What are the most common Chevrolet Cavalier problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rack-and-Pinion Bearing Can Fail and Restrict Steering (Recall 02V286), Ignition Switch Can Melt During an Extended Start Attempt (Recall 04V036). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?

The 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Rack-and-Pinion Bearing Can Fail and Restrict Steering (Recall 02V286) and Ignition Switch Can Melt During an Extended Start Attempt (Recall 04V036). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

What is the 1996-1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Rack-and-Pinion Bearing Can Fail and Restrict Steering (Recall 02V286)?

Certain 1996-1998 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicles can have an improperly crimped lower pinion-bearing retainer. Escaping ball bearings can move the pinion shaft, greatly increase left-turn effort or produce unintended assist to the right. Severity: high.

What is the 1998-2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Ignition Switch Can Melt During an Extended Start Attempt (Recall 04V036)?

Certain 1998-2001 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicles can send excessive current through the ignition switch when the key is held in Start during a no-start condition. The switch can melt and cause a steering-column or interior fire with the engine off and key removed. Severity: high.

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Problems: 2 Known Issues

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Problems: 2 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls20 recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Campaign #06E04900024/05/2006

STEERING

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

Campaign #08E06300017/10/2008

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Campaign #09E02500011/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Campaign #06E02600023/03/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Campaign #09E01200007/04/2009

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1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Problems: 2 Known Issues

All 2 Known Issues

1996-1998 Chevrolet Cavalier: Rack-and-Pinion Bearing Can Fail and Restrict Steering (Recall 02V286)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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1998-2001 Chevrolet Cavalier: Ignition Switch Can Melt During an Extended Start Attempt (Recall 04V036)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Cavalier problems?

Is the Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?

What is the 1996-1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Rack-and-Pinion Bearing Can Fail and Restrict Steering (Recall 02V286)?

What is the 1998-2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Ignition Switch Can Melt During an Extended Start Attempt (Recall 04V036)?