2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 11%of 196 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, 11% of the 196 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I started my car in the am and noticed my trac light was on(knowing it is not suppose to be on unless I am in 1st or 2nd gear. Then I smelled burning electrical. Took it to the chevy garage and found out my engine coolant fan internally shorted, they replaced the fan motor, a sensor an element and a fuse kit. At a substantial cost. I was without my car for 3 days and had to rent a vehicle to get back and forth to my job and home.”
NHTSA complaint #10147186, filed 2006-01, 80,580 miles“We were told the car was inspected before we bought it! Head light out of adjustment brake and tail lights not working engine stared running rough few hours after we drove off a cd was found stuck in the player door needed alignment parking brakes not working right.”
NHTSA complaint #10162718, filed 2006-07, 56,000 miles“I bought this car a 2002 chevy Cavalier in 2005, and at the time there was 25k original miles so I was told. Since then I have found out there has been 5 recalls on this car for various safety hazards, none of which I was ever told about prior or during my purchase of this vehicle. The signals have failed, I had to pay for them to be replaced, the bearings on the tires caused dry rot and I had to pay to replace those, both were on the recall list. The engine would over heat in the idle position, and they replaced an air filter sitting that as the problem and it wasn't. …”
NHTSA complaint #10315340, filed 2010-03, 77,115 miles“Timing chain broke on 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier ls causing catastrophic engine failure. Automobile only has 70,000 miles on a well maintained motor. Gm installed faulty oil nozzle as well as timing chain tensioner in motor originally but refuses responsibility even though checked at GM certified service center 4 months prior complaining of timing symptoms. No repair has been done at this time. After much research it seems that this is a common problem in all vehicles from 2002 and 2003 that have 2.2l ecotec motors.”
NHTSA complaint #10393539, filed 2011-03, 72,000 miles“While driving 60 MPH, the service engine light came on and the engine stalled. The dealership serviced the vehicle, and replaced several components, but the problem still continued. . The fuel filter and oxygen senor was replaced however the problem continued. The consumer believed the problem was electrical.”
NHTSA complaint #10026887, filed 2003-08, 5,600 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…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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…
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 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
35 complaintsBrakes
29 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