1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 7%of 540 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 7% of the 540 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 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 have a 97 Chevrolet Cavalier convertible that I have had to take in 3 times because the driver side power window stopped working and 3 times because the passenger side window quite working.”
NHTSA complaint #10125045, filed 2005-06, 49,000 miles“My driver window came off the track and fell down to the bottom of the door-the glass didnt brake but it fell for no reason-it could have shattered-is this a common occurance??its a 1997 chevy Cavalier-2 door.”
NHTSA complaint #10086987, filed 2004-08, 76,000 miles“When the windshield wipers are turned off, they stop in the upright position obstructing the drivers view while driving. This poses a hazard while driving, making it difficult to concentrate on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10008050, filed 2003-02, 81,844 miles“My rear defrost quit working and I went and checked some of the connections. The connection under the dash had been melted, with the plastic showing evidence of being melted. I have done some checking on the internet and it appears it is a problem. If you check GM cars pontiac, and GM some of the vehicles have had this issue. It appears to be very common based off the forums and you tube video's. It appears in impala, Cavalier, sunfire, and this isn't an all inclusive list. This is concerning because it appears to have been a problem for a few years and GM allowed this to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #10652496, filed 2014-11“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 2002-04Related recalls
- 96V160000Aug 29, 1996These vehicles were built with an incorrect wiper blade assembly (17" long instead of 22" long) on the driver's side. This does not comply with fmvss no. 104…Covers: Chevrolet Cavalier 1997
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 11 | 4% |
| 2004 | 25 | 8% |
| 2003 | 38 | 6% |
| 2002 | 16 | 8% |
| 2001 | 11 | 5% |
| 2000 | 14 | 4% |
| 1999 | 15 | 6% |
| 1998 | 15 | 4% |
| 1997 | 40 | 7% |
| 1996 | 27 | 5% |
| 1995 | 32 | 12% |
| 1994 | 16 | 8% |
| 1993 | 5 | 3% |
| 1992 | 10 | 7% |
| 1991 | 5 | 9% |
| 1990 | 8 | 15% |
| 1989 | 4 | 9% |
| 1988 | 2 | 17% |
| 1987 | 1 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
107 complaintsEngine cooling
106 complaintsSteering
83 complaintsAir bags
78 complaintsBrakes
64 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