1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 5%of 540 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,502miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the other or unknown of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 5% of the 540 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,502 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car smells like gas in warm and hot weather, smell comes in through the vent system. Chevy med-ved in arvada colorado cannot find the problem, but replaced the exhaust gas canister, stating it was saturated with gas, car still has the same smell after this replacement. Many other repair shops referred me to the dealership which I took the car to. The problem still exists, a potential fire hazard if fumes of gas are existent-this is my concern, not to mention the smell that comes in the car is not of clean air-my second concern. …”
NHTSA complaint #10093926, filed 2004-10, 42,000 miles“While driving my horn stopped working without any kind of indicator!! 3 time this has occurred while driving !! Major safety issue! Was unable warn car backing out and had to swerve to avoid accident! Replaced fuse 3 times!! Someone may die as a result of this malfunction!! Never received any kind of notice from dealership/ manufacture regarding this issue! Upon googling found many are experiencing same problem!! A serious accident or death may result because of this defect!!!please,please look into this problem !!!!!! Also the gage lights tend to stay on!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10838740, filed 2016-02, 162,000 miles“Vehicle failed inspection and could not be repaired or insured for road safety due to safety defects. Vehicle was involved in a accident before purchase and was not reported.”
NHTSA complaint #10032348, filed 2003-08, 105,502 miles“We have had problems with this car from the date that it was purchased. The brake rotor problems have been worked on several times, and it will stop for a while, but will continue to worsen with time. The ABS light and low coolant light have been on and off for over and year and we were told that we would have to pay to have them fixed, the sound from the exhaust, possibly the catalytic converter, has been going on for over a year and again, we were told we needed to replace it, that it was not covered under warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #711251, filed 2000-04“In december 1999, I experienced a loss of engine coolant level and the low engine coolant indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. I assumed the thermostat was failing and had a local service station replace it and flush the radiator. Several days later the low engine coolant light illuminated on the instrument panel. Upon inspection, I had lost some coolant and experienced the smell of hot coolant which I attributed to the recent radiator flush. I took it back to the service station and the coolant system was pressure tested to check for leaks and passed. …”
NHTSA complaint #716914, filed 2000-01Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 13 | 4% |
| 2003 | 8 | 1% |
| 2002 | 9 | 5% |
| 2001 | 10 | 4% |
| 2000 | 20 | 6% |
| 1999 | 9 | 4% |
| 1998 | 6 | 2% |
| 1997 | 28 | 5% |
| 1996 | 28 | 6% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 7 | 3% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 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 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 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