Investigation DP03007: 1996–1997 Chevrolet Cavalier

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Oct 14, 2003

Closed

Jan 30, 2004

Model years

1996–1997

Subject

Unintended vehicle acceleration

Component: Fuel system, other › Delivery

Summary

On september 23, 2003, the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) received a letter dated september 8, 2003 from mr. Donald friedman, petitioning the agency to open a defect investigation into unintended acceleration involving [model year] 1996 and 1997 general motors j-cars.in support of his petition, mr. Friedman cited a report he received for gm showing it had received far more reports of alleged unintended acceleration for these models than for others.after assessing the data claimed by the petitioner to justify his request, odi found no indication that defect trend related to the petitioner's allegations exists at this time.therefore, there is no reasonable posibility that an order concerning the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect would be issued as a result of granting mr. Friedman's petition.consequently, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied.for additional information concerning this analysis, please refer to the attached federal register notice.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier540 complaints
• 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier503 complaints