Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
Total loss of vehicle. Went to start my car, wouldn't start. Turned key, starter clicked, but engine didn't turn over. Turned key again, engine did not turn over. Turned key to "off" position, then the engine began to turn over, with the key in the "off" position. Removed key and went into house. App. 15 minutes later car was completely engulfed in flames. Fire department stated "electrical malfunction" was cause of fire. Prior to this fire have had several experiences of car not starting for a week at a time and then suddenly will start. This all began after having recall work done appx. 2 years ago on PCM.
Prior to recall notification (02v07000), vehicle would not start, a new starter was installed, on the second occasion consumer had difficulty starting the vehicle and it would click several times before turning over, then on July 20, 2001 while attempting to start the vehicle, the passenger compartment became filled with smoke which was emitting from the steering column which resulted in a fire, consumer is now seeking restitution for the damages incurred.(attorney timothy hill on behalf of client)
The consumer received recall 02v-070 in April but was informed by the technician that the parts would not be available until July. Two weeks later smoke started coming from the steering column while the vehicle was being driven. The technician informed the consumer that wires had burned destroying the computer system. The consumer had to pay for all repairs. The manufacturer refused to reimburse the consumer for the repairs.
Tl contact owns a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. While turning the vehicle at various speeds, the ignition and engine completely failed. The vehicle takes several minutes before it can be restarted. The contact called the dealer and they stated that the vehicle was not under a recall. The current mileage was 78,340 and failure mileage was 60,000.
Consumer received recall notification (02V070000) in April 2002, the letter stated the parts would not be available until July 2002, consumer called on July 5, 2002 and was informed to come in after the holiday weekend, however on July 6, 2002 while driving, smoke began coming out of the steering column and the entire vehicle was destroyed.
Consumer tried to start vehicle up after being parked for an hour. Vehicle failed to start. Consumer left to make a call, came back, and found smoke coming from dashboard. Electrical wires were burned. Consumer didn't smell anything prior to last time when vehicle was driven.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that when the vehicle was turned on, the ignition key failed to stay in the run position. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 207,636.
Related recalls
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.
NHTSA investigations
Fire in steering column area
Electrical complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the electrical system of the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier, 22% of the model year's 270 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-070 (switch, Mar 6, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 8 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.