1989 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 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
The Chevrolet Cavalier, produced between 1982 and 2005, is known for a number of common problems that have been reported by owners. These issues range from electrical problems to transmission failures, and can be costly to repair.
One of the most common problems with the Cavalier is related to the Passlock system, which is designed to prevent theft. This system has been known to fail, causing the car to not start and illuminating a warning light. This issue has affected a significant number of Cavalier owners, with an average repair cost of $520.
Another common problem with the Cavalier is transmission failure. This issue has been reported by many owners, with some experiencing problems as early as 90,000 miles. The average repair cost for transmission problems is over $3,000.
Electrical problems are also a common issue with the Cavalier. These problems can range from the car failing to start, windows and door mirrors suddenly ceasing to operate, and batteries going inexplicably flat. Some cars have even caught fire due to electrical issues. The average repair cost for electrical problems is $450.
Steering problems are another common issue with the Cavalier, particularly with the Malibu model. The power steering has been known to go out suddenly, requiring replacement at an average cost of $910.
Instrument problems are also common with the Cavalier, particularly with the Silverado and Trailblazer models. The instrument cluster has been known to fail, requiring replacement at an average cost of $440.
In addition to these common problems, the Cavalier has also been known to suffer from fuel pump failures, dashboard cracking, excessive oil consumption, and air-conditioning problems.
While the Cavalier has had its share of problems, it is important to note that many of these issues can be addressed through proper maintenance and repair. Regular servicing and the use of high-quality parts can help to extend the life of the car and reduce the likelihood of problems occurring. Additionally, many of the common problems with the Cavalier can be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic, helping to keep repair costs down.
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.
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 fast does a Chevy Cavalier go?
CHEVROLET Cavalier Coupe 2.2L 5MT FWD (141 HP)
| PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 111.9 mph (180 km/h) |
| Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9 s |
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 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 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 happened to Chevy Cavalier?
The station wagon was sold until 1994. The 1995-2005 Cavalier received a Poor rating in the IIHS' frontal off-set crash test. Meaning, head, neck and leg injury risk were extremely high. In 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier was replaced by the Cobalt in the United States and the Chevrolet Optra in Canada & Mexico.
1989 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
- Gasoline problems
- Fuel system problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier
The NHTSA has received 63 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicles.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-04
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN US 95 NORTH IN LAS VEGAS AT 65 MPH, THE IGNITION SUDDENLY TURNED OFF AND LEFT ME COASTING WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. I WAS IN THE EXIT LANE. BECAUSE IT WAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, I WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE CLUTCH AND TURN THE KEY AND ENGINE FIRED RIGHT UP AGAIN BEFORE I DECREASED TOO MUCH SPEED THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE 3 YEARS I OWNED THIS CAR. THE SECOND TIME WAS ON RAPART BLVD BETWEEN CHEYENNE AND LAKE MEAD, AGAIN IN LAS VEGAS. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST OUT OF TRAFFIC AND INTO A PARKING LOT WHERE I LEFT THE CAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MECHANICS COULD NEVER FIGURE OUT WHY IT CONTINUED TO DO THIS. I THINK GM NEEDS TO LOOK EVEN FARTHER BACK WITH THESE IGNITION ISSUES AS THE CAVALIER IS THE PREDECESSOR TO THE COBALT. I REPEAT THIS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND THEY COULD NEVER FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-25
- VIN: 1G1JF11W6K7
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I PURCHASED FOUR FIREHAWK SS20 P215/60R14 RWL TIRES FOR MY 89 CAVALIERZ24 ON 04/19/01 IN JACKSONVILLE FL. AT STORE #005770 OR #018538-THERE ARE TWO NUMBERS. THEY HAVE BEEN ROTATED TWICE SINCE THEN. RECENTLY, I HAVE NOTICED THAT ONE OF MY TIRES IS SEPARATING ABOVE THE WHITE LETTERS IN PERFECT BI-SECTION OF THE MOLD OUTLETS(THE LITTLE RUBBER FINGER LIKE THINGIES HA HA). TO ME THIS IS ODD. I WAS AN AIRCRAFT MECHANIC FOR THE NAVY AND HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. AS A COUPLE OF WEEKS HAVE GONE BY THE SPLITTING HAS BECOME WORSE AND IS STARTING ON THE OTHER MOLD OUTLETS. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE INTEGRITY OF THE RUBBER COMPOSITION ON THAT TIRE FOR IT TO SPLIT OR SEPARATE LIKE THAT. THE TIRE IS DATED FOR LATE 2000 AND HAS A TREAD DEPT OF 5 STILL LEFT ON IT. *JB
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-07-15
- VIN: 1G1JC111OKJ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ENTIRE RED CAR BEGAN FADING ABOUT 1 YEAR AFTER DELIVERY. DOORS ONLY HAVE LOST ALL PAINT, INTEGRITY OF DOORS IS COMPROMISED DUE TO RESULTING RUST. I CAN LIVE WITH AN AUTO WHICH IS SLOWING FADING IN COLOR:THE PRIMARY CONCERN IS THE DOORS. BECAUSE IT IS SO OBVIOUS THAT IT IS SOLELY BOTH DOORS EXHIBITING THE POOR QUALITIY, THERE HAS TO HAVE BEEN A DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP AND/OR MATERIALS INITIALLY. THANKS FOR YOU QUICK ATTENTION TO REMEDY THIS FAULTY CONDITION. I HAVE SEEN OTHER AUTOS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL EXHIBITING THE SAME DEFECT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-23
- VIN: 1G1JC1115KJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHEN I COME TO A SUDDEN STOP OR PUSH MY BRAKES TO A CERTAIN PART DOWN, THE CAR DIES. ALSO ON THE RECALL OF THE FUEL TANK BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIPS COMPUTER DID NOT GO THAT FAR BACK ON THE MODEL THEY WOULD'NT DO IT.THE DEALER WAS KARNES IN SOMERSET KY.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-01
- VIN: 1G1JF31W4K7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DOOR FRAME ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THIS VEHICLE HAS CRACKS EXTENDING OUT IN ALL DIRECTIONS FROM THE DRILL HOLE FOR THE STRIKER. THIS PRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD TO THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES. SHOULD THE VEHICLE(FOR INSTANCE)BE HIT BROADSIDE ON THE DRIVERS REAR QUARTER (JUST BEHIND THE DOOR) THE DOOR LOCK STRIKER WILL MORE THAN LIKELY TEAR OUT, & THE DRIVER COULD BE EJECTED, OR REAR PASSENGERS INJURED BY THE ENTIRE COLLAPSE OF THE REAR QUARTER PANEL & UNI-BODY STRUCTURE. THERE ARE STILL A GREAT NUMBER OF VEHICLES LIKE THIS ON THE ROAD. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM WITH [XXX]'S VEHICLE & OTHERS LIKE IT. I WILL BE DOING THE SAME. SINCERELY, HER AUTO TECHNICAN FRIEND. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-05
- VIN: 1GG1JCC119K
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR SEAT BACKS FLOP BACK AND FORTH. SEATS WILL COME UP AND DOWN WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SEAT BACKS DO NOT LOCK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. *YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-14
- VIN: 1G1JF11W0K7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS HAD 3 KNOWN ECM MODULES REPLACED IN ITS LIFE OF 11 YEARS. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FILL THE GAS TANK COMLETELY, FUEL FLOODS OUT OF THE UNDERBODY OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE GROUND. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1JF11W6K7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A BAD ACCIDENT. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH AND ANOTHER VECHICLE HIT HIM FROM THE BLIND SIDE. HE WANTS TO NO WHY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-07
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH SYSTEM SPECS ON PARTS WERE CHANGED. THIS CAUSED THE CLUTCH TO LOCK UP IF AIR GETS INTO LINE. CAN NOT GET OUT OF GEAR. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL SYSTEM FAILED / FUEL GUAGE OVERHEATING. *YC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1JC8119KJ
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE HATCHBACK LATCH EXPERIENCING FAILURE, ADJUSTMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH NOT SUCCESS. HOWEVER, WHEN THE HATCHBACK IS FULLY CLOSED ANY SMALL BUMP WHILE DRIVING RELEASES THE LOCK AND POPS THE DOOR OPEN, WHICH ALLOWS EXHAUST (FUMES) TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *YC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1JC1119KJ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO PROBLEM DESCRIBED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-05
- VIN: 1FALP5229TG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHENEVER DRIVING THE VEHICLE ABOUT 40MPH, WOULD HEAR A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF VEHICLE WHEN TURNING. THEN THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ALWAYS GO TO THE RIGHT. TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED THAT IT WAS THE RACK AND PINION. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-18
- VIN: 1G1JF11W1K7
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE SEAT BELTS WOULD LOCK UP WHEN LEANING FORWARD; WOULD ALSO OCCUR WHILE APPLYING BRAKES. THERE IS NO GIVE. HAVE TO PULL/JERK TO TRY TO RELEASE BELT FOR ROOM. ITS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. DEALR CANNOT LOCATE REASON FOR LOCK UP. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1DJC5113K
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PIPE LEADING INTO FUEL TANK LEAKED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-15
- VIN: 1G1JC5119KJ
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE WENT BAD, ANTI-FREEZE LEAKED OUT OF RADIATOR AS A RESULT. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: EXTERIOR FINISH ON VEHICLE HAS DEGRADED SEVERELY DESPITE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. *AK
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-15
- VIN: 1G1JC81W5KJ
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVNG THE VEHICLE THE BACK DOOR UNLATCHES FOR NO REASON, ALSO REPLACED POWER DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-07
- VIN: 1G1JF11WXK7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-04-29
- VIN: 1G1JF11WXK7
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRES FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-04-25
- VIN: 1G1JF11WXK7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WATER PUMP, SPARK PLUGS AND SERPENTINE BELT FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-10-07
- VIN: 1G1JF11WXK7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CV JOINT BOOT STRAP IS VERY CLOSE TO THE OIL FILTER AND DAMAGED FILTER CAUSING OIL LEAKING AND MOTOR TO SIEZE DUE TO DESIGN LOCATION FLAW.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-22
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED. (FIRST VEHICLE ON 507067)
1989 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: A FUEL TANK LEAK COULD OCCUR DUE TO SMALL CREASES ON THE TANK UNDERSIDE CRACKING DURING PRESSURE CYCLING WHICH OCCURS DURING NORMAL OPERATION.
- Consequence: IN PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THIS CONDITION COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FUEL TANK.
Other years of Chevrolet Cavalier
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