Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The front passenger side electric window does not work will not roll down will not roll up. The rear-driver-side electric window does not work will not roll down will not roll up, the rear passenger side electric window does not work will not roll down will not roll up.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. While driving approximately 35 to 55 MPH on normal road conditions; pressure was applied to the accelerator pedal and there was an unintended increase in the acceleration. The engine revved extremely high which caused the ABS, engine, and traction control warning light indicators to illuminate on the instrument control panel intermittently. Immediately after applying pressure to the brake pedal, the vehicle began driving normally. An independent mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The front driver and passenger power window mechanism also failed without warning. The window motor was replaced; however, when the window was activated the response time was slow which May have caused the window shield wipers to malfunction. …
Drivers side wiper arm nut came loose causing wipers not to work at all. Wile wife was backing car up in driveway to return to our house (due to wipers not working)she hit a tree causing rear quater and rear bumper cover damage
I have a 2004 Chevy Cavalier ls sport. Well lets first start off with my drivers side window motor. It went out about a year and half ago and we fixed it this summer. Apparently it is a huge problem but of course no recall on it so paid almost 300 dollars myself to fix it. Then after that when I would start my car and put it into drive, the car would sputter and the ABS and trac off lights would come on. Next about 5 months ago I noticed that my gas gauge was fluctuating a little. Didn't give it much thought but then 2 months ago my temp gauge was going haywire. Called the dealer and they said that there was no recall and we would have to pay to have it fixed. Well we all know money is tight so I have left it. Low and behold late last week, the MPH gauge said I was going 100 MPH in a 35 zone. I had to take a double look. Dealer again says no recalls. …
Power suddenly shut off, causing power steering to fail, which made me wreck into a ditch. It also caused the airbags to not deploy and prevented seatbelts from locking into place when the brakes were hit.
Windshield on passenger side failed. Plastic cap that by friction holds elbow/joint of both control arms to wiper pivot point separated and is worn and will not hold. Now the driver side cheap plastic cap has failed. The motor works fine. Independant repair man says he sees this " all the time" part very poorly engineered no retaining clip, cotter nut,or screw to give structural support.
Chevrolet Cavalier, 4d sed....which I take very good care of 1.) right front window would not go up had to have right front door trim panel, movable glass r & I & replace right front door power glass regulator $399.48 (repaired: 05/09/06) then 2.) left right window would not go up. Asked service dept is Chevrolet aware of this problem since internet showing others with same problems - they say no! "c/s window inop left rear, 60005 lr power window motor internal problem 1.0 remove & replace lr power window motor" $356.95. (repaired: 01/13/07). Now 3.) (02/12/07) the flt window is starting to stop again, just as the last two repairs started....I'm not the only one with this problem... Go on line see others with the same problems yet Chevrolet says there is nothing wrong.... Why can't manufacturer's stand behind their product. …
Multiple times, the windshield wiper fluid would not flow onto the windshield. I would fill the windshield wiper fluid tank several times a month. Finally, I noticed that the design of the windshield wiper fluids tubing into the windshield wipers was flawed. The tubing is routed so that it passes the windshield wiper tank and seats up against the hot car battery. At this juncture, the tubing apparently had rotted and melted, and it created a huge hole in the tubing. I do not know why general motors decided to pass the windshield wiper tank, and seat this tubing up against the battery, and then go down again, and finally fit into the bottom valve of the windshield wiper tank, but it seems pointless and stupid and a definite design flaw!!! …
Related recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
These vehicles were built with an incorrect wiper blade assembly (17" long instead of 22" long) on the driver's side. This does not comply with FMVSS no. 104, "windshield wiping and washing systems."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for the correct wiper blade assembly and install a correct length wiper blade assembly.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Cavalier years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (38), 1996 (24), 2004 (23), 2003 (22) and 1995 (21) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Cavalier window & wiper problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 96V-160 (windshield wiper/washer, Aug 29, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Cavalier window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles; 53% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the power window devices and controls (54 mentions), followed by the windshield (38).
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.