Most common 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Share of the 243 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Cavalier complaints by model year
Best Cavalier years: 2002, 2001, 1999. Years to avoid: 2003, 1997, 1996. Compare all years →
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls (1)
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier:
Erratic fuel gauge
There is no summary currently available
Erratic fuel gauge
Odi opened ea 02-028 to review complaints of consumers reporting that their fuel gauge was incorrectly displaying the amount of fuel in the gas tank.the fuel gauge receives an electrical signal from a fuel tank sending sensor circuit card.a float arm in the tank moves electrical contacts that rub against the card as the level of fuel rises and falls.disruption of the electrical signal (such as caused by corrosion of…
What 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say
Electrical system all 56 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. Upon exiting the vehicle and closing the doors, the interior dome light remained illuminated. The contact also noticed a burning odor coming from the light bulb wiring in the roof. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
My vehicle was in an accident on 2/15/2012. I had my vehicle towed to greenleaf collision inc., located at 5100 a. Kentucky avenue, nashville,tn 37209,[phone], owner [redacted]. On 2/16/2012 my vehicle was towed in to greenleaf collision inc, for repairs. Once I found out from greenleaf collision, inc. That my Chevrolet Cavalier 2001 was on recall list to be repaired for "ignition switch failure", general motors. The greenleaf collision inc., had my Chevrolet Cavalier 2001, towed to freeland Chevrolet 5333 hickory hollow parkway, antioch, tn. 37013, [phone]. My Chevrolet Cavalier, is in the recall for "ignition switch failure", once my vehicle was sent over to freeland Chevrolet for repair of the "ignition switch failure", to my understanding by greenleaf collision inc. …
Brakes all 42 →
Sometimes, during regular braking, rear brakes lock and car does not stop. Happens on asphalt even at slow speeds. Online research reveals that this is a common issue that seems to stem from a few causes at time of production.
Dt: horn did not blow unless caller hit the right spot. Caller said there was a dead spot in the horn pad. Dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted. Also, torque converter light did not come on.. Coil packs were defective. Caller stated there were no warning lights for this problem, and caller was concerned that the problem could not be detected until it was too late. Dealer replaced the coil packs. Manufacturer said warranty expired, and they could not help. Also, seat belts come out of the guide and hit the people in the eye. Caller said the front brakes were defective. When hitting the brakes they did not slow down vehicle. Caller down shifted the get the vehicle to slow down. Also, had to replaced the front rotors three times. In addition, the trunk latch had a gap in it, the lid did not close tightly.
Transmission & drivetrain all 34 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that the gear shift was difficult to move and the lever became stuck. Occasionally, the key became stuck in the ignition and the gear shift would not go into gear. Also, the hood was hot, the engine overheated, and the vehicle experienced electrical failures. There were also multiple unknown warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact scheduled a diagnostic appointment with an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 138,000.
I was driving at 40 mile ph and all of a sudden the car hesitated acted like it couldn't get into gear -the track off light was on-I was driving on flat surface no wet conditions this happened more then ten times. Had car looked at by mechanic could not explain it resets after turning off car and starting it up again it was checked on computer found no problem but on last time the car died as I was driving into the repair shop it was again check and the repair man showed me that he shouldn't get any info because it wasn't sending info to his computer. This scares me I drive my two young children to school in this car .it is still drivable but for short distances. I I have contacted manufacturer they say they have no info on this happening to anyone else. …
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 30 / 24 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 29 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier a good car?
Based on 243 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Cavalier rates average: 22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Cavalier at the same age. It is one of the best Cavalier years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The electrical system — 56 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the brakes (42) and transmission & drivetrain (34).
How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
There is 1 recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, the most recent from January 27, 2004 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Cavalier?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2001 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 1997 and 1996. See the full Chevrolet Cavalier years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 51,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.