1999 Chevrolet Cavalier Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 51about this part
- Share
- 21%of 240 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 176,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, 21% of the 240 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 176,000 miles. 6 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.
“I brought a 1999 chevy Cavalier in dec 08'. Since jan 09' I have been having severe locking of the rear brakes. I have taken it to three different mechanics so far and the problem still persist. Currently I am unable to pass a motor vehicle inspection due to this problem. At all three facilities I used to try and repair this problem I was informed by the mechanic that this problem is common among GM vehicles. I have spent at least approximately $600 dollars on this problem and it still persist. …”
NHTSA complaint #10267545, filed 2009-05, 82,000 miles“Front brakes locking at low speeds due to ABS failure. Car was taken to GM dealership, the first mechanic said front rotors might be warped. I replaced front brakes and installed new rotors and problem was still there. Went back to dealership then they advised me that since my tires were not all the same brand that was the problem....new tires did not fix the problem. Car is not kicking any codes out to the computer and no ABS light is on. Dealer spoke to GM tech's and at that point replaced both front ABS wiring harnesses. …”
NHTSA complaint #10013805, filed 2003-04, 64,000 miles“While driving 35 MPH ABS system failed completely. Dealer stated ABS motor become inoperative. As a result, vehicle was involved in a collision. Airbags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10050519, filed 2003-12, 84,088 miles“Well, I have a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, the basic model, nothing fancy. The ABS brake light will not go off. I was told it was just the light and not to worry about it. The front end shook, causing the whole car to vibrate, and sometimes clicked when driving on the road. The only way I have found to stop it was to steer the wheel a bit, but that made me go into the other side of the road. There was no rear defroster, making it very hard time to see out of the back window when it was all fogged up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10188117, filed 2007-04“My '99 Chevrolet Cavalier (z24) suffered brake failure in dec. Of 2003. The roads were icy--had been snowing all day, and it was still snowing at the time of the accident. I was traveling about 35 MPH. I applied the brakes in an easy manner, but there was no braking action. The car continued at the same rate of speed. My foot felt like it was stepping on steel--there was no brake action whatsoever. I had plenty of braking distance, as I was traveling very cautiously in these snowy conditions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10055082, filed 2004-01Related 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 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
47 complaintsEngine cooling
44 complaintsSteering
31 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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