1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 5%of 540 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,512miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 5% of the 540 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,512 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My Cavalier 1997 (95,000 miles) out of no reason during cold day today 1/2/08, can not move for no apparent reason. Initially I can back up my car out of the drive way, and drive a few blocks away. When I stop at the stop sign, I found the car can not move for a few feets to stuck at the middle of the road. I had waited for 5 minutes checking out what wrong with the car. Then car slowly can move. My suspect, there is suddenly no fluid in the clutch for no apparent reason. I believe there is a design defect on this PCM from GM. Slowly it gains more power. But I loose my trust on this vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10213577, filed 2008-01, 95,000 miles“1997 chevy Cavalier was moved and park next to another car. It was brought to a complete stop with the brakes and then the transmission was shifted into park. As the driver was getting out of the car, the car start moving forward, rolled down a hill a crashed into trees, totaling the car. The car's transmission level was still in park. The driver was slight injured on the arm as the car hit him while getting out of the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10172770, filed 2006-11, 25 miles“I had to replace the trans, and she had just peplaced her transmission. Also my driver side window will not roll up or down because the motor is gone in the window. I know of two other people with the same problem with there windows with the same year and make. I just wanted to know if it could be a problem that should be recalled. I can't afford to pay the money for these problems. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #760342, filed 2002-04“The tranmission in these cars are very faulty, and the company should re-call them. I think that there is a need for them to explain themselves to the consumer for we our the people buying these bad cars. I just bought mine and it has a trans. Problem already and the car only has 83,000 miles on it. I want answers on this and the company to fix these problems on these cars. There were over (66_) noted problems on this car alone and I think that you guys made them bad then you guys make them right and send out recall notices to the consumer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10067911, filed 2004-04“Engine light came on while driving, took to shop was told that the computer showed a transmission problem but none was found, light came on again within 24 hours took to shop again still showing trans problem still unable to find problem was told that the only way to reset light was to put on computer but could not promise would not happen again.”
NHTSA complaint #739292, filed 2001-01Related service bulletins
- 10023942Oct 1, 2007Information on 4t40-e (mn4) and 4t45-e (mn5) front wheel drive automatic transmission valve body reconditioning, dtc p0741, p0742, p0751, p0752, p0756, p0757, p1811, harsh…
- 10017096Oct 24, 2005Vehicle will not move in either direction. Transmission may show over full. P90 4t40e 4t45e no movement drive or reverse. Converter may be empty of fluid.
- 10017086Oct 24, 20054t40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 23 | 7% |
| 2003 | 16 | 2% |
| 2002 | 13 | 7% |
| 2001 | 34 | 14% |
| 2000 | 26 | 8% |
| 1999 | 20 | 8% |
| 1998 | 16 | 5% |
| 1997 | 26 | 5% |
| 1996 | 54 | 11% |
| 1995 | 17 | 6% |
| 1994 | 16 | 8% |
| 1993 | 10 | 7% |
| 1992 | 7 | 5% |
| 1991 | 3 | 5% |
| 1990 | 5 | 9% |
| 1989 | 5 | 12% |
| 1987 | 2 | 8% |
| 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 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