Most common 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Share of the 240 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Cavalier complaints by model year
Best Cavalier years: 2002, 2001, 1999. Years to avoid: 2003, 1997, 1996. Compare all years →
1999 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls (2)
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the…
Interior lighting
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination." the instrument panel backlighting May not function after adjusting the interior light intensity.
Remedy: Dealers will test the body control module, and if necessary, replace it.
What 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say
Brakes all 51 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. While driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to make a sudden stop, the pedal traveled to the floorboard. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Front brakes locking at low speeds due to ABS failure. Car was taken to GM dealership, the first mechanic said front rotors might be warped. I replaced front brakes and installed new rotors and problem was still there. Went back to dealership then they advised me that since my tires were not all the same brand that was the problem....new tires did not fix the problem. Car is not kicking any codes out to the computer and no ABS light is on. Dealer spoke to GM tech's and at that point replaced both front ABS wiring harnesses. Problem still exists....back to GM tech's again...rt rear hub was changed thinking it was a bad sensor but still have the problem. This car has been to the dealer at least 10 times now and Chevrolet will not do a thing to fix this problem. …
Engine & cooling all 47 →
I was on my way to my dentist appointment, suddenly a hissing noise came from the car.all of the dashboard lights came on and I knew I was in trouble.I was on a busy intersection in the city.I had to act in a split second and steer quickly off of the nearest side ride.the steering wheel was locking up.I had just enough power to get safely off of the street in time and to keep from getting hit from behind.I was in motion on a city street.the car was trouble from day one.I believe it was a flooded out car sold to the unsuspectithat unsuspecting person was me.I got suckered out of over $2400. I have paid for at least 2 new cars with the money I have spent on this lemon.by the way the shady owner don't feel responsible at all for scamming my money out of me.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact noticed that the vehicle was smoking while he was driving. He pulled off the road and exited the vehicle. The vehicle exploded. The driver sustained burns and is currently in the hospital. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the failure is similar to NHTSA campaign id # 07e021000 (fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devices). The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 64,000.
Electrical system all 47 →
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that in 2005 when she made a right turn at 15 MPH, the steering wheel made a clicking noise and began to vibrate. The failure continued to occur. There were no warning lights that would allude to the cause of failure. The contact also noticed that the steering wheel would unlock and turn involuntarily when it was supposed to be locked. The fuel gauge was also defective. She also noticed that the lights on the instrument panel, and headlights, were also faulty. The bulbs in the left rear turn signal and brake light burned out and melted after they were used three to four times. The contact called the local dealer to ask about related recalls and was informed that there were no open recalls for her vehicle; however, the contact found eight recalls for her year, make and model vehicle. …
I was on my way to my dentist appointment, suddenly a hissing noise came from the car.all of the dashboard lights came on and I knew I was in trouble.I was on a busy intersection in the city.I had to act in a split second and steer quickly off of the nearest side ride.the steering wheel was locking up.I had just enough power to get safely off of the street in time and to keep from getting hit from behind.I was in motion on a city street.the car was trouble from day one.I believe it was a flooded out car sold to the unsuspectithat unsuspecting person was me.I got suckered out of over $2400. I have paid for at least 2 new cars with the money I have spent on this lemon.by the way the shady owner don't feel responsible at all for scamming my money out of me.
1999 Chevrolet Cavalier engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 31 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 30 / 24 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier a good car?
Based on 240 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Cavalier rates average: 19% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Cavalier at the same age. It is one of the best Cavalier years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The brakes — 51 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the engine & cooling (47) and electrical system (47).
How many recalls does the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, the most recent from January 27, 2004 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Cavalier?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2001 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 1997 and 1996. See the full Chevrolet Cavalier years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 miles; 30% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.