1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 3%of 503 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, 3% of the 503 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,000 miles.
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.
“I have a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. The sub frame on the front has rotted and the lower control arm ripped out and the front wheel was ripped off at highway speeds. Gm needs to recall all of these cars to evaluate the condition of these subframes. Repair or buy back if necessary.”
NHTSA complaint #10236434, filed 2008-07, 100,000 miles“I have a 1996 chevy Cavalier that was driving down the road when the steering went haywire. When it was checked by a shop it was found to be caused by a rusted out subframe. This car has 112k on it with very minimal rusting ie around the gas cap.”
NHTSA complaint #10250485, filed 2008-12, 112,000 miles“I have had the top replaced once and the same problem came back again , in the same place 11 months later. The same hole same side same place , I need help.”
NHTSA complaint #721434, filed 2000-04“The left side view mirror was broken, also consumer stated the the front window was noisy and shakes when up or down, dealer replaced the window motor, in which two of four bolts were missing and the other two were loose.”
NHTSA complaint #562669, filed 2001-08“Battery light comes on, and looks as if it is on. When driving in rain the battery warning light comes on, there is no shield under the car to protect the brakes, engine, battery, etc. Dealer contacted, and cannot duplicate the problem, no repairs can be made.”
NHTSA complaint #830025, filed 1998-11Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 14 | 5% |
| 2004 | 13 | 4% |
| 2003 | 11 | 2% |
| 2002 | 9 | 5% |
| 2001 | 14 | 6% |
| 2000 | 27 | 9% |
| 1999 | 8 | 3% |
| 1998 | 28 | 8% |
| 1997 | 20 | 4% |
| 1996 | 13 | 3% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 13 | 6% |
| 1993 | 8 | 5% |
| 1992 | 6 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 5 | 12% |
| 1987 | 1 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
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