Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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.
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. …
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.
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.
Consumer stated the clutch repeatedly stuck to the floor which caused the vehicle not to move. Ts . The dealer replaced the clutch cylinder line assembly, however the problem recurred, the dealer then replaced the clucth slave cylinder and pressure plate and the problem recurred, consumer stated he was unable to duplicate the problem while at the dealership, also there was a rattle noise coming from the transmission, however the dealer stated that was a normal characteristic of the vehicle.
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier blew a hole in the transmission.** answer required***. The vehicle was placed in reverse, the consumer backed out about a foot when an explosion was heard. The consumer found that a hole was blown in the thickest part of the casing where a large gear had projected from along with other metal chunks and landed in the driveway. The consumer requested that the manufacturer should be responsible for full coverage of the replaced transmission.
Transmission is making a grinding noise between 1st and 2nd gear. My wife and I asked the dealer we bought it from, if they could look at it. (17,000 mi, still under warranty). They said it was nothing and wouldn't do anything. However, we ran into the previous owner, and he said the dealer gave him a 5 year or 60,000 mi warranty just on the transmission. And still with the warranty no one will do anything.
Engine light has come on for the 10th time in 2 months. The dealership resets the computer and sometimes does repairs. The service dept. Manager has asked me to take it somewhere else to see what they can do. All repairs have been related to either gas or powertrain. The engine light always comes on after acceleration going up a hill.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact heard a popping sound and felt something drop from the vehicle. The vehicle stopped and would not move; therefore, it had to be towed. The current mileage was 47,675 and failure mileage was 47,525.
This car has been a lemon since I bought it. It had 14 miles on it at purchase. Before it had 5,000 miles, the strut mounts had to be replaced twice. When it hit close to 60,000 miles the trac off/ check engine lights kept coming on. I went to the dealership and they replaced some component in the fuel system to pacify me but stated it had to do with the gas cap not being on right. Not the problem at all because I complained to Chevrolet and they replaced this piece yet again (was replaced before) and I drove it out of the dealership to nc and it happened again on the way down there. When the check engine light comes on, shortly after the trac off light comes on and it makes a noise like the transmission is ready to fall out of it. Seems the problems start when you're trying to climb a hill which to me has never sounded like a problem with the gas cap! …
Transmission complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, 14% of the model year's 243 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 36% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.