Most common 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Share of the 270 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Cavalier complaints by model year
Best Cavalier years: 2002, 2001, 1999. Years to avoid: 2003, 1997, 1996. Compare all years →
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls (4)
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began March 27, 2002.
Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights
The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch is activated. This fails to comply with FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy: Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. If necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.
Structure › Frame and members
Some welds were omitted from the body lock pillar, or "b" pillar. This does not comply with FMVSS no.208, "occupant crash protection."
Remedy: All vehicles in this recall campaign have been repurchased and replaced with a comparable vehicle.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
These vehicles have been built with welds missing from the front suspension lower control arm assemblies causing excessive loads on the existing welds.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both left-hand and right-hand front suspension lower control arm assemblies and replace all control arm assemblies found with omitted welds.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier:
Fire in steering column area
What 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say
Engine & cooling all 82 →
Tl contact owns a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. When the vehicle was started, the battery light illuminated on the instrument panel. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Later that day, the contact drove to the dealer and they stated that the thermostat was defective. The mechanic claimed that the vehicle was repaired, but immediately following, the battery light illuminated on the instrument control panel. The vehicle was then taken to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the battery was defective and made the replacement. The following day, the contact returned to the dealer due to the same failure, but they could not determine the cause. The vehicle has not been repaired since the most recent failure. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was 50,000 and failure mileage was 48,000.
Since the end of August 2002, my car has been falling apart. It all started when my air conditioner stopped working. I had freon put back into it, but after a few days, the freon was gone. The mechanic put a dye into the system to see if there was a leak, but he couldn't see any problem. My car has always overheated in traffic. Oil is leaking from my head gaskets. Now, it is having trouble starting periodically. I was in camden when it wouldn't start. Now I'm afraid to drive it. When I start the car, a clicking noise comes from the starter. Oh yeah, I had the starter "fixed" a year ago because of the recall. There is a noise coming from my alternator. I don't know if it is the alternator or the starter that's keeping the car from starting. From what I've seen in my car and the complaints from others, this is not a reliable car.
Electrical system all 59 →
Fire under hood - had the recall ignition work done on 09/23/2003 while getting the fifth alternator replaced since March of 2002. On 03/28/2004 car would not start for 20 minutes. Finally started, drove approx. 2 miles when smoke poured out from under hood, parked and raised hood, flames. Fire was put out by extinguisher. This is the same problem I read about in the recall notice before I got the recall work done on the ignition. Called dealer that did the recall work who stated he had never heard of a fire after the recall work had been done.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. When the vehicle was started, the battery light illuminated on the instrument panel. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Later that day, the contact drove to the dealer and they stated that the thermostat was defective. The mechanic claimed that the vehicle was repaired, but immediately following, the battery light illuminated on the instrument control panel. The vehicle was then taken to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the battery was defective and made the replacement. The following day, the contact returned to the dealer due to the same failure, but they could not determine the cause. The vehicle has not been repaired since the most recent failure. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was 50,000 and failure mileage was 48,000.
Brakes all 26 →
I bought a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier new, in July 1995. I had the following major repairs done on the car. On 8/97 -entire exhaust from converter back bad baffled under warranty. On 10/97-serpentine belt/rotors/alternator & recall on hazard lights under warranty. 4/00-head gasket,seal,oil,filter,coolant;recall on cover,shield,retainer,sealant (dealer covered costs under a special policy adjustment. 4/00-EGR valve 10/00-adjust serpentine belt;replace serpentine belt 10/01-replace back brake pads,clean front pads 05/02-replace fan belt & tensioner;recall on ignition switch 06/02-broken forward clutch housing,clutch,gaskets,fluid,left front axle assembly 07/02-replace battery,bad cell due to car sitting for so long during previous repair 12/03-water pump, head gasket, thermostat,oil,filter,coolant $461.79-50% of bill reimbursed by Chevrolet upon written request 07/03-rear brakes; …
ABS was heard and felt to make clicking sounds - brake pedal went soft - brakes and ABS lights turned on. Brakes were fine afterwards but the experience repeated a few times before it could be checked out. Computer reading indicated DTC 38 (left front emb will not hold motor). After 5 days when able to get into dealership the dash lights finally went out and dealer unable to find a system failure. One year later (June 7-2000) same experience with car. Will see if dash lights reset in a few days. Brakes work fine except for that moment soon after startup and leaving house area.
1995 Chevrolet Cavalier engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 33 / 26 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 29 / 23 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 29 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier a good car?
Based on 270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1995 Cavalier rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Cavalier at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The engine & cooling — 82 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the electrical system (59) and brakes (26).
How many recalls does the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
There are 4 recalls for the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier, the most recent from March 6, 2002 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Cavalier?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2001 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 1997 and 1996. See the full Chevrolet Cavalier years comparison.
At what mileage do 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 83,000 miles; 5% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.