2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 8%of 196 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,810miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, 8% of the 196 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,810 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“Bought my 2002 Chevrolet ls sport cavailer on 5/27/02. Since then the rack and pinion went in march 2003--which they did not discover until may, and when driving I get a loud grinding noise still which is metal on metal. I asked another mechanic not affiliated w/ the authorized dealership (that told me after 5 attempts this can not be fixed-and that they have a pi out on it), if this could pose a problem. He said the continuous grinding w/ metal on metal when steering, can cause too much friction and heat up and potentially cause a fire, etc. …”
NHTSA complaint #10031177, filed 2003-08, 9,677 miles“Bought the car on 5/27/02. Since then the rack and pinion failed in march 2003, the dealership realized it was a problem only in may 2003. The steering grinds metal on metal when driving----the horn died 2 times, their was and still is a pulsation in the brakes--a rattling in the suspension. Gm put out a pi (product investigation out on it)--said their is no fix, but steering problems are not dangerous, and they will not do anything, I have filed complaints here, w/ the bbb auto-line, and NHTSA as well as hired my own personal lawyer as I heard GM fights people tooth and nail.”
NHTSA complaint #10068867, filed 2004-01, 9,677 miles“Driver was heading south on i684, on the exit ramp to 287 west, in heavy traffic. Vehicle suddenly appeared to shut off, making it impossible to steer and brake. Driver ran off the road and went nose first into a ditch, damaging the frame, radiator, airco and nose of vehicle. The vehicle was totaled as a result.”
NHTSA complaint #10654166, filed 2014-11, 90,000 miles“Bought vehicle at 48,048miles...2 weeks after buying vehicle, steering knuckle on drivers side was in need of repair, causing vehicle to make clicking and high pitched noise under coasting and slowing of vehicle. Dealer is replacing steering knuckle on vehicle under warrenty.”
NHTSA complaint #10110602, filed 2005-02, 48,850 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10113436Feb 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 16 | 5% |
| 2003 | 19 | 3% |
| 2002 | 16 | 8% |
| 2001 | 26 | 11% |
| 2000 | 28 | 9% |
| 1999 | 31 | 13% |
| 1998 | 54 | 16% |
| 1997 | 83 | 15% |
| 1996 | 49 | 10% |
| 1995 | 19 | 7% |
| 1994 | 8 | 4% |
| 1993 | 7 | 5% |
| 1992 | 8 | 6% |
| 1991 | 5 | 9% |
| 1990 | 4 | 7% |
| 1989 | 5 | 12% |
| 1988 | 2 | 17% |
| 1987 | 6 | 25% |
| 1986 | 3 | 17% |
| 1984 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
35 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsFuel system
18 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 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