1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 3%of 540 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,761miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 3% of the 540 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,761 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dt: the contact stated h the cruise control malfunctioned. While traveling at 45 MPH he turned on the cruise control switch and the vehicle suddenly accelerated to 60 MPH. The contact tried to disengage the cruise control several times by depressing the brake pedal which should manually turn off the cruise control switch. However, these attempts were unsuccessful. As a result, he turned the ignition off, and coasted to the side of the road. When he restarted the vehicle the engine revved high. He turned off the ignition and the vehicle was towed home. …”
NHTSA complaint #10145214, filed 2005-12, 164,900 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. The failure mileage was 72622 ,and the current mileage was 72632. While driving 45 MPH the contact released the foot from the accelerator but the vehicle kept accelerating. After physically lifting the pedal up with the shoe the vehicle continued to accelerate. To stop the vehicle from accelerating the brake was applied for about 9 miles. However, after applying the brake a few times the brake pedal stopped working. She got off the freeway and made it to dealer where she left the vehicle. The temperature was around 45 degrees. …”
NHTSA complaint #10189550, filed 2007-05, 72,622 miles“While driving vehicle accelerates without throttle application. The vehicle acts as though it is in cruise, but the cruise control is turned off. Driver has to put vehicle in neutral to get it to stop. Applying the brakes does not help. Dealer is not able to duplicate problem. Vehicle has been to the dealer at least three times for this reason.”
NHTSA complaint #834903, filed 1999-02“Defect summary: the accelerator control cable could have been kinked during assembly causing high accelerator pedal effort, sticking accelerator control cable, or a broken accelerator control cable. Consequence summary: if the accelerator control cable sticks or breaks, unwanted acceleration and/or loss of throttle control can result increasing the risk of a vehicle accident. Requested corrective summary: dealers will replace the accelerator control cable assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #10086962, filed 2004-08“While traveling at a highway speed of 55mph the accelerator got stuck, causing the vehicle to accelerate to 85 MPH, blowing the brakes, and causing sparks to fly from tires. To stop, consumer was on an incline that coasted the vehicle to a stop, and consumer shut the engine off. Dealer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #833861, filed 1999-01Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 18 | 6% |
| 2004 | 27 | 8% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 11 | 6% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 11 | 3% |
| 1999 | 11 | 5% |
| 1998 | 14 | 4% |
| 1997 | 18 | 3% |
| 1996 | 14 | 3% |
| 1995 | 5 | 2% |
| 1994 | 7 | 3% |
| 1993 | 6 | 4% |
| 1992 | 7 | 5% |
| 1991 | 2 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 4% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 3 | 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 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 31, 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