1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 4%of 540 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 127,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 4% of the 540 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 127,500 miles. 1 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 believe that they should have told me about these recalls when I bought the car. I travel 17 miles or more to and from work each day on the freeway. I would like to have this fixed asap. No safety defect listed.”
NHTSA complaint #757528, filed 2002-01“The contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, the mechanic stated the passenger and driver side of the frame was completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10521905, filed 2013-06, 120,000 miles“The vehicle has been at the dealership on numerous occasions due to rodents accessing the air conditioning /heating system, consumer has had to replace components in the system due to nesting and dead rodents, which caused damage and prevented the air conditioner from functioning, consumer is concerned about the design of the structure or ventilation system that would allow for passage to the interior systems of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #556083, filed 2000-10“Was informed by independent mechanic that seal around crossmember was missing due to manufacturer's defect/neglect. This caused the rack and pinion to fail. Dealer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #894660, filed 2001-08“Also had to have driver's door realigned, side mirror realigned, seat belts replaced, seat belt covers replaced, windshield wipers replaced, and the airbags were recalled. Also, this car still runs rough but, they can't seem to duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #713574, filed 1999-10Related recalls
- 98V032000Feb 25, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with mis-located welds at the joint between the left rocker panel inner reinforcement and…Covers: Chevrolet Cavalier 1997, Pontiac Sunfire 1997
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 14 | 5% |
| 2004 | 13 | 4% |
| 2003 | 11 | 2% |
| 2002 | 9 | 5% |
| 2001 | 14 | 6% |
| 2000 | 27 | 9% |
| 1999 | 8 | 3% |
| 1998 | 28 | 8% |
| 1997 | 20 | 4% |
| 1996 | 13 | 3% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 13 | 6% |
| 1993 | 8 | 5% |
| 1992 | 6 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 5 | 12% |
| 1987 | 1 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
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 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 27, 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