Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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.
Two issues left consumer stranded in 1999 2.2l Chevrolet Cavalier catastrophic failure of input shaft/input drum assembly on 3t40 transmission, left operator without any forward or reverse drive gears while drive was engaged and rolling. Managed to avoid crash. Remedy was replacement of transmission with remanufactured transmission. Incipient worsening of starting times. Poor factory ECM calibration in all or most 1999 2.2l cavaliers can leave operator stranded in warm starting condition. Results in poor initial running and large amount of unburned hydroarbons released to atmosphere. A technical brochure exists to remedy the situation, but no recall. Dealer wants $90 to reprogram ECM.
Vehicle was parked in driveway, left in neutral with parked brake engaged on a rainy day. Approximately 5 minutes later vehicle rolled over and hit another parked vehicle across the street. Dealer notified.
While driving down the freeway the car stopped moving. Had it towed into the Chevrolet dealership and they stated the clutch & 3rd & 4th gear went out. Was not covered under warranty and they stated that this problem does not happen very often to other similar cars. I talked with an individual that has been servicing Chevy cars for 22 years. He stated this is a major problem with manual transmission cars that the hydraulic system malfunctions which causes the clutch to not disengage and burns up the clutch and ruins the transmission. When the car stopped with no warning almost caused a major accident on the highway. After they fixed the car two days later I was on the same highway and the clutch burned up again. It is now back the dealership to be repaired.
Vehicle is experiencing ongoing brake problems, front rotors have warped several times and have been replaced, brake pads and the caliper mounting sleeves have also been replaced, the brake light and ABS light were illuminated at the same time, dealer stated that this was due to a faulty ebcm computer module which had been bad for a while, brake problems still exists. Driver's side axle seal leaked. Consumer stated that the front end seemed loose while driving, dealer found no problems with the steering linkages. The blower control switch was replaced due to blower inoperable on high.
Gas gauge, speedometer and temperature light will not work. At the same time all of the panel lights will come on - gas light, engine light, brake light, etc. Then all of the sudden everything will work properly. This occurs at least once a day, and has been happening since approximately 25,000 miles. Was taken to a dealer for the odometer reading hieroglyphics but nothing was resolved.
While driving about any speed vehicle will stall without prior warning. A pull in the shifts when they change gear due to transmission failure. Consumer doughtyer is driving the car it stall causing minor accident in which the air bag violently deployed hitting the driver in causing injury, the other air bag broke the windshield.
Odometer trips, cluster replaced, engine burning gasket replaced, electrical electrical radio cassette plays sides a/b simutaneously and station are staticky, radio replaced once problem still exist but can not be duplicated, back right passenger door stick and transmission will not change into 3rd gear.
1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. Consumer writes in regards to transmission problems and vehicle sometimes emits white smoke through the vents. The consumer stated the transmission and radiator needed to be serviced. Also, a serpentine belt and fuel pan was needed.
Vehicle was parked inside of parking lot. When consumer went to start vehicle, she applied reverse gear, and vehicle wouldn't move at all. Also, it was leaking water, a defect from the manufacturer.
Transmission complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, 8% of the model year's 240 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 137,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.