1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Interior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 540 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the interior lighting of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 1% of the 540 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,000 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.
“Consumer states that when vehicle is cold it takes several attempts to start. When vehicle does finally start it will continuously stall. If started successfully vehicle has an excessively rough idle. Ph the vehicle did not start in cold weather, the lights on the dash board didn't light. The vehicle was diagnosed as cold start followed by a hard restarting and high oil pressure related to the oil pressure pump in the engine. Tsb#7761-09b. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #10004003, filed 2003-01, 23,000 miles“About 1-2 months ago my wife tried to start the car and she said that all of the systems(I.e. Windshield wiper blades, interior warning lights, etc.) started going off all at once, the brake pedal would't push in, there was a loud buxxing noise, and the car would not start. Ever since we have had to try several times before the vehicle would start and there have been multiple occasions when we are driving along (speed doesn't seem to play a role) and the car will react in a similar manner and stop running. After this happens, it can take us up to 10-15 minutes to get it started again. …”
NHTSA complaint #764152, filed 2002-07“Car was parked for about 10 hours. When started and put in drive, ets off light flashed and then remained on steady. Along with this, the check engine light also stayed on. Both lights remained on for duration of drive home from work, approximately 25 minutes. Engine sounds fine, no strange noises, but warning lights still remain on. Taking it to a mechanic to be checked out.”
NHTSA complaint #739737, filed 2001-01Interior 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 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 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