1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 59about this part
- Share
- 17%of 345 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,002miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 59 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 17% of the 345 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,002 miles. 10 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 engine started having problems where it didn't want to move and the gas pump kept messing up and the gas needle doesn,t show correct it will say you have a half a tank when you really have a quarter tank, and the throttle sensor is messed up I was on I-4 which is a major highway in orlando in the middle of traffic the was on but loss power and stalled out.”
NHTSA complaint #10794298, filed 2015-11, 125,000 miles“I have had my 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier for almost 5 years now; in feb. 2003 I had to pay 321.25 to have an ignition switch replaced in my car (which was an recall issue); I asked martin burks Chevrolet on forest park parkway in forest park, ga if the ignition problem was a recall issue and bob allen, the auto part service manager lied to me and stated that it was not a recall issue, so I paid $321.25 for repair service to find out a year later that the ignition system problem was a recall issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10067751, filed 2004-04, 76,968 miles“Brake lining rusted, causing the brakes to fail. Consumer had the vehicle towed to a repair shop for diagnosis of the problem. Also, consumer contacted the manufacturer, who insisted there was not much they could do, and consumer should take the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealership. Consumer was not willing to pay for a brake inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10081508, filed 2004-07, 35,738 miles“Dt: consumer states there is a malfunction with the ABS system. At any speed, when brakes are applied, ABS kicks on and does not catch, but starts to jolt. Brake pedal seems to catch/release over and over, which caused extended stopping distances. Also causes rolling foward or backward in any weather condition or under any driving circumstances. Consumer has barely had an accident up to this point. Vehicle has rolled into traffic several times and consumer was forced to use the emergency brake to avoid an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10120996, filed 2005-05, 85,000 miles“Consumer stated when brakes were applied there was a delay in braking. Cause was unknown. Please provide any further information. When the road is wet, the braking distance is the length of two telephone poles. Vehicle was taken to the dealership five times but they weren't able to duplicate the problem. Consumer was told bring the vehicle back when its raining. Consumer did so and each time they stated they were busy. Mechanic wrote one repair order. Consumer installed new rotors and pads which helped a little bit. Consumer believed the problem is the anti lock.”
NHTSA complaint #10032421, filed 2003-09, 5,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10023171Oct 31, 2007Abs pump running when not needed.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 14 | 4% |
| 2003 | 34 | 5% |
| 2002 | 29 | 15% |
| 2001 | 42 | 17% |
| 2000 | 45 | 14% |
| 1999 | 51 | 21% |
| 1998 | 59 | 17% |
| 1997 | 64 | 12% |
| 1996 | 60 | 12% |
| 1995 | 26 | 10% |
| 1994 | 65 | 31% |
| 1993 | 53 | 36% |
| 1992 | 51 | 38% |
| 1991 | 5 | 9% |
| 1990 | 2 | 4% |
| 1989 | 4 | 9% |
| 1988 | 1 | 8% |
| 1987 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
66 complaintsEngine cooling
55 complaintsSteering
54 complaintsAir bags
34 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