2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 56about this part
- Share
- 23%of 243 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,305miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 56 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, 23% of the 243 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,305 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My key came out of the ignition while the car was still running and in the on position, and also another time the car key turned off by itself and I lost power to the vehicle and my brakes locked and almost caused me to get into a crash.”
NHTSA complaint #10639177, filed 2014-09, 92,000 miles“In december, 2006 I had a new alternator and a new fuel pump put in (895.00). 1/10/07 my ignition module and the fuel pressure regulator went out (695.45). 5/14/07 my ignition coil needed replacing (252.18). November 8, 2007 I needed to replace the ignition switch and valve cover gasket ($500) I'm am tired of repairing. It's got an electrical problem that's causing my ignition stuff to burn out.”
NHTSA complaint #10261596, filed 2009-03, 135,000 miles“In december, 2006 I had a new alternator and a new fuel pump put in (895.00). 1/10/07 my ignition module and the fuel pressure regulator went out (695.45). 5/14/07 my ignition coil needed replacing (252.18). November 8, 2007 I needed to replace the ignition switch and valve cover gasket ($500) I'm am tired of repairing. It's got an electrical problem that's causing my ignition stuff to burn out.”
NHTSA complaint #10252905, filed 2008-12, 115,000 miles“The defrost wouldn't work when really rainy or cold and this started in winter of 2009. In summer of 2010 the AC worked only when fan was on med or high, but finally only on high. These were electrical wiring problems: AC due to blower resistor burned out and defrost caused by a resistor burned out. Ac started to smell like something electrical was burning. If this wasn't fixed any sooner could have caused fire I'm sure. Now I have to see what needs to be fixed now that I have service engine check light on. With these electrical issues had no service engine check light come on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10372414, filed 2010-12, 90,000 miles“Upon driving vehicle at low speeds 20-30 MPH with front and rear window defroster on,it became more,and more evident of a possible fire. First there was an increasing burning smell followed by smoke. A connector on the drivers side kick panel has melted being so close to the carpet its possible that it being winter moisture from melted snow somehow may have caused this to happen, a search on google seems to pull multiple cars with this same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10555521, filed 2013-12, 130,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V036000Jan 27, 2004On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows…Covers: Chevrolet Cavalier 1998–2001, Pontiac Sunfire 1998–2001, Grand AM 1998 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10198890May 25, 2021This 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…
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10167434Oct 10, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately…
- 10141371May 23, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about connectivity concerns when connecting an Apple device via USB cord. Technician should…
- 10125106Nov 7, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle's odometer appears to be inaccurate relative to a known distance traveled…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 211 | 74% |
| 2004 | 185 | 56% |
| 2003 | 106 | 16% |
| 2002 | 35 | 18% |
| 2001 | 56 | 23% |
| 2000 | 69 | 22% |
| 1999 | 47 | 20% |
| 1998 | 66 | 19% |
| 1997 | 107 | 20% |
| 1996 | 100 | 20% |
| 1995 | 59 | 22% |
| 1994 | 23 | 11% |
| 1993 | 26 | 18% |
| 1992 | 21 | 16% |
| 1991 | 17 | 31% |
| 1990 | 20 | 36% |
| 1989 | 6 | 14% |
| 1988 | 3 | 25% |
| 1986 | 5 | 28% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
42 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
34 complaintsEngine cooling
29 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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