2002 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Owners have filed 254 complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 13.8% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 9.1%.
Complaints254
Crashes35
Fires5
Injuries42
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 13.8% · 35
Engine and engine cooling 9.1% · 23
Service brakes, hydraulic 8.7% · 22
Visibility 7.1% · 18
Steering 6.7% · 17
Air bags 5.9% · 15
Exterior lighting 5.5% · 14
Power train 5.1% · 13
Severity
Of those complaints, 35 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 42 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 14 model years of the Chevrolet Cavalier in this data, 2002 draws comparatively few complaints; 2003 is the outlier year.
Filings are rising — 8 in the last three years against 3 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 54,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The traction off warning light illuminated which caused the vehicle to shut down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the fuel pump and fuel injection system but the repairs made did not correct the problem with the enhanced traction system. *Bf the consumer feels that since the repairs did not correct the problem he should be reimbursed the full amount. *Nm *sc Electrical system
While driving the electrical system shuts down, making the vehicle inoperative. Dealer notified, the first time dealer stated it was a fuel sensor problem. The second time they said the problem would be unable to duplicate. The third time dealer stated that they were still working on repairing the problem. Please provide more information. Ph Electrical system
: The contact stated the displays on the instrument cluster intermittently go off while driving. The display that goes off most frequent is the electronic odometer. The vehicle was taken to the dealership however they have been unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was alerted. *Nm updated 8/16/2006 - Electrical system · reported at 25,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…