1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 10%of 345 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 10% of the 345 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 21 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.
“The front air bags inadvertently deployed. . No collision prior to air bag deployment, slowed to stop, approximately from stop sign. Air bag deployed, vehicle skidded into a ditch.”
NHTSA complaint #10101216, filed 2004-11, 36,813 miles“(1) my cousin was driving her 1998 Cavalier when she was struck head on by an oncoming vehicle (2) her driver's side chair broke lose and her seat belt came out of its fastener and the metal hook striking her body resulting in a laceration. Her body was then throw forward with such great force that she hit the windshield with her head twice resulting in a concussion, black eye, swollen forehead and other cuts and bruises. Additionally, at the point of impact, despite the force with which she was struck, her airbag failed to deploy which could have further prevented her striking the windshield. …”
NHTSA complaint #10126221, filed 2005-06, 100,000 miles“I rear ended someone going 45 MPH and my air bags did not deploy and I do not understand why. This was a frontal crash and from all the literature I have read, it indicates that the airbags should have deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10146014, filed 2005-12“The car has front airbags, the rear seat folds down to extend the trunk area. This can be done by pulling the strap with one finger . Where do I safely secure a rear facing infant car seat and a two month old child? In calling the dealer I was told of the complicated lengthy process required to get permission to remove the airbag. Then there is a $500 charge which I can't afford. Can she safely ride in this new car tomorrow? …”
NHTSA complaint #708835, filed 1999-07“The contact owned a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle hydroplaned on ice. As a result, the contact crashed into the guardrail. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a fractured spine that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10732860, filed 2015-07, 190,000 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 18 | 3% |
| 2002 | 14 | 7% |
| 2001 | 21 | 9% |
| 2000 | 18 | 6% |
| 1999 | 24 | 10% |
| 1998 | 34 | 10% |
| 1997 | 78 | 14% |
| 1996 | 73 | 15% |
| 1995 | 20 | 7% |
| 1994 | 4 | 2% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
66 complaintsBrakes
59 complaintsEngine cooling
55 complaintsSteering
54 complaintsBody and structure
28 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaintsSuspension
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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