Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Upon driving vehicle at low speeds 20-30 MPH with front and rear window defroster on,it became more,and more evident of a possible fire. First there was an increasing burning smell followed by smoke. A connector on the drivers side kick panel has melted being so close to the carpet its possible that it being winter moisture from melted snow somehow May have caused this to happen, a search on google seems to pull multiple cars with this same problem. Also I want to note that I was not able to turn off my rear defrosted with the rear defroster switch, I had to pull the 30 amp fuse that still had a complete circuit in it!
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.
Tl* the contact owned a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. As a result, another vehicle crashed into the driver side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a back injury, the rear driver side passenger sustained body and head injuries, the rear middle passenger sustained a head injury and the rear middle passenger sustained body injuries. The injuries required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the ignition key was slipping in and out of the ignition. As a result, the interior light was turning on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000.
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.
The defrost wouldn't work when really rainy or cold and this started in winter of 2009. In summer of 2010 the ac worked only when fan was on med or high, but finally only on high. These were electrical wiring problems: ac due to blower resistor burned out and defrost caused by a resistor burned out. Ac started to smell like something electrical was burning. If this wasn't fixed any sooner could have caused fire I'm sure. Now I have to see what needs to be fixed now that I have service engine check light on. With these electrical issues had no service engine check light come on. O2 sensor replaced @ 68,000 and catalytic converter changed @ 56,000 and the recall for this vehicle replaced.
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier developed problems with the brakes and the engine.** answer required***. While turning the steering wheel the consumer heard grinding/rubbing noises intermittently. The fog lamp went out. The brakes were noisy and would stick when applied. Water leaking into the trunk. The vehicle wouldn't start and the vehicle check engine light illuminated. The keyless entry system and alarm stopped working. The transmission not shift into low gear. The daytime running light would not shut off. The HVAC blower would not work in the first and second speed. The dealer foun air in the brake line and determined that hte lower control arm bushing was falling out
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The mechanic stated that the starter caused the failure and they made the replacement; however the vehicle still would not start. In addition, the instrument panel and exterior lights would not illuminate. As of December 21, 2007, the dealer had not inspected or repaired the vehicle. There are two recalls: electrical system: ignition: switch (NHTSA campaign id number 04V036000) and exterior lighting (NHTSA campaign id number 06e026000); however, the manufacturer stated that her VIN was not included. The powertrain was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 56,000.
Related recalls
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…
Electrical complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, 23% of the model year's 243 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-036 (switch, Jan 27, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 5 fires and 11 injuries to electrical system 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.