Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Consumer had just gotten home and parked vehicle. 5-10 minutes later, horn was blowing. Consumer looked outside front end of vehicle was on fire. Dashboard and steering column were completely destroyed. Chevrolet dealer said they couldn't find anything wrong. Therefore, they wouldn't be liable. Allstate insurance adjuster took one look,and could tell it was an electrical fire. Chevrolet dealer was not responding to insurance adjuster. Vehicle was under extended warranty when it caught on fire. Engine light illuminated, dealer had replaced the oil pump, solenoid, and exhaust however light still illuminated. Battery light illuminated. Windshield wiper skips and chatters across windshield, dealer replaced blade. Trunk would not open from inside lever, compartment lid release broke. Clicking noise was heard when turning steering wheel, dealer could not find problem.
My driver window came off the track and fell down to the bottom of the door-the glass didnt brake but it fell for no reason-it could have shattered-is this a common occurance??its a 1997 Chevy Cavalier-2 door.
When the windshield wipers are turned off, they stop in the upright position obstructing the drivers view while driving. This poses a hazard while driving, making it difficult to concentrate on the road.
About 1-2 months ago my wife tried to start the car and she said that all of the systems(I.e. Windshield wiper blades, interior warning lights, etc.) started going off all at once, the brake pedal would't push in, there was a loud buxxing noise, and the car would not start. Ever since we have had to try several times before the vehicle would start and there have been multiple occasions when we are driving along (speed doesn't seem to play a role) and the car will react in a similar manner and stop running. After this happens, it can take us up to 10-15 minutes to get it started again. Just this morning it happened again and if the truck behind us had not swerved as it did, it would have totalled our car. We then spent almost 20 minutes in the middle of traffic trying to start our car.(this was submitted by brian quinney - husband of said owner).
My rear defrost quit working and I went and checked some of the connections. The connection under the dash had been melted, with the plastic showing evidence of being melted. I have done some checking on the internet and it appears it is a problem. If you check GM cars Pontiac, and GM some of the vehicles have had this issue. It appears to be very common based off the forums and you tube video's. It appears in impala, Cavalier, sunfire, and this isn't an all inclusive list. This is concerning because it appears to have been a problem for a few years and GM allowed this to happen.
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.
When driving with the top down and the driver's and passenger's side windows up, the support mechanism can not support the windows and the clips eventually break. Chevrolet will not recommend to the owners to lower the windows or develop a fix for this problem. This pressure can also put stress on the window automatic motors causing them to break.
The windshield wipers arm does not park in the down position when they are turned off, the wipers would remain in upright position distracting the driver's view, delay feature stops at a higher pause level, on one occasion wipers failed completely, dealer states the arm was disengaged causing failure.
Driver seat locking mechanism does not lock the driver seat in place in certain position. This May cause the occupant to lose control of the vehicle. Also the windshield wipers, when turned off stay in the upright position, obstructing the view the driver. Please provide further information.
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier air bags deployed for no reason. An inspection revealed no mechanical reason for the deployment of the air bag. Also, the sunroof was inoperative. The consumer was informed her vehicle identification number was not included in the recall for the air bag.
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
These vehicles were built with an incorrect wiper blade assembly (17" long instead of 22" long) on the driver's side. This does not comply with FMVSS no. 104, "windshield wiping and washing systems."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for the correct wiper blade assembly and install a correct length wiper blade assembly.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 7% of the model year's 540 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-160 (windshield wiper/washer, Aug 29, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.