Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
1997 Chevy Cavalier was moved and park next to another car. It was brought to a complete stop with the brakes and then the transmission was shifted into park. As the driver was getting out of the car, the car start moving forward, rolled down a hill a crashed into trees, totaling the car. The car's transmission level was still in park. The driver was slight injured on the arm as the car hit him while getting out of the car.
My Cavalier 1997 (95,000 miles) out of no reason during cold day today 1/2/08, can not move for no apparent reason. Initially I can back up my car out of the drive way, and drive a few blocks away. When I stop at the stop sign, I found the car can not move for a few feets to stuck at the middle of the road. I had waited for 5 minutes checking out what wrong with the car. Then car slowly can move. My suspect, there is suddenly no fluid in the clutch for no apparent reason. I believe there is a design defect on this PCM from GM. Slowly it gains more power. But I loose my trust on this vehicle. I remember I saw 4 years ago similar Cavalier vehicle at the oil change company. She experienced the same problem, could not move the car at all. I found in the web search, there is nhsta id#10017096 that the vehicle will not move in either direction. …
The consumers daughter was involved in an accident and the air bags did not deploy. Mr the shift gears May have been the cause, due to a recall. The gears locked up, while the consumer was downshifting at a red light. It was determined that the slave cylinder had gone out. Scc
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 tranmission in these cars are very faulty, and the company should re-call them. I think that there is a need for them to explain themselves to the consumer for we our the people buying these bad cars. I just bought mine and it has a trans. Problem already and the car only has 83,000 miles on it. I want answers on this and the company to fix these problems on these cars. There were over (66_) noted problems on this car alone and I think that you guys made them bad then you guys make them right and send out recall notices to the consumer. Before some-one could get hurt in a really bad car accident or even die in one because you could not put recalls out to the people who own these cars.
1). Wheel bearings wearing out then tires and when driving on wet pavement cant go more than 40 MPH or car will spin around in road . Back left brake light always not working. Engine with only 12,000.00 miles knock bad untill warmed up and some times dont stop when warm.ignition switch will lock up and cant get car to crank must wiggle and giggle to get it to work.horn has not worked since bought car.transmission clatters when trying to give to much gas
I had to replace the trans, and she had just peplaced her transmission. Also my driver side window will not roll up or down because the motor is gone in the window. I know of two other people with the same problem with there windows with the same year and make. I just wanted to know if it could be a problem that should be recalled. I can't afford to pay the money for these problems. Thank you.
Engine light came on while driving, took to shop was told that the computer showed a transmission problem but none was found, light came on again within 24 hours took to shop again still showing trans problem still unable to find problem was told that the only way to reset light was to put on computer but could not promise would not happen again.
While making a right turn heard a loud pop sound. Thereafter vehicle lost steering control, vehicle taken to an independent shop for repairs. Informed consumer that the bottom bearing fell out. The reason for bearing falling out was due to sloppy assembly by the manufacturer. That is the bearing was not pressed into place.
While driving in traffic the vehicle stall and the engine completely shuts down. Dealer replaced the ignition coil module which has not corrected the problem. Latest repair attempt was for a short in the PCM ignition circuit, which appears to have solved the problem.
Transmission complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 5% of the model year's 540 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.