2001 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Owners have filed 356 complaints about the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 16.6% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 10.1%.
Complaints356
Crashes37
Fires11
Injuries43
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 16.6% · 59
Power train 10.1% · 36
Service brakes, hydraulic 9.8% · 35
Engine and engine cooling 8.4% · 30
Steering 7.3% · 26
Fuel system, gasoline 6.7% · 24
Air bags 5.9% · 21
Suspension 4.8% · 17
Severity
Of those complaints, 37 describe a crash, 11 describe a fire, 43 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 14 model years of the Chevrolet Cavalier in this data, 2001 sits 9th by complaint volume. 2003 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 29 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 50,500 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. Upon exiting the vehicle and closing the doors, the interior dome light remained illuminated. The contact also noticed a burning odor coming from the light bulb wiring in the roof. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. Electrical system · reported at 100,000 miles
Once key inserted into ignition, ignition switch will not turn and steering column is in a "locked" position; front wheels are straight and not turned left nor right. Some 5 months ago this happened and after some 1.5 Hours of jiggling steering wheel and trying ignition, it finally started. Car was level with wheels facing straight. Electrical system · reported at 99,000 miles
Vehicle was parked in consumers driveway when it caught on fire. Vehicle was totaled. The consumer complained to dealer that the cd's coming out cd player were very hot. Dealer showed no concern. Chevrolet's legal department will not give any information until a investigator has looked at the vehicle. Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…