1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 5%of 503 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,871miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, 5% of the 503 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,871 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“Neither of the only 2 windows will roll down or up due to the failure of the motors. The first motor failed at 50k miles, the seond at 60k miles. In the event of an accident, progress would be impeded or prevented due to these failures. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #769616, filed 2002-11“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“There are 2 known service bullitins out on these problems and Chevrolet nor the dealer wants to take responsibility to repair these defects. No safety defect listed.”
NHTSA complaint #753322, filed 2001-10“Check engine light will not turn off after four times in shop, misfiring,several knobs have fallen off,passenger window does not work,interior problems.”
NHTSA complaint #725651, filed 2000-07Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 11 | 4% |
| 2004 | 25 | 8% |
| 2003 | 38 | 6% |
| 2002 | 16 | 8% |
| 2001 | 11 | 5% |
| 2000 | 14 | 4% |
| 1999 | 15 | 6% |
| 1998 | 15 | 4% |
| 1997 | 40 | 7% |
| 1996 | 27 | 5% |
| 1995 | 32 | 12% |
| 1994 | 16 | 8% |
| 1993 | 5 | 3% |
| 1992 | 10 | 7% |
| 1991 | 5 | 9% |
| 1990 | 8 | 15% |
| 1989 | 4 | 9% |
| 1988 | 2 | 17% |
| 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 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 30, 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