RoadVitals

1988 Chevrolet Cavalier

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
12
Latest Nov 1, 2005
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest May 19, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
6
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 12 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier, most frequently naming the brakes, interior & seats and steering categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 6 NHTSA investigations name it; and 1 manufacturer communication is on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes215.4%
  • Interior & seats215.4%
  • Steering215.4%
  • Visibility215.4%
  • Other / unspecified17.7%
  • Seat belts17.7%
  • Electrical17.7%
  • Suspension17.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
88V121000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Jul 25, 1988
33 units potentially affected
The defect: THERE MAY BE POOR BOND ADHESION BETWEEN WINDSHIELD GLASS AND MOUNTING.
The risk: WINDSHIELD COULD SEPARATE DURING A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIERTEST REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212. SUCH SEPARATION DURING AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT INAN UNBELTED OCCUPANT BEING EJECTED AND INJURIED.
The remedy: REINSTALL WINDSHIELD ASSURING PROPER ADHESION.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
88V095000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

Jun 14, 1988
14,840 units potentially affected
The defect: REAR LAMP WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTAIN OPEN OR INTERMITTENT CIRCUITS AFFECTING BACK UP LAMP OR LICENSE PLATE LAMP OPERATION.
The risk: LAMPS WOULD FLASH OR BE INOPERATIVE; CARS WOULD NOTCOMPLY WITH FMVSS 108.
The remedy: INSTALL NEW WIRING HARNESS.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE93090ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Opened Oct 8, 1993
Closed Feb 28, 1994

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
EA92024ClosedEngineering Analysis

STICKING THROTTLE

Opened Jun 26, 1992
Closed Jan 31, 1994

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
EA90041ClosedEngineering Analysis

BRAKE PERFORMANCE

Opened Aug 29, 1990
Closed Mar 30, 1992

===

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
PE89035ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

STOP LAMPS

Opened Jan 19, 1989
Closed May 24, 1989

SUMMARY:A CHEVROLET SERVICE BULLETIN DATED JULY 1988 INDICATES THAT BOTHSOCKETS MUST BE REPLACED USING PART NUMBER 5972532.THIS SERVICE STOCKUSES A NEW HEAT RESISTANT MATERIAL.PRODUCTION STOCK WAS ALSO CORRECTEDBEGINNING WITH VINS J7163799 AND JJ187909.===

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 12
Visibility
Filed Nov 1, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS WIND BLOWING AROUND THE FRONT WINDSHIELD SEALANTS, ALLOWING COLD DRAFTS TO ENTER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA RECALL 88V121000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL. NO REPAIRS OR CORRECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME. *AK

NHTSA ID
10141367
Incident
Feb 21, 2004
Mileage
100,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Apr 9, 2004

WINDSHIELD BONDING DOES NOT MEET FMVSS 212, 1988, CHEVROLET CAVALIER, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO: 88V121000. *AK

NHTSA ID
10065819
Incident
Apr 4, 2004
Mileage
64,870 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 30, 2004

PURCHASED A 1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER FROM E[ILOTOS AUTO SALES 2230 FRANKFORT AVE. PHILA. PA. THE CAR WAS SOLD WITHOUT THE DEALER INFORMING THE BUYER OF THE DEFECTS. THERE WERE MANY....TWO MAIN CRUNCHERS WERE THE BRAKES AND HUDDLED SYSTEMS. THE EMISSION STICKERS WERE DUE. THE DEALER SAID,"HE WOULD PUT STICKERS ON AFTER THE SALE," WHICH WHEN THE TIME ARRIVED FOR THE TRANSACTION,HE SAID,"WE COULD BUT THEY'RE HOT." NOW WE ARER HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME FINDING A GARAGE TO PUT STICKERS ON IT BECAUSE OF THE MECHANICAL DEFECTS.*AK

NHTSA ID
10064146
Incident
Mar 26, 2004
BrakesExterior lighting
Filed Apr 21, 2002

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
760989
Other / unspecified
Filed Jun 16, 1998

WATER LEAKS INTO THE SPARE TIRE WELL IN THE TRUNK.

NHTSA ID
537080
Steering
Filed May 1, 1997

DUE TO THE ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION OF THE STEERING RACK AND ITS INTERNAL COMPONENTS, THE STEERING FAILS ON LEFT TURNS IN COLD WEATHER.

NHTSA ID
516875
Suspension
Filed Aug 15, 1996

SUSPENSION/BODY PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WAS IN A WRECKED BEFORE DRIVER PURCHASED IT. *AK

NHTSA ID
507486
Interior & seats
Filed Jul 19, 1996

THE ELCTRONIC INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE CLUSTER GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HAS TO PUKK OVER TO WAIT FOR THE CLUSTER TO COME BACK ON, CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX PROBLEM, CONSUMER STATES HE HAS ANOTHR VEHICLE THAT HAS THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THE CLUSTER HAS BEEN FIXED ONCE ALREADY ON THAT VEHICLE.*JB

NHTSA ID
987087
Incident
Nov 2, 1994

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

000524001

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

INFORMATION REGARDING SNOW INTRUSION INTO REAR DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLIES. **MR

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Cavalier by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
20052871038.4
20043302047.2
20036782455.4
20021965054.5
20012436261.1
20003157361.2
19992408054.6
199834511056.0
199754013466.9
199650313465.4
19952709161.2
19942122259.9
19931462156.9
19921341047.8
1991553263.7
1990551257.7
1989432255.2
1988Viewing123662.4
1987243463.1
1986183167.6
1985435—
1984838—
1983366—
1982116—
1981002—
1980001—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.