10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

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problem #3

Jun 011998

Cavalier

  • miles
We have had problems with this car from the date that it was purchased. The brake rotor problems have been worked on several times, and it will stop for a while, but will continue to worsen with time. The ABS light and low coolant light have been on and off for over and year and we were told that we would have to pay to have them fixed, the sound from the exhaust, possibly the catalytic converter, has been going on for over a year and again, we were told we needed to replace it, that it was not covered under warranty. Then engine is sounding more awful as time goes on...lots of noise under the hood especially at crusing speed, and then again when slowing to a stop, and more recently even when idling. Not only was this car not serviced properly when I would bring it in with a complaint, but I feel as if the dealers were purposely putting me off just so the warranty would run out and I would have to fix these problems myself. Obviously I am not the only on that has had similiar problems. And also, the car has been leaking antifreeze for a number of months, but cant seem to find the leak. Definitely can smell the burning antifreeze, especially after an extended trip.

- Ketchum, OK, USA

problem #2

Oct 251999

(reported on)

Cavalier

  • miles
Have had many problems with car - at 20,000 - the dealer replaced the front brakes and machined rotors, after I requested they be checked due to squeaking. Service covered under warranty. At 30,000 - the battery failed on car while parked. Had car towed to dealership and replaced battery. Dealer stated that there was a faulty battery cell. Service covered under warranty. At 40,000 miles, horn has failed. Currently negotiating with dealer to replace without cost. Have always had ABS problems - car will buck and jerk under certain wet pavement conditions when ABS should not activate. Concerned about this - but cannot afford cost of replacing ABS. Dealer has looked at brakes and said nothing about ABS problems. Have banging/clanging noise from right rear of car when car is cold. Unsure what causes this. After reading the consumer complaints and defects on this website, believe that my car has these same defects. Frightened that my car is now incredibly unreliable and may catch fire like other cars listed. Suggestions?

- Groton, CT, USA

problem #1

Oct 011997

Cavalier

  • miles
The anti-lock brakes engage at inappropriate times, at low speeds, precisely as described in the recent recall of GM trucks and SUVS. The problem comes and goes. It can occur at very low speeds, and despite very slight pressure applied to the brakes. It is most common on hills, but also occurs on flat surfaces. It occurs on dry as well as wet surfaces, although it is more common on wet surfaces. We have been to the dealer many times and although they have replaced the front brake pads and both front rotors resurvaced and the rear shoes adjusted (at a cost to us of $200) the problem did not go away. We are certain this is the same problem as the trucks and SUVS and that the recall should be extended to the Cavalier.

- St. Thomas, VI, USA