Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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. While driving approximatley 35 MPH, an unusual noise emitted from the steering wheel and the entire instrument panel illuminated. In addition, the vehicle began to jerk. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The trouble code detected a failure within the steering column. The mechanic reset the steering column sensor; however, the failure persisted. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08e063000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired for a second time. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Accident occurred possible result of loss of power steering when making left hand turns. The consumer was knocked unconscious due to the impact of the accident. The only thing the consumer could remember was making a left had turn into a shopping center. Witnesses stated that the vehicle was moving slow when the incident occurred. The consumer suggested that this accident May be related to recall#02V286000. The seat belts failed as well.
While parked for several hours vehicle caught on fire and burned to the ground. The manufacturer indicated that the cause of the fire was due friction on a loose power steering pulley. Consumer attempted to start engine, but it wouldn't turn over. Consumer felt that battery appeared to be dead. Manufacturer's inspector said that the fire was caused by the friction from loose pulley on power steering pump.
At about 34,000 miles the steering case started making a clicking noise, I took it to the dealer and they told me it was nothing, they lubed something. After that the noise went away but just a couple of months later I started feeling a clanking noise in the steering, it turns out when I took it in for my annual inspection the mechanic states in about a year or two the steering will no longer work. Turns out a friend of mine had the same problem with steering, while coming out of their driveway, they couldn't turn the wheel, they eventually had too change the steering case in the car. What happens if a person is on the highway and no longer can steer the car, the results would be catastrophic.
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier with 47000 failure mileage at 25 MPH he made a left turn and the vehicle began to vibrate. The contact pulled the vehicle onto the side of the road, looked under the vehicle and noticed that there was a puddle of power steering fluid on the ground. The vehicle was towed home, and the contact took the wheel off, filled the vehicle with power steering fluid, and noticed it was leaking from the rack and pinion. The dealer had not been contacted, and the vehicle had not been repaired.
Rack and pinion unit makes a clunking noise when I turn the steering wheel. Cavaliers in general seem to have a problem with steering units and should be looked into why the problems have been on-going for years. Technical service bulletins from 1992 to today list a history of steering unit problems with this model.
Whenever the steering wheel is turned a "clunk" can be heard and felt. This happened back in about 2003 and still continues to this day. On second complaint, odometer numbers no longer show up properly. Only when pressure is applied to the odometer area do the numbers light up.
This complaint is similar to GM's recent recall. When making mostly left turns at low speeds I get clicks on the steering wheel. It now is starting on right turns. I purchased the 2001 Cavalier with under 36,000 mi . It now has a little over 37,000 mi.
Whenever the steering wheel is moved there will be a clanking sound in the steering column. Consumer claims that steering is some times loose at any speed. Dealer examined the vehicle, and claimed that a rack and pinion steering column was needed.
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.
Steering complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, 11% of the model year's 243 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 37,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to steering 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.