1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 5%of 345 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 5% of the 345 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 1 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.
“Clutch went out at approximately 40,000 miles. Tranmission synchronizers also went out at the same time. Dealer refused to rectify problem under extended warranty because the extended warranty I have does not cover transmissions. I was not offered any extended warranty choices when I purchased the vehicle. I was just asked if I would like to purchase one. I paid a lot of money for an extended warranty that I have used 1 time for a faulty fuel pump. …”
NHTSA complaint #10005148, filed 2003-02, 40,000 miles“Vehicle did not have a dip stick for the transmission fluid. Dealer insisted that the vehicle must be brought to them in order for the transmission fluid to be checked. Consumer claimed that the transmission was slipping while the dealer was servicing the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10076207, filed 2004-06, 31 miles“Vehicle description:1998 Chevrolet Cavalier/5 speed manual transmission total failure. While driving - went to make a turn - something snapped - steering wheel snapped back - front end shifted and motor twisted - vehicle cannot be driven - there is no transmission function .”
NHTSA complaint #10010757, filed 2003-03, 57,180 miles“This car has been taken to the dealer and the dealer recognizes the problem but consistantly refuses to take any rsponsibilities for the junk that they sold me. This car has been to the body shop for repairs on the manufacturer ground effects package the transmission that doesn't work properly the brake system the I have had to have rotors turned and within four months have brand new rotors but on. …”
NHTSA complaint #706089, filed 1999-04“Power steering has slowly gone I took it to mechanic who could not read but says there seems to be a leak but he can't figure out where. It's caused the entire car to act up and I don't even want it anymore.!!”
NHTSA complaint #10070260, filed 2004-01Related service bulletins
- 10023942Oct 1, 2007Information on 4t40-e (mn4) and 4t45-e (mn5) front wheel drive automatic transmission valve body reconditioning, dtc p0741, p0742, p0751, p0752, p0756, p0757, p1811, harsh…
- 10017096Oct 24, 2005Vehicle will not move in either direction. Transmission may show over full. P90 4t40e 4t45e no movement drive or reverse. Converter may be empty of fluid.
- 10017086Oct 24, 20054t40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 23 | 7% |
| 2003 | 16 | 2% |
| 2002 | 13 | 7% |
| 2001 | 34 | 14% |
| 2000 | 26 | 8% |
| 1999 | 20 | 8% |
| 1998 | 16 | 5% |
| 1997 | 26 | 5% |
| 1996 | 54 | 11% |
| 1995 | 17 | 6% |
| 1994 | 16 | 8% |
| 1993 | 10 | 7% |
| 1992 | 7 | 5% |
| 1991 | 3 | 5% |
| 1990 | 5 | 9% |
| 1989 | 5 | 12% |
| 1987 | 2 | 8% |
| 1984 | 2 | 25% |
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 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