Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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. …
I have a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. The first problem I experienced was in oct 2001,while driving the temperature gauge went to the maximum reading without warning, I pulled off the highway and turned off vehicle. Waited a while started back went approximately 1/4 mi and same problem,after stopping 3-4 times I started back on the highway and continued to drive with temp gauge in the red for a approx 1 mile and all gauges returned to normal. Chevrolet garage could not find any problems with cooling system..my second problem I keep hearing a clanging/rattling sound from the front area of vehicle while sitting still if you turn steering wheel you can hear a thump from the front left area where strut is located..my third problem is my check engine/service engine light keeps coming on at various times. …
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.
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.
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.
Bought 2000 Cavalier 2/9/04. Had 34,000 miles. Problem 1: clunking noise from front end when turning. Replaced right front strut and mount. Still had noise. Replaced right front strut again, mounts on both sides, left strut, rack and pinion, ball joints. Still makes loud clunking noise. 2 days later returned to shop - 6 weeks later and Chevy dealership could not figure it out. Still makes noise. Problem 2: check engine light on. Replaced gas cap =light off 2 days. Light on again=wiring harness=light off 2 days. Light is on again. I have never had this car in working condition. Every attempt to fix it has failed. I can not afford to keep buying parts and labor and it never be fixed. Half of the time I have owned it has been at the shop and 100% of the time it has been broken.
While steering the vehicle, a loud popping noise started coming from the front of the vehicle. The driver noticed that the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer. The mechanic could not duplicate the problem. The consumer informed the mechanic that this problem occurred more than once and has not been resolved. The rear drivers side would display a loud rumble at times and would lessen after driving. The rear of the vehicle would shimmy when the brakes were applied.
There were no warnings or events leading up to the failure of my vehicle. On May 29, 2006 while driving on a busy major road the axle and ball joint on my 2000 Chevy Cavalier broke causing the tire on the right front passenger side to bend outward and causing body damage to the fender above the tire. This incident almost caused a major accident if I had not gained control of the car. I was left in the middle of this busy road until a tow truck arrived. My car is currently at a repair shop.
Bought 2000 Chevy Cavalier from bay point towing in concord on 4/8/06 after one week of driving vehicle the front started to make a clunking noise and the front wheel just locked up make it hard to steer. I took the vehicle to two different repair shops and both declined working on the vehicle due to too many parts missing from underneath the car in the front suspension. One mechanic stated that I was very lucky I did not get into an accident when driving on the freeway.
While driving 55 MPH check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. A loud noise was heard coming from the rear. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that wheel bearing, caliper. And both frontal rotors needed to be replaced. Dealer informed the driver that this was the twelfth set of wheel bearings that had been replaced this year.
Suspension complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier, 7% of the model year's 315 complaints. The component named most often is front (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to suspension 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.