Seat complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On two separate occasions the driver door would open without warning while driving 45-50 MPH. The vehicle has been to the dealer. The dealer made some adjustments to the door. The mechanic informed the consumer that the vehicle had been hit before and the problem May continue due to the damages the vehicle had sustained. The driver door did not close after adjustments as well as the passenger door. The driver door would open while I the vehicle was in motion, material was coming out from under the dashboard, interior passenger door was damaged when purchased, and the back seat was discolored.
On October 1st 2015 we were stopped for road construction on the highway. At that time we were rear ended by a hit and run driver. Impact was on the bumper, passenger side. On impact the passenger seat broke and slammed me forward then back into a reclining position. I was taken to hospital by ambulance.I was in pt for 6 weeks. Also airbag did not deploy.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that the drivers seat malfunctioned and the air bag did not deploy when a truck crashed into her vehicle from the rear. She also crashed into the vehicle in front of her. The contact and a passenger were injured and had to go to the hospital the following day. The police was there but no report was filed. The GM manufacturer was notified and a claim was filed. A representative was scheduled to inspect the vehicle but they never came. The failure mileage was 45,000. Updated 03/05/10
Vehicle accident with seat and airbag failure on 5-23-08. Reported to GM 5/27/08 case. Spoke with GM rep then transferred to local dealership who said he would discuss with district manager. On 1/8/10 I again called for follow-up. The previous case had been closed and a new one opened and I was told I would be contacted. I followed up on 2/16/09 and was told it was being handled by motors liquidation. I expressed my concern was safety based - not money based, still had the vehicle for an investigation. The rep. Explained because the accident occurred prior to the "new" GM they were not concerned about it. I explained the accident date was of no concern to the safety considerations as there are still these types of vehicles on the road. They failed to report to you on two occasions. The bigger issue is GM's policy of reporting and investigating safety issues. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact was sitting idle at a traffic stop when a vehicle crashed into the rear of his vechile. The front driver and passenger seats abnormally collapsed backward and both the contact and a passenger sustained injuries to the back. Both were transported to the hospital via ambulance. The police were contacted and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was deemed as destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 57,000.
I own a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. I recently found out that the car was not made with the latch system specifically the lower anchors in the folds of the seat, so I can install a car seat. The car also does not come with the child locking mechanism in the 3 point lap and shoulder belt. At this point I am unable to use my vehicle to transport my 2 children who require car seats as there is no way to safely install the car seat. I called the Chevy dealership who was unable to find this part (lower anchor or seatbelts with child locking mechanism). I called GM and they are unable to supply the parts and I have called aftermarket parts stores who are unable to find parts. A search of the internet I found other people with the same problem, but no solution. I feel this is very dangerous. I am the original owner of the car and I was never made aware of this problem.
(1) my cousin was driving her 1998 Cavalier when she was struck head on by an oncoming vehicle (2) her driver's side chair broke lose and her seat belt came out of its fastener and the metal "hook" striking her body resulting in a laceration. Her body was then throw forward with such great force that she hit the windshield with her head twice resulting in a concussion, black eye, swollen forehead and other cuts and bruises. Additionally, at the point of impact, despite the force with which she was struck, her airbag failed to deploy which could have further prevented her striking the windshield. Every safety device in this vehicle failed miserably resulting in serious injury.
Traveling approximately 20 MPH, our vehicle struck from behind (rear-ended) by an SUV. The impact caused both driver and passenger seats to collapse backward providing no support and causing injury to both driver and passenger.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Cavalier years have seat problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (12), 1997 (11), 1998 (9), 2004 (8) and 1995 (6) model years. Seat complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Cavalier seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for any Chevrolet Cavalier model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Cavalier seat problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles; 67% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front assembly › recliner (20 mentions), followed by the mid/rear assembly (3).
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.