1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 107about this part
- Share
- 20%of 540 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 107 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 20% of the 540 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 16 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have been having trouble starting my chevy Cavalier. The problem is the theft system. I am a single mother and the chevy place said it would be 400 dollars to fix. I have read that alot of chevy owners have the same problem. Please have this recall. I beg you thanks”
NHTSA complaint #10230032, filed 2008-06, 75,000 miles“The first incident that occur was in 2009. It was that the switch of the key engine did not want to start. Someone came to fix it but could not find a way to repair it. He had to add a button under the steering wheel and I would be tuning the key to the engine to start I would have to push that button to start the car. I would have to be replacing light bulbs constancy from the rear back of the single light. The theft lock system would be turning it self on while I would be driving. Thankfully there was accident because of that. …”
NHTSA complaint #10567219, filed 2014-02, 119 miles“My 1987 chevy cavaliar shut off in the middle of driving multiple times. The first time I heard clicking in the cluster and the theft system light turns on and my fuel pump shuts down. I have been in very critical places while this situation takes place. The theft system has shut my vehichle off on the highway, in the intersection ect.. I have tryed to reset this system numerous times. I have come to the knowledge that this is a serious problem with many chevy cavaliars and other GM models. This should be a recall and should be fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10659080, filed 2014-11, 120,000 miles“As I was going to turn the switch on to turn on my car it didn't want to start. I had some one fix it but could not find a way to fix it. They had to add a button under the steering wheel to start the car as I turn the switch on. There was couple a of times where the car would go on passlock by itself and wouldn't start until a long period of waiting. The external headlights burn constantly and I would buy new bulbs for the back lights. One time our neighbor said he heard noise like fireworks on our property and he said that he seen our car was sparking light out of the steering wheel. …”
NHTSA complaint #10564734, filed 2014-02, 119 miles“My ignition switch recall is a problem and the recall notice says that the internal parts os the switch will melt if held too long in the start position and I have had a problem with my switch. I took it off and apart and found that the internal parts were melted as it says in the notice. My notice says that they were to test and replace the switch if necessary as well as put the addition to the circuit and I did not get a new switch please advise as what to do. All I would like is my switch replaced. I called the Chevrolet 800 customer service number and I did not receive any help. …”
NHTSA complaint #10038751, filed 2003-09, 125,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V070000Mar 6, 2002On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows…Covers: Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1997, Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1997, Grand AM 1996–1997 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 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…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 211 | 74% |
| 2004 | 185 | 56% |
| 2003 | 106 | 16% |
| 2002 | 35 | 18% |
| 2001 | 56 | 23% |
| 2000 | 69 | 22% |
| 1999 | 47 | 20% |
| 1998 | 66 | 19% |
| 1997 | 107 | 20% |
| 1996 | 100 | 20% |
| 1995 | 59 | 22% |
| 1994 | 23 | 11% |
| 1993 | 26 | 18% |
| 1992 | 21 | 16% |
| 1991 | 17 | 31% |
| 1990 | 20 | 36% |
| 1989 | 6 | 14% |
| 1988 | 3 | 25% |
| 1986 | 5 | 28% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
106 complaintsSteering
83 complaintsAir bags
78 complaintsBrakes
64 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
40 complaintsOther or unknown
28 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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