Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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. 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.
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. While driving 25-35 MPH, the traction light flashed and the engine began to make knocking and rattling noises. The contact pulled the vehicle over to check the engine and the noise stopped. When he began driving again, every light on the instrument panel illuminated. The contact pulled over again and turned off the vehicle. When he restarted the vehicle, the knocking stopped and the lights stopped flashing. The failure has occurred on three occasions. A mechanic diagnosed the vehicle, but could not remedy the issue. The contact is afraid to drive the vehicle. The current mileage was 67,358 and failure mileage was 67,000.
Vehicle making a whining noise when accelerating. Temperature gauge raising to 200. Occasionally, the thermostat light comes on and stays on for about 5 to 10 minutes then goes out. Checked water in overflow, level was only slightly low. Added some anti-freeze & then noticed water on the ground after driving. Engine was replaced in feb 2003. Then the problem was it overheated & ran out of water. At that time there was no indication of there even being a problem.
05-17/01 replace left front strut & bearing sublet: install new clips 12-26-01 replace surge tank cap 01-28-02 replace wire ends at EVAP canister vent switch 12-06-02 replaced left rear wheel hub replaced EVAP core and evac 04-03-03 replaced 2 sensors 06-05-03 air quit - got estimate to replace suction line & shaft seal for air conditioner 06-09-03 cruise control quit coolant light came on twice while driving - haven't gotten estimate on yet
In December, 2006 I had a new alternator and a new fuel pump put in (895.00). 1/10/07 my ignition module and the fuel pressure regulator went out (695.45). 5/14/07 my ignition coil needed replacing (252.18). November 8, 2007 I needed to replace the ignition switch and valve cover gasket ($500) I'm am tired of repairing. It's got an electrical problem that's causing my ignition stuff to burn out.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. One day after purchasing the vehicle, it would no longer start. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and an injector, push rod, and spark plug were installed. Approximately two days after retrieving the vehicle, it would not start again. The current and failure mileages were 91,000. Updated 10/16/08. Updated 10/17/08.
While driving, the vehicle stalled. The cause was not determined. The vehicle was taken in four times. The spark plug wires were replaced. The vehicle stalled while in motion then would restart. The problem could not be duplicated on one occasion. The passenger window was clicking, and the regulator in the front door window was replaced.
In weeks prior, a clunk was heard upon low speed manuvering, later a rattle @ 2000-3300 RPM. I have not driven it since, save to get $3,000 estimate and several opinions, that a connecting rod is defective, making the engine valuless, which all concur this is common for this engine, and GM May have known of this problem for years, and done nothing.
My key came out of the ignition while the car was still running and in the on position, and also another time the car key turned off by itself and I lost power to the vehicle and my brakes locked and almost caused me to get into a crash.
Engine complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, 13% of the model year's 243 complaints. The component named most often is engine (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, though it has 1 recall 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 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.