10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 4 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 4 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 24,167 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The contact owned a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle hydroplaned on ice. As a result, the contact crashed into the guardrail. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a fractured spine that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
- Medina, NY, USA
(1) my cousin was driving her 1998 Cavalier when she was struck head on by an oncoming vehicle (2) her driver's side chair broke lose and her seat belt came out of its fastener and the metal "hook" striking her body resulting in a laceration. Her body was then throw forward with such great force that she hit the windshield with her head twice resulting in a concussion, black eye, swollen forehead and other cuts and bruises. Additionally, at the point of impact, despite the force with which she was struck, her airbag failed to deploy which could have further prevented her striking the windshield. Every safety device in this vehicle failed miserably resulting in serious injury.
- Atlanta, GA, USA
Vehicle's air bag light keeps illuminating on the dashboard. The consumer is very concerned about the air bag light. This is a very harzardous and safety problem. The consumer is suggesting that research be found out about the vehicle or whether or not a recall needs to be done.
- Spencer, MA, USA
While driving at any speed and with no warning seatbelt and air bag light will light up intermittently. Dealer notified.
- Nebsko, NE, USA
While driving at any speed and with no warning seatbelt and air bag light will light up intermittently. Dealer notified.
- Nebsko, NE, USA
Approxiamately 2 months into owning the vehicle the problems started. First the seat belt covers snapped off, I've had to have the steering stabilizers replaced 3 times already, the air conditioner which is rarely used failed at about 55-60,000 miles, the battery busted and leaked on the entire right side under hood, the jack was warped, the gas guage reads incorrectly, the sunroof stopped working after 30000 miles, dash rattles, glove box will not stay closed, pass seat gets stuck when you move it forward, the gas pedal gets stuck and you have to apply more force than usual to get it moving, drivers door does not close all the way, more air than normal comes into vehicle, thermostat failed at 30000 miles, installed sidewinder 6500 car alarm which failed to operate after the battery busted, plus numerous other problems not mentioned here.
- Dallas, TX, USA
Air bag stays on, 3 modules replaced, problem still present. Horn would not work with steering wheel straight, replaced cancelling cam. Ok. car would not drive straight, replaced steering gear box, ok. A/C rumbles at idle when hot, replaced belt and tensioner, problem still present but not as loud. Dome light stays on, replaced alarm module, ok.
- Killeen, TX, USA
The car has front airbags, the rear seat folds down to extend the trunk area. This can be done by pulling the strap with one finger. Where do I safely secure a rear facing infant car seat and a two month old child" in calling the dealer I was told of the complicated lengthy process required to get permission to remove the airbag. Then there is a $500 charge which I can't afford. Can she safely ride in this new car tomorrow" which is worse a minor rear end accident which could drop the seat on top of the car seat and child, or an accident capable of deploying the airbag and probably causing the seat to drop.
- Fayetteville, NC, USA
On December 12, 1998 I was in an accident in which I rear ended another vehicle. As I followed the other driver to a near by parking lot to evaluate the damage my air bags both driver and passenger sides went off. I believe they failed in their primary function due to the fact that they didnt inflate until about 3 to 5 minutes after the accident when we were pulling off the road. When they finally did eject and inflate the passenger side air bag cover blew out and shattered my winshield causing an additional $412 worth of damage!!! I am just glad it wasnt a serious accident because then they would of been totally useless. I truely believe that the airbags were inoperable and caused me an additional $412 in the cost of my repairs to my vehicle. I also believe that due to the fact they were not operating correctly I should be intitled to some sort of retribution. Thank you for your time and rapid response to my problem and concern!!!
- Clinton Township, MI, USA
False deployment of air bags caused damage to vehicle (undercarriage) when consumer had to drive off road.
- Young Amer, MN, USA
Low speed collision and false deployment of air bags resulting in damage to vehicle and burns to arms and face.
- Galesburg, MI, USA
- Rosharon, TX, USA