1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 3%of 345 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 3% of the 345 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In august of 2002 I had the front right anti-lock sensor for my 1998 chevy Cavalier replaced. Within nine months, may 2003, I had to have the same sensor replaced. Now it is may of 2004 and my dealership is telling me that I need the same sensor replaced. My thinking is that they should of found something after the second time I brought it in. Since the 3 years or 36,000 mile warranty is done I have to rely on the parts warranty, which does not help me if I have to replace it every year. Three same exact sensors replaced less that two years is senseless.”
NHTSA complaint #10072694, filed 2004-05“Ever since we've bought this vehicle there's been nothing but problems. While backing out of the driveway it will stall out and shut off. In feb of 2000 the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The gas gauge flucuates. It will show 1/4 tank of gas left and ten minutes later the check gas light comes on and the gauge drops. Some kind of electrical wire on the front drivers side went bad. The driver's side door won't shut any more, the latch needs to be replaced. It's like every 3 ot 4 months something wither minor or significant goes wrong with it and persoanlly I am sick of it. …”
NHTSA complaint #747074, filed 2001-06“Consumer shut the rear passenger side door on the occupant's finger which caused the door latch to jam, and occupant could not open the door to take her finger out. The occupant had squeezed her finger out, and sustained injuries. When the finger was out of the door mechanism, the door was able to open and close. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #865039, filed 2000-07“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“Oj rear back door came opened and the lock was on at the time. The door will not close, replace rt rear door lock assembly. Rusted/corroded lubricated to free up, needs replacement, remove and replace rt rear door lock assy.”
NHTSA complaint #9005896, filed 2002-03Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 0% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 11 | 3% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
| 1996 | 7 | 1% |
| 1995 | 3 | 1% |
| 1994 | 3 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 3 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
66 complaintsBrakes
59 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 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