1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 83about this part
- Share
- 15%of 540 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,005miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 83 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 15% of the 540 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,005 miles. 14 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have 1997 Chevrolet, Cavalier which I took delivery on july 28, 1997. The car is now undriveable. I went on line to the general motors recall list and located a recall for cars built between january 1, and october 31, 1997. The recall involves the lower pinion bearing in the power steering gear may separate, permitting movement of the pinion shaft. Report indicate loss of power steering. There have been 15 report of crashes and three injuries that may be related to the condition, but no fatal injuries. …”
NHTSA complaint #10002699, filed 2003-01, 80,000 miles“Rack and pinion steering failure. Car fails to steer left and almost causes a crash due to lack of being able to steer. Ability to steer to the right is fine. Making left hand turns now worries me when driving. During my commute I am constantly worried whether or not I can make a left-hand turn. This has almost caused three accidents. Why wasn't this recalled considering all the the problems with this listed with the NHTSA? Plenty of GM models have had this problem. Why should consumers take the fall when it stems back to the manufacturer?”
NHTSA complaint #10130116, filed 2005-07, 125,000 miles“1997 chevy Cavalier steering column and dashboard caught on fire on march 10, 2011. Car had no mechanical or electrical issues prior to the fire. Car was in excellent working condition. Car had been parked for approximately one hour after being used for a short drive. The Cavalier was parked outside in front of the house no one was in the vehicle. Fire department had to be called to extinguish the fire from the car. No prior knowledge of the recall for the electrical system ignition switch defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10397150, filed 2011-04, 185,747 miles“Consumer was driving through a parking lot and when turning into the driveway rack and pinion steering failed. Consumer turned the steering wheel, but the wheels outside the vehicle did not turn, resulting in a collision, and injuring the driver.”
NHTSA complaint #10090305, filed 2004-09, 81,150 miles“Rack and pinion failure. While turning onto the interstate my 17 year olds 1997 chevy Cavalier steering locked, makiing it impossible to turn the wheel to the left. Fortunately she only grazed the gaurd rail but this could have easily been a fatal failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10028950, filed 2003-07, 87,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V286000Nov 4, 2002Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped…Covers: Chevrolet Cavalier 1996–1998, Pontiac Sunfire 1996–1998, Trans Sport 1996–1998 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 10022926Aug 1, 2007Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation (lubricate intermediate shaft [I-shaft]).
- 10019516Feb 1, 2006Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 16 | 5% |
| 2003 | 19 | 3% |
| 2002 | 16 | 8% |
| 2001 | 26 | 11% |
| 2000 | 28 | 9% |
| 1999 | 31 | 13% |
| 1998 | 54 | 16% |
| 1997 | 83 | 15% |
| 1996 | 49 | 10% |
| 1995 | 19 | 7% |
| 1994 | 8 | 4% |
| 1993 | 7 | 5% |
| 1992 | 8 | 6% |
| 1991 | 5 | 9% |
| 1990 | 4 | 7% |
| 1989 | 5 | 12% |
| 1988 | 2 | 17% |
| 1987 | 6 | 25% |
| 1986 | 3 | 17% |
| 1984 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
107 complaintsEngine cooling
106 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 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 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