1982 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

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The Chevrolet Cavalier is a line of compact cars produced by Chevrolet. Serving as the replacement of the Chevrolet Monza, the Cavalier was the second Chevrolet model line to adopt front-wheel drive. Three versions of the Cavalier have been sold, including three generations sold in North America from model years 1982 to 2005, a version produced by SAIC-GM for China from 2016 to 2021, and a SAIC-GM version produced for Mexico since the 2019 model year.

The Cavalier was among the inaugural vehicles of the GM J platform. One of the first "world cars" of General Motors, the J platform was developed for use by each North American GM division (with the exception of GMC), alongside international models for Opel, Vauxhall, and Holden. Though sharing chassis underpinnings, J-body cars from Europe and Australia used slightly different body designs and different powertrains; in Europe, the Vauxhall Cavalier and Opel Ascona were marketed as mid-size cars. Initially a divisional counterpart of the Buick Skyhawk, Cadillac Cimarron, Oldsmobile Firenza, and Pontiac J2000, the Cavalier was primarily marketed alongside the Pontiac Sunbird (renamed the Pontiac Sunfire for 1995).

The 1982-2005 Cavalier was produced by multiple GM facilities across North America. For 2005, the Chevrolet Cobalt replaced the model line in North America.

1982 Chevrolet Cavalier

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Common 1982 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

The Chevrolet Cavalier, introduced in 1982, was a compact car produced by Chevrolet and marketed as a replacement for the Chevrolet Monza.

One of the most significant issues was the mediocre engine performance, particularly the 1.8-liter pushrod four-cylinder engine introduced in 1982.

Another issue was the transmission, which initially featured a four-speed manual gearbox that was replaced with a five-speed Getrag 282 in 1983.

The 1982 Cavalier also faced criticism for its interior quality and design, which was considered basic and lacking in features compared to competitors.

The Cavalier's exterior design was also a subject of criticism, with some critics praising its European-inspired styling but others finding it unattractive and outdated.

Despite these issues, the Cavalier was a popular car and sold well throughout its production run, with over 1.1 million units sold in the United States alone between 1982 and 2005.

1982 Chevrolet Cavalier engine

Why did they stop making Chevy Cavaliers?

Contrary to the American markets, however, the cavalier remained on sale in other regions like Mexico for example. Stopping the Cavalier's production was a logical decision based on the declining sedan sales in the United States, a decision that left only the Malibu to represent the sedan segment in Chevrolet's lineup.

How many miles will a Cavalier last?

There are reports of 2003 Cavaliers topping 300,000 miles with the original powertrain and engine. One mechanic at Car Gurus even claims to have worked on an engine with 440,000 miles on it. But, as you can't vouch for the previous owner's maintenance habits, expect a lifespan of around 250,000 miles.

What is the most miles on a Chevy Cavalier?

It quickly drew a crowd, many observers recalling a friend, co-worker, or neighbor “who had one just like it.” More shocking than the 37-year-old Cavalier's stunning condition was the reading on its odometer: 342,000 miles. In 1980s and 1990s America, the Cavalier and its J-car siblings were omnipresent road furniture.

What kind of engine does a Chevy Cavalier have?

The chassis was revised for 2003. All Cavaliers are powered by GM's newly developed Ecotec 2.2-liter engine, which offers responsive performance, excellent fuel economy, and low emissions. Chevrolet Cavalier is designed to offer a compelling value.

Why did they stop making Chevy Cavaliers?

Contrary to the American markets, however, the cavalier remained on sale in other regions like Mexico for example. Stopping the Cavalier's production was a logical decision based on the declining sedan sales in the United States, a decision that left only the Malibu to represent the sedan segment in Chevrolet's lineup.

How long can a Chevy Cavalier last?

There are reports of 2003 Cavaliers topping 300,000 miles with the original powertrain and engine. One mechanic at Car Gurus even claims to have worked on an engine with 440,000 miles on it. But, as you can't vouch for the previous owner's maintenance habits, expect a lifespan of around 250,000 miles.

What kind of engine does a Chevy Cavalier have?

The chassis was revised for 2003. All Cavaliers are powered by GM's newly developed Ecotec 2.2-liter engine, which offers responsive performance, excellent fuel economy, and low emissions. Chevrolet Cavalier is designed to offer a compelling value.

What engine is in the Toyota Cavalier?

2.4-liter LD9 four-cylinder engine

Predictably, Toyota also opted for the top spec of Cavalier, equipped with the 2.4-liter LD9 four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission.

1982 Chevrolet Cavalier car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Cavalier problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1982 Chevrolet Cavalier complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1982 Chevrolet Cavalier.

1998-01-18

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1G1AE77G0CC
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION.

1982 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1982 Chevrolet Cavalier.

1982-03-08
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
  • Summary: UNDER CERTAAIN CONDITIONS, THE HOSE CLAMPS ON THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK FILLER VENT PIPE COULD FRACTURE. THE FRACTURE OF THESE CLAMPS COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE AT ANY OF THE FOUR PIPE TO HOSE CONNECTIONS. LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR DURING REFUELING, OR WHILE DRIVING, IF THE FUEL TANK IS ABOVE 3/4 FULL.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE HOSE CLAMPS ON THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND VENT PIPE AT NO COST TO OWNER.
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1982 Chevrolet Cavalier photo