Chevrolet Cavalier Visibility Problems
Owners have filed 240 complaints with NHTSA about visibility problems on the Chevrolet Cavalier across 11 model years. The 1997 model year has the most (40). The words owners use most often: “windshield wipers” (13% of reports).
- 240visibility complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 33%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Windshield wipers: mentioned in 31 of 240 complaints (13%)
- Side window: mentioned in 20 of 240 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do visibility problems happen?
Based on 76 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 240 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 4 an injury.
Chevrolet Cavalier visibility complaints by model year
| Model year | Visibility complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Cavalier | 10 | 3% | 53,353 |
| 2004 Cavalier | 23 | 7% | 39,000 |
| 2003 Cavalier | 37 | 5% | 49,380 |
| 2002 Cavalier | 16 | 8% | 30,000 |
| 2001 Cavalier | 11 | 5% | 90,000 |
| 2000 Cavalier | 14 | 4% | 60,000 |
| 1999 Cavalier | 15 | 6% | 62,000 |
| 1998 Cavalier | 15 | 4% | 36 |
| 1997 Cavalier | 40 | 7% | 76,000 |
| 1996 Cavalier | 27 | 5% | 63,871 |
| 1995 Cavalier | 32 | 12% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer
Model years: 1997
Problem: 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."
Risk: The area and pattern wiped on the windshield will be reduced and could affect the driver's view in wet weather increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for the correct wiper blade assembly and install a correct length wiper blade assembly.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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. *tr
My rear defrost quit working and i went and checked some of the connections. The connection under the dash had been melted, with the plastic showing evidence of being melted. I have done some checking on the internet and it appears it is a problem. If you check gm cars pontiac, and gm some of the…
Upon driving vehicle at low speeds 20-30 mph with front and rear window defroster on,it became more,and more evident of a possible fire. First there was an increasing burning smell followed by smoke. A connector on the drivers side kick panel has melted being so close to the carpet its possible…
Three of the four power windows have stopped working at the same time, and the fourth window barely works. *js
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the front driver and passenger side windows could only be closed partially. The rear driver and passenger windows could not be opened or closed. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who located the failure at the door…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Cavaliers have visibility problems?
No. NHTSA has 240 owner complaints about visibility for the Chevrolet Cavalier. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Cavalier visibility?
Yes: 1 safety recall list visibility. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about visibility problems on the Chevrolet Cavalier?
The most frequent phrase is “windshield wipers”, in 31 of 240 complaints, followed by “side window” (20).
Other Chevrolet Cavalier problems
See all Chevrolet Cavalier problems.