1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 5%of 540 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,816miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 5% of the 540 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,816 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“There is a clunking noise in the steering wheel and front left wheel when maneuvering a turn. Also my water pump has had to be replaced twice in the past year. My final complaint is that when I try and start my vehicle it doesn't always start when holding it in the start position.”
NHTSA complaint #10021510, filed 2003-06, 135,000 miles“When attempting to start vehicle ignition switch stuck. Recall 02v070000 repairs were performed, but problem still recurred. Also, while driving the bearing hub produced a grinding noise on the left side. The cause has yet to be determined by the mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #10044834, filed 2003-10, 78,633 miles“I was involed in a 3 car crash. One of the cars hit a vehicle broadside and then bounced off her and hit the rear left panel and bumper of my car. I took it in to get it fixed because after the accident I experienced a loud noise from the back and vibrations when I travel more than 50 MPH. The dealer called me and told me that he had fixed the body damage but noticed my rear axle was bent. He was waiting on aaa to call to ok it getting fixed. Well, they never stopped by to take a look at it becuase looking at the body damage they said there was no way it could have casued a bent rear axle. …”
NHTSA complaint #735396, filed 2000-10“When driving on any sort of bumpy road there is a constant 'squeak, rusty sound' in the front suspension. It sounds like a old squeaky bed. Also with backing up a loud long squeak comes from the front end supspension. I've had the front brakes changed and pads replaced twice (due to mechanics negligence). At this same time I complained about the noise and they checked it out and found no problems, but the noise is still there. It's a very annoying sound especially when driving, you think everyone around can hear it and also it sounds as if something is going to fall apart from the front end (? …”
NHTSA complaint #728488, filed 2000-08“Highly unusual repair for 'newer' vehicle-1997 80,000-& unusual that both front right/front left wheel bearings needed complete replacement. Improper installation was suggested as reason for part failure so soon. Please review manufacturer's installation.”
NHTSA complaint #753589, filed 2001-10Related recalls
- 98V319000Dec 15, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.Covers: Chevrolet Cavalier 1996–1997, Pontiac Sunfire 1996–1997
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 2% |
| 2003 | 22 | 3% |
| 2002 | 10 | 5% |
| 2001 | 15 | 6% |
| 2000 | 21 | 7% |
| 1999 | 11 | 5% |
| 1998 | 11 | 3% |
| 1997 | 27 | 5% |
| 1996 | 27 | 5% |
| 1995 | 13 | 5% |
| 1994 | 8 | 4% |
| 1993 | 5 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 8% |
| 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 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