2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 18%of 196 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,416miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, 18% of the 196 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,416 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“According to the overland park police department an electrical fire started near the passenger floor board on my sons 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier z model. The car was totally engulfed before fire/rescue could arrive. I want to make sure that this is not a problem with the vehicle that can injure others.”
NHTSA complaint #10164884, filed 2006-08, 45,000 miles“I got the car brand new and I have always had problems starting the car. It is not everytime but sometimes I have to try 4 or 5 times just to get it to start. My seat belts no longer retract. I'm not a fat person , and I don't know anyone big enough to ruin my seat belt retractors. My rear defroster barely works, and my passenger side power window motor already went bad. I am very dissatisfied with this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10118443, filed 2005-04, 40,000 miles“While accelerating on an on-ramp onto an interstate, I was using my multi-function device (signaling my merge into traffic, then once at 65mph setting cruise control) when the car lost power. I was able to turn the steering wheel slightly to the right before the wheel locked. I turned my emergency flashers on and coasted/braked my way to the shoulder of the road. The car was towed to a mechanic who tried to find the source of the problem. The incident was on a saturday. On monday when the shop was open for business, they tried the car and it started/ran just fine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10630431, filed 2014-09, 150,000 miles“Purchased vehicle from dealer 7/12/13 with the following issues: non-working odometer, blinkers, brake lights that frequently short out & a non-working windshield fluid function. I was informed by the dealer to take vehicle home & return it the following day for the repairs of all the above notations that were discovered during a test drive. Upon the time of return, I was sadly & rudely approached by the dealer. He stated that he did not claim to fix these issues? On 7/17/13, I filed a complaint with the better business bureau regarding this poor business transaction. …”
NHTSA complaint #10593311, filed 2014-05, 116,872 miles“I have a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier and I almost had a bad accident with this car. The ignition switch and wheels locked up on me and I was still in one place and a eighteen wheeler ran into me. I have been having trouble with this car everytime I look up.”
NHTSA complaint #10170498, filed 2006-10, 106,524 milesRelated service bulletins
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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 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
29 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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