1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 2%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 11 complaints about the seats of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2% of the 540 complaints for this model year. 5 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.
“I was a passenger in my car that was rear-ended on 12/26/99 at approx 55-60 MPH while waiting for oncoming traffic to make a left-hand turn. This pushed us into the oncoming traffic lane stopping withing 2-3 inches front a front end collision. The passenger front seat slid forward to the dashboad,causing my legs and wrists to hit the dashboard. …”
NHTSA complaint #717009, filed 2000-01“The passenger side seat starting moving when sitting on it 5 months after car with purchased brand new-- the dealer fixed the problem-- entire component underneath seat was replaced. 11 months later same problem-- dealer fixed again at no charge-- then 2 years later after warranty ran out it happened again-- its slides slightly when braking. I have not had the money to try to fix the problem again-- I know the dealer will charge me now since it is out of warranty a long time ago.”
NHTSA complaint #758959, filed 2002-03“Driver seat locking mechanism does not lock the driver seat in place in certain position. This may cause the occupant to lose control of the vehicle. Also the windshield wipers, when turned off stay in the upright position, obstructing the view the driver. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #844069, filed 1999-08“While stopping at a red signal was rear ended by another vehicle. Upon impact, driver's seat collapsed backward, leaving consumer flat on his. Dealer could not explain cause of collapse.”
NHTSA complaint #883707, filed 2001-03“Consumer was at a stop when she was rearended with 40 MPH impact. Upon impact, driver's and passenger's seats went flying back into a reclining position, causing injuries to driver.”
NHTSA complaint #887932, filed 2001-05Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 8 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 6 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 9 | 3% |
| 1997 | 11 | 2% |
| 1996 | 12 | 2% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 11 | 5% |
| 1993 | 8 | 5% |
| 1992 | 12 | 9% |
| 1991 | 7 | 13% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 3 | 7% |
| 1987 | 2 | 8% |
| 1986 | 2 | 11% |
| 1984 | 1 | 13% |
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 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