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1983 Chevrolet CavalierProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints32 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 20, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling31
Fuel system, gasoline10
Electrical system10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Steering10
Vehicle speed control11
Power train10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

1983 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Emission control: crankcase (pcv)

Recall 87V-165 · Oct 26, 1987 · 126,319 vehicles

Risk. IF VALVE PIECES LODGE AGAINST THROTTLE PLATE, ENGINE MAYNOT RETURN TO IDLE RESULTING IN LOSS ACCELERATOR CONTROL AND POSSIBLY A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Seats

Recall 87V-079 · May 7, 1987 · 1,136,407 vehicles

Risk. DRIVERS SEAT COULD TIP REARWARD UNEXPECTEDLY; THIS COULDRESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.

Best & worst years

1983 vs. every other Cavalier year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Cavalier median. How we score

'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
6 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier, and the recalls they led to.

  1. POWER STEERING FAILUREDP86018 · closed Dec 19, 1986
    No recall
  2. SUDDEN ACCELERATIONDP86019 · closed Dec 22, 1986
    No recall
  3. SEAT TRACK LOCKEA86023 · closed Jun 1, 1987
    Led to recall 87V-079
  4. POWER ST. ASSISTEA87006 · closed Sep 19, 1988
    No recall
  5. SUDDEN ACCELEA87007 · closed Aug 7, 1987
    No recall
  6. ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESPE85016 · closed Mar 22, 1985
    Led to recall 85V-034
In owners' words

What Cavalier owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND FLAMES BEGAN TO COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD, THE PLASTIC OVERFLOW TANK WAS MELTED AND THE PLASTIC CAP MELTED. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) NLM
Complaint 552204 · Apr 20, 2000

Own a 1983 Cavalier?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.