Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
I was involed in a 3 car crash. One of the cars hit a vehicle broadside and then bounced off her and hit the rear left panel and bumper of my car. I took it in to get it fixed because after the accident I experienced a loud noise from the back and vibrations when I travel more than 50 MPH. The dealer called me and told me that he had fixed the body damage but noticed my rear axle was bent. He was waiting on aaa to call to OK it getting fixed. Well, they never stopped by to take a look at it becuase looking at the body damage they said there was no way it could have casued a bent rear axle. He said they only way I could have gotten a bent axle was from a direct hit to the tire or gone off the road. The man driving hit me at least 35 MPH right there at my tire but from the looks of it I can't tell if he hit the tire. …
There is a clunking noise in the steering wheel and front left wheel when maneuvering a turn. Also my water pump has had to be replaced twice in the past year. My final complaint is that when I try and start my vehicle it doesn't always start when holding it in the start position.
When attempting to start vehicle ignition switch stuck. Recall 02V070000 repairs were performed, but problem still recurred. Also, while driving the bearing hub produced a grinding noise on the left side. The cause has yet to be determined by the mechanic.
When driving 80-85 MPH vehicle suddenly drifted to left, consumer lost control of vehicle, causing vehicle to flip and roll over four times, resulting in injuries to driver side occupant, and killing the passenger's side occupant.
Have had many problems with car - at 20,000 - the dealer replaced the front brakes and machined rotors, after I requested they be checked due to squeaking. Service covered under warranty. At 30,000 - the battery failed on car while parked. Had car towed to dealership and replaced battery. Dealer stated that there was a faulty battery cell. Service covered under warranty. At 40,000 miles, horn has failed. Currently negotiating with dealer to replace without cost. Have always had ABS problems - car will buck and jerk under certain wet pavement conditions when ABS should not activate. Concerned about this - but cannot afford cost of replacing ABS. Dealer has looked at brakes and said nothing about ABS problems. Have banging/clanging noise from right rear of car when car is cold. Unsure what causes this. …
In jul7 of 1999, the ets off light and theengine check light came on. The mechanic said the computer showed due to emission regulations, the EGR valve needed replaced. Replaced the valve, a month later the two lights came on again. I was told the EGR valve was defective. Had it replaced again. A couple months later, the two lights came on again. The mechanic told us the system was very sensitive, but the EGR was fine and just reset the lightls. Last week the two lights came on again, the EGR was replaced again. The next day, the car started jerking fiercely and the two lights came on again. I don't know what the problem is with this system and we are having a difficult time finding the problem. I don't know if it's a computer defect, a valve defect or what. …
When driving on any sort of bumpy road there is a constant 'squeak, rusty sound' in the front suspension. It sounds like a old squeaky bed. Also with backing up a loud long squeak comes from the front end supspension. I've had the front brakes changed and pads replaced twice (due to mechanics negligence). At this same time I complained about the noise and they checked it out and found no problems, but the noise is still there. It's a very annoying sound especially when driving, you think everyone around can hear it and also it sounds as if something is going to fall apart from the front end (?) suspension!
Highly unusual repair for 'newer' vehicle-1997 80,000-& unusual that both front right/front left wheel bearings needed complete replacement. Improper installation was suggested as reason for part failure so soon. Please review manufacturer's installation.
Front brake pads/rotor wore out, causing vibration when brakes are applied. Also dealer replaced engine mounts/ignition switch. Brake line was found rubbing against axle shaft and was fixed. In addition, front end shakes/vibrates.
When starting vehicle a strong odor enters passenger's compartment, following extreme vibration in the front end, cause unknown. Dealer can not identify the problem. Please give any further details.
Related recalls
Suspension › Rear
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.
Suspension complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 5% of the model year's 540 complaints. The component named most often is rear (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-319 (rear, Dec 15, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 107,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries and 1 death to suspension 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.