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 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
My wife and I own a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. The steering is beginning to have a distinctive popping sound and loosening develop. I know there is a problem and I am taking it to a professional to avoid serious problems. It is difficult to believe that GM could not develop a better steering column than this. It would seem a recall should be placed on GM for inspections to this particular problem (part). I know that this May seem trivial but I have already had to replace a fuel pump ($700 plus) out of pocket at about 2000 miles over my warranty. Just seems like GM has yet to understand quality in the small automobile. Or at least giving a little on an obviously defective part. Example: I owned a 87 3 series BMW that I put 425,000 plus miles on and never had to replace a steering column. I did replace the fuel pump after an accident when the tank had to be replaced at 310,000 miles. …
(1) ordinary to low usage of a 2000 2.2 l Chevrolet Cavalier, which had 19,900 miles when the failure occurred in November, 2004. (2) persistent problem with a "clunking" sound in the front driver side of car, when turning. The problem is especially noticeable at low speeds. The noise is a possible indication of a steering or powertrain malfunction. (3) the vehicle was taken to an automobile repair shop to identify and repair the problem causing the noise. The repair shop identified and replaced a cracked brake rotor. Moreover, they replaced the other rotor and both brake pads. Furthermore, the repair shop lubricated the driver side lower ball joint, the saddle on strut, and the tie rod. Also, the axle was inspected externally, but no problems were identified. …
Steering- 2000 Cavalier Chevrolet. There is a loud popping noise when the steering wheel is turned to the left. Along with the popping, there is a vibration in the steering wheel during the turn to the left. The vibration has consistently been present since the vehicle was bought at 100 miles. The popping began soon after. The vibration was reported to the dealer before 36,000 mile and I was told it was nothing to be concerned with. After the 36,000 mile warranty, the popping began to occur more frequently and with greater volume and the vibration continued. The 96/98 cavaliers are recalled for steering concerns that sound similar to the problems my 2000 is having, yet I have been told my specific vehicle does not qualify for the recall.
While drive on the city roads the 2000 Cavalier tends to stall when slowing to a complete stop, slowing to turn, and when low speeds. The engine will completely shut down while electrical components such the radio are in tact. Also include loss of power steering and power brakes making it difficult to steer out of harms way with many accident near misses. Happends mostly when car has not been in use for a period of time then is started up for use. (e.g. Morning commutes).
Consumer complained about a steering column problem. When steering column turned it made a noise, and it got louder and louder. Vehicle had been in repair shop at least 5 times. The noise could be felt in the floor board. The left front coil spring was mispositioned and caused noise as well. The arm assembly front control lower right and the steering shaft intermediate was replaced. The front lower control arm was loose at the cradle.
While turning into a parking lot steering column locked up when making a left turn. Owner stated that a recall notice 04V036000/ignition switch was received for ignition switch on February 4, 2005. It was February 25, 2005 when the steering column problem developed. Dealership claims no responsibility, consumer paid $85.00 towing and $465 for repairs.
The vehicle only had 2917 miles on it when the steering rack had to be replaced. At 6237 miles the dealer had to replace a strut mount and a bearing plate. The engine light illuminated and the o2 sensor and starter was replaced. The intermediate shaft was replaced twice and the headlamp was replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated the vehicle was difficult to start and the steering wheel became loose. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Popping sound and feel when turning steering wheel has been worked on two times for this problem; interior lights do not turn on when opening drivers door; top portion of dash is split in the middle; makes lots of crackling noise, sounds like something is loose with the suspension.
Steering complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier, 9% of the model year's 315 complaints. The component named most often is column (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 36% before 25,000 miles.
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.