Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, the mechanic stated the passenger and driver side of the frame was completely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
The engine overheated, and stalled. The spark plugs melted. The technician found the head warped, causing excessive internal exhaust heat. The dealer replaced the relay switch, removed the head and resurfaced. The electric fans don't turn on. The technician found the fan relay, ect sensor, and fusible link shorted(removed replaced). The vehicle had surged and died out. The sensor connector clip broken and was replaced. The console under the radio had cracked. The vehicle wouldn't start, due to multiple DTC plugs fouled. The vacuum line had broken, and the connectors were re-pinned. The vehicle wouldn't start until the engine cooled down. The alternator was not charging and there was poor battery contact to the terminal. The alternator was replaced. Between the speeds of 25-30 MPH, the vehicle felt like it was going to rev up. The transmission did not shift into gear. …
The vehicle has been at the dealership on numerous occasions due to rodents accessing the air conditioning /heating system, consumer has had to replace components in the system due to nesting and dead rodents, which caused damage and prevented the air conditioner from functioning, consumer is concerned about the design of the structure or ventilation system that would allow for passage to the interior systems of the vehicle.
Also had to have driver's door realigned, side mirror realigned, seat belts replaced, seat belt covers replaced, windshield wipers replaced, and the airbags were recalled. Also, this car still runs rough but, they can't seem to duplicate the problem.
Was informed by independent mechanic that seal around crossmember was missing due to manufacturer's defect/neglect. This caused the rack and pinion to fail. Dealer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.
I believe that they should have told me about these recalls when I bought the car. I travel 17 miles or more to and from work each day on the freeway. I would like to have this fixed asap. No safety defect listed.
Head gasket replaced @27000 miles, fuel pump @ 30000 and again at 96000 miles. Brakes replaced 2x a year for 5 years. Driver's side door doesn't seal properly. Fan only works on speed 3 or 4.
My Cavalier frame rotted and broke. This is very serious do to the fact that I lost control of my vehicle and almost crashed.
Actuator in the door lock (keyless entry system) locked up and shorted resulting in fire. Nm
My sub-frame has broken twice on my Cavalier. I don't want to repair it anymore!!!
Related recalls
Structure › Body
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with mis-located welds at the joint between the left rocker panel inner reinforcement and the body side ring. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no. 214, "side door strength."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the welds and, if necessary, place five welds between the involved panels and apply primer and topcoat finish materials.
Body complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the body & structure of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 4% of the model year's 540 complaints. The component named most often is body › door (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-032 (body, Feb 25, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 135,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to body & structure 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.