Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
During first snow in dec 02, the ABS in my 2mo old car activated for the first time. The normal pedal vibs occured, but there was a patterned pinging of a spring at the pedals location. All braking power was lost during this, and I had to run a red light because I could not stop, even after pressing the brake again, with the same effect (this also occured while pulling into my garage on a dry surface, so I had to use emergency brake to keep from running into the back wall). I took the vehicle to the dealership, where they checked it twice on the road, and once with the sensor checks (no codes were found, they said). Of course I had them document this. On jan 21 '03, I was forced to slam on my brakes because the vehicle in front of me stopped too fast. Although the pedal felt pressurized as it should be, there was again no braking power, although the ABS did not activate. …
Driver was heading south on i684, on the exit ramp to 287 west, in heavy traffic. Vehicle suddenly appeared to shut off, making it impossible to steer and brake. Driver ran off the road and went nose first into a ditch, damaging the frame, radiator, airco and nose of vehicle. The vehicle was totaled as a result.
Brake lines are corroded way too early. Began leaking. I'm trying to replace them myself, because I don't have 1500-2000 dollars for parts and labor. Luckily the brakes pedals went to the floor in the driveway when I found the leaks.
Aug 31 2002, purchased vehicle. December 5, 2002: ABS activated - lost brake power, sailed through red light. ABS activated on dry pavement in garage, no deceleration, used emergency brake to prevent collision with back wall of garage. December 9, 2002: took the vehicle to the dealership/ mechanic and manager drove the vehicle. Said ABS was functioning properly. January 21, 2003: brakes failed causing rear-end colllision. Airbags didnt deploy $5,000 worth of damage to front end - less that 4000 miles on veh. Contacted GMC, explained events . GMC investigator downloaded data from ABS/air bag device. From that information alone, GMC determined nothing wrong with brakes without driving it -undrivable damage. I received a copy of this print out. Immediately upon getting my vehicle back from the repair shop, I notice vehicle shakes violently when brakes are applied. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that his front brakes were in need of replacement after 10,000 miles. In addition, the hydraulic brakes continued to lock on the vehicle while driving in forward or reverse. There were no warning indicators that indicated that the braking system failed. It was later discovered that the warning indicator system also failed. The dealer installed an ats lighting system to ensure the warning panel would illuminate if there were any further failures. The failure mileage was less than 65,000 and current mileage was 76,500. Updated 02/10/09. The dealer replaced the ABS sensor light. Updated 02/11/09.
Since purchasing my 2002 Cavalier I have had to have my rotors turned (2) times and they are in need of it again (third time). I have only put 39450 miles on my car and after the second time I began to be very careful about braking for any length of time. I have been downshifting when going down hills instead of applying my brakes. I would like to know why this is occurring so frequently. I have only had to replace my disc brakes one time. I have never had a vehicle in which I had to have the rotors turned so frequently. Especially since approx 10000 miles are highway miles where very little braking occurs.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. Over the past two years, the brakes lock when the contact drives over a bump in the road. He would have to pump the brakes in order for them to unlock. He took the vehicle to another dealer for a diagnostic and was informed that there was a spring in the rear passenger side that caused the brakes to lock. The spring would trip a sensor on the dash and the vehicle would stop. The dealer is repairing the failure and is also installing an ABS sensor light for the brakes. The failure mileage was 76,000. Updated 02/05/09 updated 02/0909.
At 13,000 miles my car would shake violently when applying the brakes. The dealer said the rotors were warped, the dealer turned them and the shaking stopped. The dealer said this component was only warranted for 12,000 miles, but repaired the car at no cost. At about 26,000 miles the car began to shake again when the brakes were applied. An independent mechanic said the rotors were again warped, but they could not be turned because this would make them too thin. He recommended replacing the rotors with an after market set due to the fact the GM rotors seem to warp prematurely.
While driving ABS failed, causing a major accident. Consumer stated he was traveling on a dry street, the vehicle in front of him braked to make a right turn and when he attempted to apply the brakes, there was no response, to avoid a collison, consumer down shifted to 3rd gear, noticing the ABS light was lit, consumer drove the vehicle into a private front yard striking a large rock, there was damage to the front tire, wheel, hub cab, right passenger door, bumper, fender, rocker panel, there were no injuries.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact applied the brakes and suddenly the pedal traveled to the floor. The contact downshift and engaged the parking brake. The vehicle came to a stop and was driven to his residence with caution. The contact detected that the rear brake line had completely rusted. The brake line was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Brake complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, 15% of the model year's 196 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 53% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes 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.