1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 2%of 540 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 111,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2% of the 540 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 111,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Seat belts, by buckels have a plastic piece that has cracked from heat and provents it to stay tight on all 4 belts. This also provents me, pasenger, and my childrens car seats from being tight and securley fastend. Pore design on these.”
NHTSA complaint #10070927, filed 2004-01, 115,000 miles“Plastic slide on the rear seat belt buckle cracked and broke. The seat belts cannot be used to secure a child safety seat in the rear of vehicle. Manufacturer and dealer will be notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10041918, filed 2003-09, 111,000 miles“The cinch plates on both rear seat belts in my vehicle are broken. Because of this, I cannot properly install my child's car seat. I have been given the run-around by two different dealerships about this problem. I have been told that the entire seat belt assemblies would have to be replaced at a cost to me of over $200. I e-mailed GM today regarding this problem. The cinch plates should be made of metal so they cannot break. Additionally, safety belt defects should be repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to the customer. …”
NHTSA complaint #744685, filed 2001-04“Driver's side front seatbelt buckles completely fell apart, pieces of metal fell off. Consumer took vehicle to dealer ,and they replaced both drivers and passenger's seatbelt buckles. Dealer put same model of buckle that had fallen apart on passenger's side, and replaced driver's side with a new model. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #896877, filed 2001-09“Driving in outside lane a transfer truck crossed into Cavalier's lane. Went off road & rolled 3 times side to side & then front to back 2 times. Driver thrown about 30 ft from rear window. Shoulder/lap belt did not restrain driver. Passenger belts held. Both injured. No air bags deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #823079, filed 1998-05Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 2% |
| 2003 | 8 | 1% |
| 2002 | 9 | 5% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 8 | 3% |
| 1998 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 13 | 2% |
| 1996 | 21 | 4% |
| 1995 | 11 | 4% |
| 1994 | 22 | 10% |
| 1993 | 9 | 6% |
| 1992 | 10 | 7% |
| 1991 | 5 | 9% |
| 1990 | 4 | 7% |
| 1989 | 4 | 9% |
| 1988 | 1 | 8% |
| 1987 | 6 | 25% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
| 1984 | 2 | 25% |
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