Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
Dt: while driving 30 MPH, the consumer slowed down at a traffic light behind other cars and the engine unexpectedly died. Consumer made several attempts to restart the vehicle, the attempts were unsuccessful. The gas tank level gauge displayed there was gas. There was about 1/8 of an inch display that gas was still in the tank. Consumer realized he was out of gas after he could not restart the vehicle. Consumer had to send his nephew to a corner gas station to get some gas to put into the vehicle. Once the gas was put in the vehicle it restarted and the consumer proceeded to the nearest gas station. No other problems. This was the first and only incident of this type. Consumer did not consult the dealership about the eproblem. Consumer felt this was a safety issue because the gas gauge indicator did not go all the way down to empty when it was empty. The consumer did contact the dealer.
Dt recall 00V053000 was issued concerning the fuel system. This vehicle was not included due to VIN. Gasoline was leaking from the return and the feed line. The return line started leaking first and then a month later, the feed line started leaking. Noticed it on July 29, 2005 this is when the return metal fitting was leaking and the return started leaking on August 29, 2005. Contacted the dealer, the part that has to be replaced, including the whole unit, and with labor would cost $600.00 or $700.00. Also, ignition switch recall 02V070000. This vehicle failed to start. The vehicle would not turn over it completely. The dash warning lights would come on. The dealer has not looked at any of these problems. There was also a recall 98V146000 concerning air bags. Vehicle's air bag light was on. Did not have the dealer check this.
My 1987 Chevy cavaliar shut off in the middle of driving multiple times. The first time I heard clicking in the cluster and the theft system light turns on and my fuel pump shuts down. I have been in very critical places while this situation takes place. The theft system has shut my vehichle off on the highway, in the intersection ect.. I have tryed to reset this system numerous times. I have come to the knowledge that this is a serious problem with many Chevy cavaliars and other GM models. This should be a recall and should be fixed. I, a loyal GM customer, should not have to drive a unpredictable vehichle that has security problems that are due to the original making of the system. I have no money to pay for this and am stuck with this problem. It is very unsafe.
After having my 97 Chevrolet Cavalier fixed as per the recall I got it back and smelled gas when driving it home,took it back to the dealership service dept. Who did the work and they looked at it and said one of the fuel injectors was leaking,and that it wasn't due to the recent repair work they did,the head mechanic shawn said it was the main problem with the cavaliers,if it is common to this type of car should they have tried to fix this problem?
The fuel pump overheats when idling and it went out. (noisily, it sounded like a dentist's drill) before going out I took it in for a diagnostic because the car was pumping gas fumes into the cab and they found nothing wrong. Because it is in the gas tank it cost me over $700 to replace.
While driving low on gas and the engine check light came on, causing the consumer to go the gas station. While the consumer put the pump into the tank, there were fumes coming from the gas tank, and the fire department came out to put out the fire.
While filling the gas tank and the check engine light is on, the vehicle caught on fire in the fuel tank, which caused injuries. Cause unknown. Dealer said no faulty parts. Please provide further information.
On May 29 1998 my cars ets/ engine check light came on, and I took it to a Chevrolet dealer to find out what the problem was. They told me that it was the number 2 engine cylinder misfiring, and they tried to fix the problem. Within the next few days I was back for the same problem. This time the called the technical assistant for help, and they did this another time as they did not fix the problem. I then move to ft. Polk la. As I am in the military. On 1 jan 9, the same problem started up again. This time they did the same thing the other shop did. I have had my car in the shop for a total of 4 times that they have worked on it, replacing the cylinder cap/fuel injector and coil housing. And they talked to the technical assistantce personnel at Chevrolet. The last time I had my car in the shop was 29jan 99, and they hooked a computer up to it. …
Horn: has never worked from the time the car was received. Have had the dealer fix it 3 times but it still doesn't work. Heater fan: failed during the winter of 1997. Past warranty period?? Have not gotten it fixed yet. Engine problem: stalls intermittently while driving after the car has warmed up, especially when coming to a stop. Will hesitate and jerk while driving it. Have replaced: spark plug wires, plugs, fuel filter, fuel pump and have had the catalytic converter checked. Problem is not resolved. Unable to drive it more than 2 miles. Ignition: key would not turn in ignition/ replaced by dealer x 3.
Consumers fuel line leaked and was repaired. A few days late it developed another pin hole leak. The consumer smelled fuel while driving. He later discovered that the return fuel line running down the side of the driver's side of the car was leaking onto the muffler. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer where it was temporarily fixed. About a month later the fule line rnning up the passenger side of the vehicle developed a pin hole leak.
NHTSA investigations
Unintended vehicle acceleration
On September 23, 2003, the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated September 8, 2003 from mr. Donald friedman, petitioning the agency to open a defect investigation into unintended acceleration involving [model year] 1996 and 1997 general motors j-cars.in support of his petition, mr.
Fuel System complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 4% of the model year's 540 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion 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.