What are the worst Chevrolet Cavalier years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst Chevrolet Cavalier years are 1996, 1997, 2003 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The years with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 1990, 1991.

Chevrolet Cavalier: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 1996, 1997, 2003

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 1990, 1991

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2005287 complaints · 1 recalls 2004330 complaints · 2 recalls 2003worst year678 complaints · 2 recalls 2002196 complaints · 5 recalls 2001243 complaints · 6 recalls 2000315 complaints · 7 recalls 1999240 complaints · 8 recalls 1998345 complaints · 11 recalls 1997worst year540 complaints · 13 recalls 1996worst year503 complaints · 13 recalls 1995270 complaints · 9 recalls 1994212 complaints · 2 recalls 1993146 complaints · 2 recalls 1992134 complaints · 1 recalls 1991solid year55 complaints · 3 recalls 1990solid year55 complaints · 1 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.