2001 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls and problems

The 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier has 1 safety recall and 243 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

243

Crashes / fires

23 / 8

Injuries / deaths

24 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls

Recall 04V-036: Electrical System

Reported Jan 27, 2004 · 1,415,231 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.

Risk: If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. The fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.

Fix: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. Owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	59
Power Train	36
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	35
Engine and Engine Cooling	30
Steering	26
Fuel System, Gasoline	24
Air Bags	21
Suspension	17
Structure	14
Visibility	12
Equipment	11
Fuel System, Other	9

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 17
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 13
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 12
Air Bags › Frontal — 11
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 10
Steering › Rack and Pinion — 8
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 7

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 138,000 miles · reported Mar 18, 2019

The contact owns a 2001 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the gear shift was difficult to move and the lever became stuck. Occasionally, the key became stuck in the ignition and the gear shift would not go into gear. Also, the hood was hot, the engine overheated, and the vehicle experienced electrical failures. There were also multiple unknown warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact scheduled a diagnostic appointment with an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The…

Electrical System · at 100,000 miles · reported May 21, 2018

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 Nov 6, 2016

Ignition switch and the ignition lock cylinder malfunctioned in 2009, roughly five years after GM's recall. The original owner of the vehicle took advantage of the ignition switch's service. In addition to the recall, GM installed an ignition wiring harness. Back in 2009, the vehicle's ignition would overturn, and then, the engine would automatically shut-off. To repair the problem, both the ignition switch and lock cylinder were replaced at a cost of $492. In 2014, the ignition switch malfunctions. This time, it appears the ignition lock cylinder to be working properly. The ignition switch…

Steering · at 180,000 miles · reported Nov 18, 2015

The contact owns a 2001 chevrolet cavalier. While driving approximatley 35 MPH, an unusual noise emitted from the steering wheel and the entire instrument panel illuminated. In addition, the vehicle began to jerk. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The trouble code detected a failure within the steering column. The mechanic reset the steering column sensor; however, the failure persisted. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08e063000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired for a second time. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.…

Service Brakes · at 73,000 miles · reported Aug 1, 2015

Sometimes, during regular braking, rear brakes lock and car does not stop. Happens on asphalt even at slow speeds. Online research reveals that this is a common issue that seems to stem from a few causes at time of production.

Other Chevrolet Cavalier years

2005 2004 2003 200220012000

Compare all Chevrolet Cavalier years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier: 04V-036 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (59 reports), followed by power train (36). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,500 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.