1992 Chevrolet Cavalier: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 134 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (35% of complaints); the 1990 and 1991 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 1991
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“New tires and valve stems were installed on my car in november of 2007. After about 8,000 miles two valve stems have failed in the course of two weeks, one about may 7 th 2009 and another on may 19 2009. First failed stem was replaced may 8th. Am no waiting for information from the seller of the stems if they will cover the replacement of the other three under warranty. *tr”Owner report · Tires · May 2009
“The body seam putty on and around the windshield and firewall dries out, then cracks, and allows water to enter the interior of the car. As a result, my front floor pans on the passenger and driver side are rusting as is my firewall. My front carpet is most always wet and musty smelling unless I pull the carpets back after every rain to allow the interior moisture to dry (this happens whether the car is driven in the rain or parked in the rain). *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2007
“1992 chevrolet cavalier. The piece at the center of the driving wheel can come loose, interfere with steering, and cause an accident. The center of the driving wheel has a piece which is over the horn. His came off as I was making a sharp u-turn on a two way street. It jammed in between the steering wheel and my turn signal lever. I temporarily was unable to turn the steering wheel. It almost caused an accident. The piece at the center of the driving wheel can come loose, interfere with steering, and cause an accident. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Brake pedal will periodically go all the way to the floor without brakes engaging. My daughter had an accident because of this, thankfully no one was injured and there was little damage. Mechanic can find no problems. He said it could be the master cylinder or anti-lock brakes but without him being able to get the problem to re-occur, he can't pinpoint the problem. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2005
“While driving 35 mph, the consumer lost steering control. The dealership was aware of the problem. Plase provide more information. *jb”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2004
“While making a right turn a loud knocking noise was heard from steering wheel column. Then, vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted vehicle, and pulled over. Consumer had vehicle towed to the dealer for repairs. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2004
“The consumer took vehicle to the dealer to repair the ABS light which cost $700.00. The vehicle was taken to dealer a second time because the light would remain on. The dealer informed the consumer that it would again cost him $ because warranty expired. *ak *sc *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2003
“Vehicle was sitting in attached garage for three hours when noise was heard in garage. When looked in garage was filled with smoke and fire was coming out of both sides of windshield on passenger side. Put out fire with fire extinguisher and pushed out of garage. Large hole in dash on passenger side where fire came out, strong ordor of burnt plastic and electrical fire smell.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2001
“Vehicle was sitting in attached garage for three hours when noise was heard in garage. When looked in garage was filled with smoke and fire was coming out of both sides of windshield on passenger side. Put out fire with fire extinguisher and pushed out of garage. Large hole in dash on passenger side where fire came out, strong ordor of burnt plastic and electrical fire smell.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2001
“Intake manifold is defective and vehicle will stall at any speed. Vehicle will start back up once it shuts off. Contacted dealer and dealer was not willing to do anything, consumer had another dealership install new intake manifold gasket. *ak *tt”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 15 of these complaints and injuries in 15 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR MISSING, LEADING TO A CONDITION WHERE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE THE SECONDARY STRIKER.
Remedy: INSPECT HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING.
How other years compare
Check your exact Cavalier by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?
NHTSA has 134 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (35% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 120,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.