Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that the dashboard cracked causing sharp edges. The contact also stated that there were cracks were near the air bags. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.
We bought a used Chevrolet Cavalier from the year 2000 with an extended warranty (GM certified) for 3 months or 3,000 miles. Since the beginning there were 4 problems not yet fixed. 1 - there is a popping noise under the back of the car. Dealer (koons Chevrolet - withe marsch, md) said he couldn't duplicate. After bringing the car for the 3rd time, he said the brakes were dirty and he cleaned them, but this noise is still here, when starting at a red traffic light for example, or when riding on a rough road. 2 - there is a grinding noise in front when driving. It's stopping when pushing the brake pedal. It's linked with the brakes for sure. The pads are new and the dealer said the rotor makes his noise, but he refused to change it (whereas it's under warranty). He said it's not unsafe. But this noise is coming louder and I feel like a loss of control. …
I own a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier with severe structural integrity problems relating to the dash board body. The problem is not simply a crack in the front windshield panel (which is common on these cars), but the entire dash is cracking from within and throughout the body of the dash. After recently removing the top part of the dash, it was discovered that even the supporting structure around the passenger air bag unit is cracked and broken away. This could result in a failure of the air bag system. All of the plastic within the body of the dash is extremely brittle and pieces of plastic actually fall in to the floorboard while driving sometimes. I am certain that the passenger air bag will not deploy properly since it is no longer secured correctly and this could pose a serious safety concern for a passenger in the vehicle in the event of a collision.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that when he took the vehicle to a repair shop, he was informed that the entire frame was covered with rust and that the model was notorious for that type of failure. The contact stated that the frame could not be repaired. The contact called the dealer who stated that there were no related recalls. The contact had not spoken with the manufacturer when the complaint was filed. The current and failure mileages were approximately 112,000.
Dash board cracked and was replaced once already and needs to be replaced again and dealers refused. The dashboard is almost completely gone and it starts with a crack in the middle near windshield and then the whole dash goes even around the heater and radio area. I firmly believe that this is dangerous since none of the instruments are working properly now. There is plastic falling off everytime you drive the car and hit the slightest bump in the road.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 10 MPH through a parking lot, there was a rattling noise coming from under the front of the vehicle. Upon initial inspection, the contact removed the right front tire and determined the a frame was corroded. The vehicle did not have a history of exposure to excessive road salts. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop who determined the a frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier z24. The contact stated that the paint on the hood, roof, trunk and spoiler of the vehicle began to chip and peel off. As time progressed, he noticed that other vehicles of the same model were experiencing the same failures. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The failure mileage was 12,000 and current mileage was 36,000. Updated 09/16/08. Updated 09/18/08.
First, the dashboard has cracked in the middle of my car. Immediately after buying the car the paint on buttons on the cd player/radio started peeling off. The problem has worsened over time. Lastly, the latch on the front driver's side broke off and the seat is now stuck in the upright position and cannot be laid back. Paint is peeling off on both sides of the car on the outside at the top from interstate driving.
Reporting this as a defect on car list above .I'm pa. State inspection station. This is just one of many we see and reject for rust out unit body rear frames . I feel the public should be aware of they own one these models car could buckle on a rear end collision. I did not see this on your site to have been reported thanks ken at c&w performance pa. Station # e7 .
Dt*: the contact stated there was a vibration in the dashboard causing it to separate from the structure of the vehicle. The consumer is concerned that if the dashboard completely separates the airbags May no longer be operable. The dealership determined the top of the dashboard needs to be replaced. Updated 3/9/2006 -
Body complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the body & structure of the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier, 9% of the model year's 315 complaints. The component named most often is body (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2000 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 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to body & structure 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.