2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 54about this part
- Share
- 17%of 315 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 54 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier, 17% of the 315 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This car has been lovingly cared for since it was new. The underbody is perfect but the subframe (engine cradle) is badly rusted, with pitting, scaling and a rusted through hole. I am heartbroken! This car is very nice but now I can't drive it.”
NHTSA complaint #10515897, filed 2013-06, 111,090 miles“After purchase of my vehicle - battery was dead dealer replaced new battery lost coolant - engine was smoking then found out vehicle was on recall had to replace rotors and pads with less than 20,000 miles on vehicle something needs to be done to improve the brake system on the chevy cavaliers they do not last. I commute to work by train and hardly drive so I was surprised with all the problems with this vehicle with not alot of miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10073155, filed 2004-05, 20,000 miles“Timing chain loose/tensioner wearing out. First happened around 60,000 miles, at this time the chain, tensioner, and gears were changed. Worked fine for a week and a half, then slowly started to rattle again until the noise was worse than before it was fixed. Brought to chevy dealership, car stayed there for 5 days, said they couldn't find anything wrong, charged me $250 for diagnostic labor and told me it was a normal noise. …”
NHTSA complaint #10004995, filed 2003-01, 60,000 miles“I have a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. The first problem I experienced was in oct 2001,while driving the temperature gauge went to the maximum reading without warning, I pulled off the highway and turned off vehicle. Waited a while started back went approximately 1/4 mi and same problem,after stopping 3-4 times I started back on the highway and continued to drive with temp gauge in the red for a approx 1 mile and all gauges returned to normal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10023001, filed 2003-06, 35,900 miles“Car idles extrmemly rough and feels like it is going to stall. Bogs while driving, makes a firing noise from the tailpipe. I put better gas in the car, new spark plugs and fuel injector cleaner. No help. Check engine light comes on when car is started, but also goes off just as fast. When idling, it does not stay at the same level. Very rough. Cluster for digital odometer is broken, I need to bang on the dashboard to read the mileage. The light in the center console is also out.”
NHTSA complaint #10088860, filed 2004-08, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10228888Dec 14, 2022This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
- 10227056Nov 9, 2022This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10222796Sep 14, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 43 | 6% |
| 2002 | 22 | 11% |
| 2001 | 29 | 12% |
| 2000 | 54 | 17% |
| 1999 | 44 | 18% |
| 1998 | 55 | 16% |
| 1997 | 106 | 20% |
| 1996 | 117 | 23% |
| 1995 | 82 | 30% |
| 1994 | 56 | 26% |
| 1993 | 41 | 28% |
| 1992 | 15 | 11% |
| 1991 | 8 | 15% |
| 1990 | 7 | 13% |
| 1989 | 10 | 23% |
| 1986 | 6 | 33% |
| 1984 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
69 complaintsBrakes
45 complaintsFuel system
43 complaintsSteering
28 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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