2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 5%of 196 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, 5% of the 196 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2002 chevy Cavalier was in for front brakes....mechanic phoned and told me that my car's subframe was cracked. Mechanic told me that it was common with this model car. Called GM and they told me that because of the age of the car (2002) and mileage (64,500) that there was nothing that they could do. I told GM that my mechanic said that this is a common problem with this particular car. Still they told me nothing could be done. I called consumer affairs and they told me to contact the attorney general's office which I did. …”
NHTSA complaint #10549827, filed 2013-10, 64,000 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“Engine cradle subframe has rusted through on right side. Low mileage, car is parked in a garage, so it does not sit outside all day and night. My mechanic tells me he has seen this a lot with chevys. He says it is especially true with GM cars driven in the north because of the weather...so much for being imported from detroit; isn't that in the north? He says he can order a used replacement from the southern us. I know a Cavalier is not a top-of-the-line car, but isn't the frame supposed to be the strogest part? Come on GM, fix this issue before somebody dies! …”
NHTSA complaint #10465998, filed 2012-07, 72,049 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that the dashboard of the vehicle was fractured and deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 01/25/17 updated 7/3/18”
NHTSA complaint #10924264, filed 2016-11, 60,000 miles“While driving ABS light illuminated, causing vehicle to stall out and die . After inspection of vehicle, dealer determined that spaces behind firewall were omitted during manfacturing. Please provide additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #8005558, filed 2002-03Related service bulletins
- 10213818May 31, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint…
- 10197294May 12, 2021This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint…
- 10123211Oct 2, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a loud tick or rattle noise under the hood at all operating conditions…
- 10114894Oct 14, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 14 | 5% |
| 2004 | 13 | 4% |
| 2003 | 11 | 2% |
| 2002 | 9 | 5% |
| 2001 | 14 | 6% |
| 2000 | 27 | 9% |
| 1999 | 8 | 3% |
| 1998 | 28 | 8% |
| 1997 | 20 | 4% |
| 1996 | 13 | 3% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 13 | 6% |
| 1993 | 8 | 5% |
| 1992 | 6 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 5 | 12% |
| 1987 | 1 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
35 complaintsBrakes
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 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