Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
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. …
I brought a 1999 Chevy Cavalier in dec 08'. Since jan 09' I have been having severe locking of the rear brakes. I have taken it to three different mechanics so far and the problem still persist. Currently I am unable to pass a motor vehicle inspection due to this problem. At all three facilities I used to try and repair this problem I was informed by the mechanic that this problem is common among GM vehicles. I have spent at least approximately $600 dollars on this problem and it still persist. The mechanics that I have taken it to have adjusted the brakes several times but the rear brakes are still locking for what seems like no apparent reason all three mechanics say the brake assembly looks good but I am still not able to pass inspection. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the ABS light illuminated on the instrument panel and the rear brakes would not respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The technician stated that the electronic brake control module would have to be replaced and the brakes would be cleaned and adjusted. The failure continued after the repairs and the electronic tracking system light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three different occasions. The technician replaced the crank shaft sensor and the computer. The failure continued. The approximate failure mileage was 213,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that when depressing the brakes, the vehicle slid and hesitated to stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the brakes were readjusted. The vehicle was also taken to a private mechanic, who replaced the brake pads, drums and rotors. The failure recurred frequently. The failure was reported to the manufacturer, who refused to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was 176,000.
ABS brake problem; anti lock brakes locked up, causing driver to skid 127 feet before stopping. Driver hit an embankment, and vehcle did a 180 degree turn. This happened when braking in an emergency situation. No inclement weather. Please provide any further information.
After an accident, my right rear door will not open from the inside. Occasionally, you cannot start it on the first try. The brakes lock and the tires do not tread although they are both under 6 months old.
While driving down the road 15mph, making a left turn, and a dog crossed in front of vehicle. Brakes failed, swerved and avoided hitting the dog. As a result, had an accident. Contacted the dealer.
My '99 Chevrolet Cavalier (z24) suffered brake failure in dec. Of 2003. The roads were icy--had been snowing all day, and it was still snowing at the time of the accident. I was traveling about 35 MPH. I applied the brakes in an easy manner, but there was no braking action. The car continued at the same rate of speed. My foot felt like it was stepping on steel--there was no brake action whatsoever. I had plenty of braking distance, as I was traveling very cautiously in these snowy conditions. (there were an above average number of accidents that day due to poor weather conditions.) I had been traveling this same stretch of road for many blocks and it was a stop and go 40 MPH stretch of road. A Lexus SUV was parked at a semaphore intersection waiting at a red light. …
Well, I have a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, the basic model, nothing fancy. The ABS brake light will not go off. I was told it was just the light and not to worry about it. The front end shook, causing the whole car to vibrate, and sometimes clicked when driving on the road. The only way I have found to stop it was to steer the wheel a bit, but that made me go into the other side of the road. There was no rear defroster, making it very hard time to see out of the back window when it was all fogged up. When I attempting to stop sometimes the brakes took a minute to start working or they just pulsated, and it was hard to stop fast if I had to, I could go on and on so much more about the car, but I think one gets the drift about it . …
Brake complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, 21% of the model year's 240 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (27 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 176,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes 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.