1983 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
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.
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Common 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Based on the information provided in the search results, here are common problems with the 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier as reported by owners:
- Rubber Deterioration: The rubber components on the car, including tires, are prone to deterioration over time, which can affect the overall performance and safety of the vehicle.
- Fluid Problems: Fluids in the 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier are reported to degrade over time, potentially leading to operational issues if not properly maintained.
- Suspension Concerns: Shocks in the Cavalier are mentioned to wear out, impacting the ride quality and handling of the vehicle.
- Ignition Control Module: There have been complaints about issues related to the ignition control module in the 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier, which can affect the starting and running of the vehicle.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of the 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier.
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.
Why did Chevy stop making 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 much horsepower does a 1983 Chevy Cavalier have?
1983: Chevy Cavalier Gets Hot-Rod High-Compression Engine with Fuel Injection. And a monstrous 88 hp. The Chevrolet Division never hesitated to advertise the Cavalier, which stayed in production on the same J-Body platform for nearly a quarter-century (and was sold as a Toyota Cavalier in Japan).
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.
How much horsepower does a 1983 Chevy Cavalier have?
1983: Chevy Cavalier Gets Hot-Rod High-Compression Engine with Fuel Injection. And a monstrous 88 hp. The Chevrolet Division never hesitated to advertise the Cavalier, which stayed in production on the same J-Body platform for nearly a quarter-century (and was sold as a Toyota Cavalier in Japan).
Why did Chevy stop making 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.
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.
1983 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Chevrolet Cavalier complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-18
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND FLAMES BEGAN TO COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD, THE PLASTIC OVERFLOW TANK WAS MELTED AND THE PLASTIC CAP MELTED. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-01
- VIN: 1G1AD69POD7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: #2 PISTON BROKE BETWEEN OIL RING SLOT AND COMPRESSION RING SLOT CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-21
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE LEAKS OIL ON BRAKE/ACCELERATOR PEDALS. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-07-08
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ECM REPLACED DUE TO STALLING. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-04-29
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION WIRE REPLACED. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-07-07
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DEALER INSTALLED HARNESS UNDER HOOD. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-07-07
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY FAILURE. *SD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1983-09-06
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: GASKETS REPLACED. *SD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-06-27
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EGR SOLENOID REPLACED. *SD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1983-09-06
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LINE DEFECTIVE AFTER RECALL. *SD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-06-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *SD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-04-29
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1985-05-15
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SPARK PLUGS REPLACED. *SD
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1983-03-09
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ODOMETER FRAUD. *SD
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1985-07-11
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING LEAKS. *SD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1985-03-21
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED. *SD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-11-23
- VIN: 1G1AD69P8DJ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: PLASTIC VALVE MELTED/LODGED AGAINST THE THROTTLE PLATE, CAUSING LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL PRIOR TO RECALL, RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED.
1983 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- 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).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
- Summary: INTERNAL CORROSION OF PULSAIR CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY COULD PERMIT EXHAUST GAS TO MELT THE PLASTIC SHUT OFF VALVE AND DRAW VALVE PIECES INTO THE AIR CLEANER AND THROTTLE BODY.
- Consequence: IF VALVE PIECES LODGE AGAINST THROTTLE PLATE, ENGINE MAYNOT RETURN TO IDLE RESULTING IN LOSS ACCELERATOR CONTROL AND POSSIBLY A CRASH.
- Remedy: REPLACE PULSAIR CHECK VALVE AND SHUT OFF VALVE WITH NEWLY DESIGNED VALVES.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE METAL FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK AROUND THE LEFT FRONT OUTER SEAT ADJUSTER STUD OF THE DRIVERS SEAT, ALLOWING THE STUD TO SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR.
- Consequence: DRIVERS SEAT COULD TIP REARWARD UNEXPECTEDLY; THIS COULDRESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET ON THE FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR AT THE LEFT FRONT OUTER SEAT ADJUSTER POSITION OF THE DRIVERS SEAT.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
- Summary: THE BRAKE PROPORTIONER VALVES MAY BREAK AND SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS WOULD ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK AND WOULD RESULT IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ALL SUSPECT VALVES.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM
- Summary: THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM WHICH SUPPORTS THE FRONT WHEEL, BRAKE AND STEERING ASSEMBLY, MAY COME LOOSE AT ITS MOUNTING BRACKET. THIS IS DUE TO POSSIBLE INADEQUATE WELDING OF THE BRACKET.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT ASSEMBLY AT NO COST.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS
- Summary: POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR AT THE THROTTLE BODY INJECTION FUEL FEED PIPE CONNECTION ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES.
- Remedy: THE FUEL FEED LINE FITTING BOLT AND TWO WASHERS WILL BE REPLACED BY THE DEALER AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Other years of Chevrolet Cavalier
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