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1995 Chevrolet CavalierProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 270 owner complaints about the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

45
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.2× the Cavalier median · #7 of 20 years by complaints
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints27063 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage73kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 24, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier has problems

270 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 cooling824
Electrical system598
Visibility320
Service brakes, hydraulic253
Air bags2018
Steering194
Power train170
Suspension133
Seat belts112
12 other systems487

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

4 recalls

1995 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

Ignition: switch

Recall 02V-070 · Mar 6, 2002 · 1,589,948 vehicles

Risk. IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights

Recall 96V-250 · Dec 17, 1996 · 270,014 vehicles

Risk. IF THESE LAMPS WERE NOT FLASHING, OTHER VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE AWARE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS STOPPED INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Structure: frame and members

Recall 95V-141 · Jul 26, 1995 · 16 vehicles

Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF A VEHICLE CRASH SHOULD OCCUR, OCCUPANT PROTECTION LEVELS COULD BE REDUCED.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Control arm: lower arm

Recall 95V-025 · Feb 16, 1995 · 21,340 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE FRONTBUSHING SLEEVE SUBASSEMBLY FROM THE CONTROL ARM INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

1995 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
NHTSA crash tests

1995 Chevrolet Cavalier safety ratings

1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN AREAPE02001 · closed Mar 15, 2002
    Led to recall 02V-070
In owners' words

What Cavalier owners report

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. LATER THAT DAY, THE CONTACT DROVE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE THERMOSTAT WAS DEFECTIVE. THE…
Complaint 10247351 · Oct 31, 2008 · 48,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE IGNITION AND ENGINE COMPLETELY FAILED. THE VEHICLE TAKES SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT CAN BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER A RECALL. THE CURRENT…
Complaint 10223589 · Apr 7, 2008 · 60,000 miles
I BOUGHT A 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER NEW, IN JULY 1995. I HAD THE FOLLOWING MAJOR REPAIRS DONE ON THE CAR. ON 8/97 -ENTIRE EXHAUST FROM CONVERTER BACK BAD BAFFLED UNDER WARRANTY. ON 10/97-SERPENTINE BELT/ROTORS/ALTERNATOR & RECALL ON HAZARD LIGHTS UNDER WARRANTY. 4/00-HEAD…
Complaint 10196202 · Jul 12, 2007 · 72,012 miles

Own a 1995 Cavalier?

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