1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 5%of 345 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,750miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 5% of the 345 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,750 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There has been one thing wrong after the other ever since I bought this car and I believe it a piece of crap but I guess that I am stuck up it since Chevrolet declined my buyback request.”
NHTSA complaint #702242, filed 1999-01“#1, the front brake rotors warped and the pads were worn. Dealer refused to replace under warranty so I paid out of pocket. Now second set of rotors and pads is in need of replacement. #2 trunk lid latch could not be opened with key, dealer refused to repair/replace under warranty, so I paid out of pocket. #3 reverse light switch failed, again dealer refused to replace under warranty, I paid out of pocket. Switch has gone bad again and I paid to have it replace a second time. #4 driver's door hinges were bent and door did not always close tightly, dealer repaired at no charge. …”
NHTSA complaint #712908, filed 1999-10“The rear brake lights do not light up.... The turn signals/hazard lights do not work... The ABS brake system light is on and the brakes can lock up and severe conditions, on gravel, or on extremely hard stops....”
NHTSA complaint #10109985, filed 2005-02“When applying the brakes consumer can smell the brakes burning. Consumer had problems with the rotors/hood latch and calipers sticking. Also, had three mufflers replaced. The headlights went out while driving, and the parking brake won't work. In addition, was having problems with engine rocher arm gasket, and the brake light kept coming on. Dealer can't find the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #831751, filed 1998-12“Driver's side and passenger's side brake lights failed to come on their own. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the brake light bulbs needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10099335, filed 2004-11Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 8 | 2% |
| 2003 | 57 | 8% |
| 2002 | 14 | 7% |
| 2001 | 7 | 3% |
| 2000 | 13 | 4% |
| 1999 | 11 | 5% |
| 1998 | 17 | 5% |
| 1997 | 13 | 2% |
| 1996 | 17 | 3% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1994 | 4 | 2% |
| 1993 | 5 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 2 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
66 complaintsBrakes
59 complaintsEngine cooling
55 complaintsSteering
54 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsBody and structure
28 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