1988 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

General information about Chevrolet-Cavalier
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

The 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier is known to have several common problems, primarily related to the engine, transmission, and electrical components.

One of the most frequently reported issues is the failure of the turn signal switch, which can cause the signals to stop working altogether. This problem can be dangerous, as it can make it difficult for other drivers to anticipate the car's movements.

The second generation Cavalier (1988-1994) ranks 19th in reliability out of 80 generations, with 82 complaints mostly about engine problems.

Another common problem with the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier is transmission issues. For example, a transmission tube can break open at just over 55,000 miles, leading to transmission failure.

The brake pads on the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier also tend to wear out more quickly than on other cars, requiring more frequent replacement.

In summary, the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier has several common problems that can affect its safety, reliability, and performance. These issues include turn signal switch failure, engine problems, transmission issues, and brake pad wear. It is essential to address these problems promptly to ensure the car remains safe and reliable.

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.

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 1988 Cavalier Z24 have?

The Z24 is motivated by a 130-hp 2.8L V6 with multiport fuel-injection.

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.

How many miles can a Chevy Cavalier last?

Why did Chevy stop making Cavaliers?

How much horsepower does a 1988 Cavalier Z24 have?

The Z24 is motivated by a 130-hp 2.8L V6 with multiport fuel-injection.

What kind of engine does a Chevy Cavalier have?

1988 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:

Electrical system problems
Visibility problems
Steering problems
Exterior lighting problems
Wheels problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Chevrolet Cavalier complaints

The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier.

2005-11-01

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-02-21
VIN: 1G1JC8119JJ
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: 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

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2004-04-09

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-04-04
VIN: 1G1JC1111JJ
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: WINDSHIELD BONDING DOES NOT MEET FMVSS 212, 1988, CHEVROLET CAVALIER, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO: 88V121000. *AK

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2004-03-30

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-03-26
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: 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

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2002-04-21

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1G1JF11W1J7
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

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1998-06-16

WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1G1JF11W9J7
Components: WHEELS
Summary: WATER LEAKS INTO THE SPARE TIRE WELL IN THE TRUNK.

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1997-05-01

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1G1JC1119JJ
Components: STEERING
Summary: DUE TO THE ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION OF THE STEERING RACK AND ITS INTERNAL COMPONENTS, THE STEERING FAILS ON LEFT TURNS IN COLD WEATHER.

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1996-08-15

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: SUSPENSION/BODY PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WAS IN A WRECKED BEFORE DRIVER PURCHASED IT. *AK

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1996-07-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-11-02
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: 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

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1996-06-21

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-06-20
Crash: 1
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT COLLISION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE LAP SEAT BELT BROKE APART. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

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1995-09-15

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1991-06-01
VIN: 1G1JC5117JJ
Components: STEERING
Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING'. *DH

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1995-05-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-05-05
Fire: 1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN FRONT DASH, ELECTRICAL. TT

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1995-03-13

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: WAS DRIVING THE CAR CAME TO A STOP LIGHT PUT ON BRAKE IT FEEL LIKE CAR IS ALREADY TO GO. TT

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1988 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier.

2006-05-19

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).

1988-07-25

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Summary: THERE MAY BE POOR BOND ADHESION BETWEEN WINDSHIELD GLASS AND MOUNTING.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: REINSTALL WINDSHIELD ASSURING PROPER ADHESION.

1988-06-14

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
Summary: REAR LAMP WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTAIN OPEN OR INTERMITTENT CIRCUITS AFFECTING BACK UP LAMP OR LICENSE PLATE LAMP OPERATION.
Consequence: LAMPS WOULD FLASH OR BE INOPERATIVE; CARS WOULD NOTCOMPLY WITH FMVSS 108.
Remedy: INSTALL NEW WIRING HARNESS.