Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While making a turn at 35 MPH, there was a head on collision with another vehicle. Driver and passenger frontal air bags did not deploy. The consumer sustained a broken sternum and was hospitalized.
Was traveling on highway at 55mph and vehicle hit a bump. Then, suddenly air bags deployed. Lost control of vehicle due to loss of visibility. Moved to slow lane & hit cement wall & went into a tail spin. Rear bumper was hit by another vehicle & came off. Horn failed to work when it was used. Driver received burns on right hand from passenger side air bag.
Consumer was involved in a side impact at speed 55 MPH. Vehicle was forced into a ditch at 30 MPH impact head-on in which neither driver's side nor passenger's side air bags deployed ,causing driver to go into steering wheel. Also, fuel cut off switch did not kick in. Vehicle continued to run. Vehicle was a total loss. Please provide any further details.
Vehicle was involved in an accident. Hit a guardrail, causing damage to sensor and the computer module. Both air bags did not deploy. Dealer notified, and inspected computer which revealed that the air bags had deployed; but, in reality, did not. Also the seat belt did not secure properly, causing consumer to hit her head on the steering wheel.
Was traveling about 35mph on a side street and a deer ran in front of vehicle, and rolled up onto the vehicle, and rolled by down to the ground. Sensor went off and module light came on. But, airbags didn't deploy, and vehicle's front was smashed in. Consumer stated that that dealership was aware of the problem.
Dt*: the contact stated a loud pop was heard on the inside of the vehicle, and then the dashboard cracked down the middle. The contact is concerned the airbag could deploy without an accident. The vehicle has been seen by the dealership, but no repairs were made.
Consumer had a head on collision with tree after avoiding a pickup truck, and air bags did not deploy, but the air bag lights came on. Daughter was injured in the collision. Gmac has taken full responsibility for the air bag failure.
While driving, consumer's vehicle was hit on the front driver's side,then vehicle rolled over. Upon impact, side air bags did not deploy. Consumer sustained minor injuries. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
While driving 55 MPH consumer's vehicle collided with the vehicle in front. Upon impact, both frontal air bags failed to deploy. Driver sustained minor injuries. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection.
More than one incident: brake light and ABS lights are on. The ABS motor pack needs to be replaced, and was told by Chevrolet dealership that this is a frequent problem. Bad motor pack due to corrosion in gears in motor pack. This causes ABS to "shut off" but also for breaks to drag, stick, premature break wear, and warped rotors. Many people have this issue. Newer design of motor pack consists of electronic solenoid. Chevrolet needs to recall this!
Airbag complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the air bags of the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, 10% of the model year's 240 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, though it has 2 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 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 18 crashes, 0 fires and 14 injuries to air bags 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.