Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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 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. …
Engine shakes when first started n when idling, but not when driving. Hoses n belts r not in good shape. Not sure about the air bags but seen on this site that there was a problem. I have seen that there are or where, quit a few recalls that were not taken care of. Especially safety ones.
Same defective bearing problem in steering as 2000 and Chevrolet caviliers. Bearing is noisy when wheel is turned. Could cause steering wheel to freeze or lockup upon binding. Bearing is a universal swival type bearing located at the bottom of the steering column, just in front of the firewall and is covered by a rubber boot. The bearing makes a noise when the steering wheel is turned. The noise goes away when the bearing is sprayed over and over with wd-40, but comes back after a thousand miles of driving. Other 2000 - 2002 cavaliers were recalled because of the problem, but the 1999 cavaliers are having the same problem like this one and should also be brought to the dealers attention and recalled.
Car started being hard to steer to the left and it was intermittent. It just started that morning of 5-28-05 . I was going down a steep hill and it became hard to turn it on a curve going off to the right. I proceeded slowly and as I attempted to make another left turn something snapped under the floorboards of the car and it would no longer turn at all-it would only go forwards or backwards. I had to call a tow truck who towed it to the Chevrolet dealer I bought it from and they informed me the steering gear box totally had to be replaced at a total cost of over $1800.it took the dealer 5 days to complete this repair and they kept the old parts
Dt: the contact stated while pulling out of a parking spot the steering wheel spun around freely without the vehicle moving. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop. They diagnosed that the coupling where the intermediate shaft meets the steering wheel slid out, leaving the bolt in the steering completely intact. The vehicle has been repaired, but is still at the shop. The manufacturer was contacted, but refused to assist due to the number of miles on the vehicle.
Recall 02V286000 concerning power steering assembly. The steering wheel intermittently locked up when making left turns. Consumer saw on NHTSA website that there was a recall on this problem involving 1996-1998 vehicles, but the 1999 vehicle was not included in this recall. The dealer replaced the power steering gear assembly.
The consumer noticed noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was serviced and the technician noticed the steering column shaft was binding. When the vehicle was still or turning, a clunk noise was heard from the steering shaft binded. (nancy witaszak-consumer)
Consumer stated that every 4500 miles rack and pinion steering malfunctioned. Consumer contacted the dealer, and the manufacturer indicated that they will give consumer $600.00 credit towards a new vehicle. This was unacceptable to the consumer.
#1. Air bag and seat belt intermittently flash approx once a second, for 10 to 15 seconds when the car is stopped or moving. Dealer could not duplicate. They did a scan with tech 2 and found no codes set. They said this is normal operation. I am concerned about the air bag not deploying in an accident given other reports of no air bag deployment listed on your web site. #2 if turn signal lever is not moved to the physical stop for a flash to pass, only the rear turn signals will flash. They flash fast just like when one bulb is burned out. Dealer said this is normal. #3 this is the 2.4l engine. Upon deccelarating from at least 2nd gear almost to a stop and then accelerating, the trans hesitates slightly and thumps into gear. Then the upshift into 2nd gear is not a smooth shift but very hard. …
I purchased a new 1999 Chevy Cavalier in March 1999 and began hearing creaking sounds coming from the steering column one year after purchase. Since the car was under warranty I took it the Chevy dealership where I purchased it for repair. They greased some parts to diminish the noise. I took the car in 2 other times to have it looked at and the same action was taken, no parts were ever replaced. Recently I took the car to a Chevy dealership and I was told the whole steering column needs to be replaced for about $2300. There are multiple complaints and warnings to mechanics that consumers May come to them with these issues listed over the last 9 years. Therefore, this is a flaw with the vehicle that until now Chevrolet has not taken responsibility for. …
Steering complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, 13% of the model year's 240 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to steering 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.