Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
My car had been having trouble starting up previously. It was slow to start up and I thought it was my battery dying again. On December 2004 when I went to start my car it refused to start. We called for a boost, and the aaa driver told us it wasn't our battery but our fuel pump. However, since it was a 2001 car we didn't believe it. When we asked various mechanics about the cost of fixing the fuel pump on our Cavalier they said it couldn't be the problem since it was so new. However, it was. This caused me and my family excessive trouble in having to deal with the loss of the car for the few days it took to get it repaired. We eventually had to shell out nearly $640 to fix it. We had to get a whole new fuel pump and have it installed. I do not have the original gas pump. The mechanic said, "won't start, would not jump start. Ck fuel and ignition systems and found no fuel pressure. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. While driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. He was able to maneuver the vehicle off the roadway and after waiting 15-20 minutes, he as able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken for diagnosis or repairs. The failure occurred intermittently for one year. In addition, the contact stated there was an abnormal gasoline odor emitting from the vehicle. He was able to locate a recall for the failure under NHTSA campaign id number: 07e021000 (fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: pressure relief devices) but did not confirm if his vehicle was included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 123,000 and the current mileage was 133,000.
At 30,000 miles I was driving up a hill with half a tank of gas, my caviler died. Towed to the servicce center and the fuel system needed to be replaced. At 45,000 miles the transmission was making noise, a grinding noise, took it in and chevolet put in a brand new transmission. It was out of warrenty so cost me alot! For a new car this is really upsetting. Most recently June, 2003 the transmission was leaking in two places, took it in again and chevolet kept it for 5 days, couldnt diagnoise the leak, assumed it was bolts on the frame of the transmission that needed replacement. Waiting now fo rthe next problem. Very unhappy with this vehicle.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. While driving 35 MPH, the contact attempted to shift from 3rd to 4th gear. However, instead of accelerating, the vehicle decelerated and then shut off. The fuel gauge read 1/4. He put 2 gallons of gas in the vehicle and it started immediately. He then added 12 gallons of gas. When the fuel gauge reads 3/4, the vehicle is able to take 10 gallons of gas. The current mileage is 182,875 and failure mileage was 179,875.
(2) after first starting the car, go to put in drive car keeps hesitating, losing power, then after it warms up it drives fine, (possible fuel pump issues).car begins to stall, and will not start. All plugs, plug wires, air filter, sensors, and anything to do with emissions has been replaced, still does the same problem to this day. Problem has been ongoing for the last 6 months to a year. Took to local Chevrolet dealer several times and did not find an issue.
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.
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.
Vehicle's engine turned off while traveling 65 MPH. Pulled over safely. Cranked but would not start. Towed to GM dealership. Vehicle checked by dealership determine fuel pump needs replacing. Fuel pump replaced at a costs of $ 640.00 car has only 29000 miles on it. Own a 2001 olds alero. Fuel pump has been replaced twice. Only 76000 miles on vehicle.
Car stopped in the middle of the street while driving. There was no warning, hard start etc. Just stopped. Took the car to the shop and was told it was the fuel pump. The car has 66000 miles and I purchased it used. The total cost was $800 to fix the problem. The fuel pump itself cost $489.
Driving on 4 lane interstat in center lane when fuel pump failed. The car just stopped running as cars doing in excess of 65 MPH flew by me. Luckily I was able to roll into right lane, then sholder to call aaa for a tow. I could have been killed if the cars behind were not observant.
NHTSA investigations
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…
Fuel System complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, 12% of the model year's 243 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion 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.