1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 2%of 540 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2% of the 540 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119 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.
“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“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“Rear center stop light housing, was observed smoking inside vehicle, further investigation revealed 2 bulbs burned out and lens plastic burned onto lights.”
NHTSA complaint #10183442, filed 2007-02, 63,500 miles“My headlights including bright lights would not work due to a corroded headlight harness. On the first two failures the corroded wires were replaced by splicing good wiring to the existing harness. Finally I purchased a new harness ($275) for a total cost of approm. $700 incl. Labor. The harness which was replaced was the origional factory installed part.”
NHTSA complaint #740004, filed 2001-01“I am very frustrated. I am now looking at having to replace the switch that controls my headlights, turn signals, and cruise control yet again, and this time only 3 weeks after it was last replaced, which was 1/2/02 and that was only 2 and 1/2 months after I last had it replaced in october, and before that, it was replaced in august (in all my car has had 5 switches since I bought it new and now looking at having a 6th). For a switch to burn out like this so frequently, is a hazard and not safe, especially when driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #757269, filed 2002-01Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 8 | 2% |
| 2003 | 57 | 8% |
| 2002 | 14 | 7% |
| 2001 | 7 | 3% |
| 2000 | 13 | 4% |
| 1999 | 11 | 5% |
| 1998 | 17 | 5% |
| 1997 | 13 | 2% |
| 1996 | 17 | 3% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1994 | 4 | 2% |
| 1993 | 5 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 2 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
107 complaintsEngine cooling
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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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