interior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 14 | 3% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
| 1993 | 3 | 2% |
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 complaintsFuel system
18 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