Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Power steering failed on 2 separate occasions. Had problem fixed first time dealer wants to total vehicle second time. GM did not own up to the problem. Said car did not fall under the recall period, even though problems have been occurring frequently. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis**770164
I have a 1996 Chevy Cavalier VIN # [redacted] that had some very serious steering problems 1 year ago. The car acted like the power steering unit quit or would only allow you to turn to the right. It got to the point where we could not steer the vehicle anymore. We had it repaired at a cost of $1500. I then learned of a campaign, #02V286000, that listed the same problems that my car was having. I would like to know if you could issue a recall for that vehicle or if my car was actually covered for this possible recall.
While trying to make a left turn the steering wheel locked and the vehicle crashed into a guard rail. The consumer received a recall notice campaign # 02v28600 with the subject power steering assembly. The consumer contacted the manufacturer Chevrolet. The representative stated that the vehicle was under that recall and a GM representative would make contact and test the vehicle. The GM representative called the consumer and stated that the recall part would be fixed but no other assistance would be provided.
This car shuts off while driving like the GM cars being mentioned in the news today. Started in 2005 and was evaluated by multiple mechanics including a Chevrolet dealership that kept it over a month. It doesn't show a code when it happens. It randomly shuts off while you are driving (varied speeds). It also randomly won't start. Totally unpredictable when it will quit on you or not start.resetting did not help.car was purchased for daughter (new driver) to drive, but was too unsafe.
Fuel pump seal disintegrated. Cost $1,081.00 (including 3 day car rental). Earlier this year there was a recall on the steering column and I wound up paying an additional $600 for other defects not covered by the recall. Think that this and many additional problems on this car constitute it being a lemon. More than 5 recalls in 7 years.
I read an article about all the GM steering stuff and I just wanted to write my complaint, my steering looked up on me causing me to run off the road and hit a tree which flipped my car over and totalled out my car. I just think that it is a serious problem that GM needs to fix before somebody gets killed or hurt like me.
While driving 60 MPH the vehicle ran over a possum, lost control of vehicle, had a frontal impact on an embankment which caused the vehicle to rollover several times, in which both driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy. Did not protect the occupant in this accident. Also the passenger's seat broke in half.
My 1996 Chevy Cavalier, steering wheel locked up , while driving 50 MPH on a busy road.I totally lost power and I pulled over, after almost being hit by several other cars. This is another major concern for this vechile.GM, should inquire more about this problem!
I purchased a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier ls from advanced care care inc in orlando florida 9-23-03 this car is a lemon. List of problems with it (was sold to me telling me nothing was wrong with it ). Problems ive paid to fix so far engine replaced head job (blown head gasket) 02 sensor twice ECM computer twice coil pack- 3 times icm 5 times engine strut transmount front engine mount brakes rotors main rod bearings catalytic convertor they are now saying it needs another engine that the crankshaft is bad , it is pouring out oil, I cant go past 3 rpms it has sudden acceleration that has almost caused multiple accidents the car has a stalling problem as well which has almost costed me and my son our life. Advanced car care inc (silverstar road) in orlando florida sold me this car notifying me nothing was wrong with it. …
The steering started very gradually and we did not know what was wrong. It got so bad before we had to repair it that you could not steer at all to the left. When I approached the dealership and asked them to help with the cost of the repair they said know. After the repair wa completed I talked ot the mechanic at the dealership that performed the repair and he indicated that he replaces this on a lot of GM vehicles including cavaliers. I am requesting that GM be made aware of this serious problem and put a campaign together to repair any vehicle including my own with parts and labor costs.
Related recalls
Steering › Rack and pinion
Certain passenger vehicles and Mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began January 24, 2003.
Steering complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, 10% of the model year's 503 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-286 (rack and pinion, Nov 4, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 8 injuries to steering 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.