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1998 Chevrolet CavalierProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 345 owner complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

40
CarFlaw IndexUse caution1.5× the Cavalier median · #4 of 20 years by complaints
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints34569 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage77kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 29, 2023. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier has problems

345 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
Electrical system6610
Engine and engine cooling551
Steering542
Service brakes, hydraulic549
Air bags3422
Structure280
Exterior lighting170
Power train162
Visibility151
17 other systems9313

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

4 recalls

1998 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 04V-036 · Jan 27, 2004 · 1,415,231 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

Steering: rack and pinion

Recall 02V-286 · Nov 4, 2002 · 1,159,156 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 00V-053 · Feb 28, 2000 · 391 vehicles

Risk. ABRASION FROM CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LEAK IN THE BRAKE PIPE, FUEL PIPE, OR BOTH.

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.

Mileage at failure

When do electrical system problems start?

77kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 22 electrical system complaints. 64% were reported before 100,000 miles.

Only 24% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
0under 30k miles14under 100k miles8100k miles or more
Best & worst years

1998 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

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier safety ratings

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Cavalier owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE GAS GAUGE IS GOING HAYWIRE. IT PEGS TO THE "F", AND THEN IMMEDIATELY PEGS TO THE "E", EVEN THOUGH THE TANK IS HALF FULL. THE GAUGE THEN JUMPS AROUND THE MIDDLE FORM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER SIDE. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL HOW MUCH IS IN THE TANK. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO WHILE SITTING AT…
Complaint 11073780 · Feb 20, 2018 · 335,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,467.
Complaint 10788599 · Nov 5, 2015 · 189,467 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, LIFTED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRES FROM THE ALTERNATOR WERE ON FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS…
Complaint 10749254 · Aug 17, 2015 · 169,000 miles

Own a 1998 Cavalier?

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