1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 540 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 1% of the 540 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“While on vacation consumer was loading luggage in rear right door, and door shut on consumer's finger. Door would not release from outside, it took three people took get consumer's hand out, consumer felt door latch had a defect. It was a rental car.”
NHTSA complaint #864598, filed 2000-06“Consumer had just gotten home and parked vehicle. 5-10 minutes later, horn was blowing. Consumer looked outside front end of vehicle was on fire. Dashboard and steering column were completely destroyed. Chevrolet dealer said they couldn't find anything wrong. Therefore, they wouldn't be liable. Allstate insurance adjuster took one look,and could tell it was an electrical fire. Chevrolet dealer was not responding to insurance adjuster. Vehicle was under extended warranty when it caught on fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #886186, filed 2001-04Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 0% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 11 | 3% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
| 1996 | 7 | 1% |
| 1995 | 3 | 1% |
| 1994 | 3 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 3 | 7% |
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