RoadVitals

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Body & structure Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Body & structure reportsComplaints 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.
30
Latest Aug 31, 2017
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
9%
of 345 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 30 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming body or structure

The 25 most recent of 30, in the owner's own words

Body & structure
Filed Aug 31, 2017

I HEARD VIBRATION BY THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL. I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED I COULD ACTUALLY MOVE (WOBBLE) THE WHEEL, IT CAME LOOSE FROM THE FRAME ACCORDING TO 3 CAR SHOPS. I EVEN TOOK IT TO A CHEVY DEALERSHIP, IT WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ALSO THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY CORRODED, THERE ARE PARTS OF THE UNIBODY FRAME THAT ARE JUST MISSING DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE REST OF THE CAR IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE, BUT DUE TO THE FRAME ISSUE ITS NOW UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND WAY TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. ANY RECALLS ON THE 1998 CAVALIER?

NHTSA ID
11020957
Incident
Aug 1, 2017
Mileage
195,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 1, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH, THE SUB FRAME FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *TR

NHTSA ID
10522588
Incident
Jun 26, 2013
Mileage
120,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 5, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SUB FRAME FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,000.

NHTSA ID
10487465
Incident
Dec 3, 2012
Mileage
155,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 16, 2012

TOOK VEHICLE FOR STATE INSPECTION. VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO FRAME BEING RUSTED. MECHANIC/INSPECTOR STATES THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON ON THE 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THERE ARE MFG. FRAME HOLES THAT THE SUBFRAME IS RUSTING NEAR THE REAR WHEELS. SUGGESTED THAT COULD HAVE A BODY SHOP WELD PLATES OVER THE MFG HOLES IN THE FRAME. *JS

NHTSA ID
10455431
Incident
Apr 16, 2012
Mileage
150,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 12, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN HE WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT ONE OF THE WHEELS WAS PROTRUDING OUTWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10439418
Incident
Nov 24, 2011
Mileage
123,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 4, 2011

NO EVENTS EXCEPT THE SUB FRAME JUST SPLIT IN HALF ,CAUSING THE VEHICLE HAS VERY LITTLE CONTROL AND PULLS ERRATICALLY FROM ONE WAY TO ANOTHER, HAD TO REPLACE THE SUB FRAME. *TR

NHTSA ID
10399097
Incident
Jan 1, 2011
Mileage
131,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 18, 2010

CHEVY CAVALIER RUSTED SUB FRAMES. CAR VIBRATES WILDLY AT A CERTAIN SPEEDS. CAR WAS PARKED. WAS TOLD VEHICLE WARRANTY HAD ALREADY EXPIRED AND THERE HAD BEEN NO OTHER CALLS RELATED TO THIS. WAS TOLD BY GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT CAR (IF DRIVEN) SHOULD BE DRIVEN CAUTIOUSLY (NO BUMPS, POTHOLES, LONG DISTANCE TRIPS) RECOMMENDED WE DON'T DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10331065
Incident
Aug 28, 2009
Mileage
170,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 16, 2009

THE 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER STARTS TO SHAKE WHEN IT REACHES 60 MPH OR MORE. IT IS A HORRIBLE FEELING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10296166
Incident
Dec 13, 2009
Mileage
143,600 mi
Body & structure
Filed Nov 30, 2009

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO VIBRATE. ALSO WHEN STRIKING A SMALL BUMP ON THE ROAD WAY, THE VEHICLE WILL FISH TAIL. DURING THE INSTALLATION OF NEW TIRES, SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLES SUB FRAME HAD CORROSION. IT COST $3500.00 TO REPAIR THE FRAME. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172000.

NHTSA ID
10294040
Incident
Jun 28, 2009
Mileage
170,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 15, 2008

I WAS STOPPED AT RED LIGHT AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I TOOK OFF AND FELT A PULL TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAD MY BROTHER IN LAW CHECK IT OUT AND THE SUB-FRAME WAS ROTTED. WE REPLACED IT BUT FEEL THIS NEEDED TO BE BROUGHT TO YOUR ATTENTION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10251848
Incident
Nov 20, 2008
Mileage
133,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Oct 18, 2006
Fire reported

NO WARNING OF ANYTHING WRONG, HAD DRIVEN LESS THAN 1 MILE WHEN TRUNK CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO DEFECTIVE WIRING. *NM

NHTSA ID
10171276
Incident
Aug 12, 2006
Mileage
82,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Sep 14, 2006
Fire reported

WIRING HARNESS SHORTED OUT AND STARTED TRUNK FIRE. *NM

NHTSA ID
10168210
Incident
Sep 11, 2006
Mileage
65,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Sep 14, 2004

THE DASHBOARD DEVELOPED CRACKS WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATES THE DASH MATERIAL NEEDS BE TO REPLACED. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

NHTSA ID
10092080
Incident
Sep 13, 2004
Mileage
89,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 17, 2004

THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TRIM AROUND THE DASHBOARD AND RADIO CRACKED AND PEELED OFF. THE CONSUMER WAS AFRAID THAT IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT OR IF HE HIT SOMETHING, IN ADDITION TO THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYING, PIECES OF THIS PLASTIC WOULD COME OFF, INJURING OR HARMING HIM. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. *AK *SC *JB

NHTSA ID
10071617
Incident
Apr 26, 2004
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Aug 18, 2003

CONVERTIBLE TOP LEAKS AND HAS DONE SO SINCE THE FIRST RAIN WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IN JUNE OF 1998. VEHICLE WENT IN FOR REPAIRS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH NO SUCCESS IN FIXING THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE OVER THE LAST YEARS. HEAVY RAIN FLOODS THE FRONT SEATS OF THE VEHICLE AS DOES WASHING. FINALLY GAVE UP AFTER SEVERAL UNSUCESSFUL ATTEMPTS. SLOWLY OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS THE WINDOW MOTORS HAVE GONE BAD PREVENTING ME FROM ROLLING THE WINDOWS DOWN. THEY GET STUCK AND DON'T ROLL UP. ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS MY WINDOWS, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HAVE FALLEN INTO THE DOOR PANELS AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A FRIEND AS WELL AS STRANGERS WHEN I SEE THEM DRIVING THE SAME VEHICLE AND THEY HAVE ALL THUS FAR EXPRESSED THE SAME PROBLEMS IN REGARDS TO LEAKING AND WINDOW MOTOR. I REFUSE TO PAY $350 + TO HAVE A $50 WINDOW MOTOR REPLACED IN THE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
10033057
Incident
Jun 6, 1998
Mileage
36 mi
Body & structure
Filed Feb 27, 2001

EVERYTIME IT RAINS THE CONVERTABLE TOP LEAKS AT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE IT DRIPS INTO THE SEATS I HAVE HAD THE SEAL REPLACED, IT STILL LEAKS. THE CHEVY DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING ELSE THEY CAN DO. *AK

NHTSA ID
741631
Incident
Oct 20, 2000
Body & structureInterior & seatsTransmission
Filed Nov 28, 2000

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED PREMATURELY, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING WARRANTY REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE DEALERSHIP. *MJS

NHTSA ID
558140
Body & structure
Filed Sep 15, 2000

CONVERTIBLE TOP IS LEAKING WATER INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARMENT WHICH HAS CAUSED CARPET TO MOLD . CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ID
870605
Body & structure
Filed Aug 25, 2000

WILTON MOTORS (CT) HAS HAD IT FOR 2 WEEKS WITHOUT REPAIR!

NHTSA ID
729051
Incident
Jul 31, 2000
Body & structure
Filed Aug 3, 2000

WHENEVER IT RAINS PASSENGER'S SIDE COMPARTMENT FILLS UP WITH WATER. DEALER CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE. *AK

NHTSA ID
866709
Body & structure
Filed Jul 28, 2000

BOTH DOORS HAVE RATTLES SOUNDS LIKE CRASH BARS WELD BROKEN OR WINDOW GUIDES LOSE. *AK

NHTSA ID
726187
Body & structureElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 16, 2000

SPARK PLUG WIRES SHORTED. YH

NHTSA ID
550972
Incident
Oct 18, 1999
Body & structureBrakesInterior & seats+1 more
Filed Oct 6, 1999

#1, THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WARPED AND THE PADS WERE WORN. DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY SO I PAID OUT OF POCKET. NOW SECOND SET OF ROTORS AND PADS IS IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. #2 TRUNK LID LATCH COULD NOT BE OPENED WITH KEY, DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR/REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY, SO I PAID OUT OF POCKET. #3 REVERSE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED, AGAIN DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY, I PAID OUT OF POCKET. SWITCH HAS GONE BAD AGAIN AND I PAID TO HAVE IT REPLACE A SECOND TIME. #4 DRIVER'S DOOR HINGES WERE BENT AND DOOR DID NOT ALWAYS CLOSE TIGHTLY, DEALER REPAIRED AT NO CHARGE. #5 DRIVER'S SIDE SIDE HAD A METAL BAR STICKING THROUGH THE UPHOLSTERY INTO MY BACK. DEALER REPAIRED AT NO CHARGE.

NHTSA ID
712908
Incident
Aug 12, 1999
Body & structureBrakesSuspension
Filed Sep 14, 1999

NO SUMMARY

NHTSA ID
711361
Body & structureBrakesEngine+2 more
Filed Apr 29, 1999

THIS CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER RECOGNIZES THE PROBLEM BUT CONSISTANTLY REFUSES TO TAKE ANY RSPONSIBILITIES FOR THE JUNK THAT THEY SOLD ME. THIS CAR HAS BEEN TO THE BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS ON THE MANUFACTURER GROUND EFFECTS PACKAGE THE TRANSMISSION THAT DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY THE BRAKE SYSTEM THE I HAVE HAD TO HAVE ROTORS TURNED AND WITHIN FOUR MONTHS HAVE BRAND NEW ROTORS BUT ON. THE SUNROOF DOESN'T OPEN PROPERLY, THE TRUNK LID HITS THE BUMPER WHEN YOU CLOSE IT,THE ENGINE MAKES A WEIRD RATTLE NOISE WHEN YOU GO OVER A BUMP,THE DOORS DO NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY, THER IS TONS OF RUST ON THE INSIDE WALLS OF MY TRUNK, I WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF A RECALL ON THE OIL CONSUMPTION VALVE TWO WEEKS AFTER ALL THE OIL IN MY CAR HAD LEAKED OUT CAUSING MY ENGINE TO KNOCK ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK (HAD TO PUT FOUR QUARTS OF OIL IN IT THREE DAYS FROM HAVING AN OIL CHANGE, I NEVER RECEIVED THE AIRBAG RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE. TO WRAP THIS UP IN A NUTSHELL I WILL NEVER BUY A CHEVROLET PRODUCT AGAIN I WILL RESULT TO A FORIEGN CAR MAKER (HONDA) TO PURCHASE MY NEXT VEHICLE. NK

NHTSA ID
706089
Incident
Nov 27, 1998

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .