1992 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Owners have filed 178 complaints about the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 31.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of electrical system at 14%.
Complaints178
Crashes16
Fires9
Injuries16
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 31.5% · 56
Electrical system 14.0% · 25
Engine and engine cooling 10.1% · 18
Seats 6.7% · 12
Visibility 5.6% · 10
Seat belts 5.6% · 10
Steering 4.5% · 8
Power train 3.9% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 16 describe a crash, 9 describe a fire, 16 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 14 model years of the Chevrolet Cavalier in this data, 1992 draws comparatively few complaints; 2003 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 13 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 64,750 miles.
In owners' own words
Brake pedal will periodically go all the way to the floor without brakes engaging. My daughter had an accident because of this, thankfully no one was injured and there was little damage. Mechanic can find no problems. He said it could be the master cylinder or anti-lock brakes but without him being able to get the problem to re-occur, he can't pinpoint the problem. Service brakes, hydraulic
Abs brakes are subject to intermittent failure, causing extended stopping distance. On other occasions, brakes make grinding sound while making a turn and applying brakes. The pedal sticks when applying the brakes, which means that the pedal goes to the floor, and not allowing the vehicle to stop. This has happened several times. Service brakes, hydraulic
Abs braking system malfunctioned, causing the abs light to stay on while driving. Also, upon braking vehicle jolts, causing extended stopping distance which may result in a crash. Dealer replaced parts, but problem still exists. Please provide further information. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Chevrolet Cavalier years
1993 237 complaints · 25.3% service brakes, hydraulic 1994 310 complaints · 23.5% service brakes, hydraulic 1995 392 complaints · 25.3% engine and engine cooling 1996 748 complaints · 18.7% engine and engine cooling 1997 751 complaints · 15.8% engine and engine cooling 1998 473 complaints · 16.1% electrical system