1993 Chevrolet Cavalier: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 146 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% of complaints); the 1991 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 146 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1993 chevrolet cavalier. While driving approximately 30 mph, the pin that holds the steering wheel detached and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2010
“Dt*: the contact stated after rolling down the manual window, it would not roll back up. The contact took the vehicle to an independent repair shop. The mechanic found the problem to be the window regulator and no repairs were made. The manufacturer has not been alerted.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2006
“While driving brake light illuminated on the dashboard. When this occurred vehicle was immediately taken to the dealership, who d indicated that the rear brake system collapsed and was losing brake fluid. Consumer felt that this may have been caused by the defect described in the hydraulic brake line hose non metallic recall 93v121000. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“Major failure of the vehicle's water-resistant envelope: serious water leak on the passenger side from the firewall, resulting in rust and severe damage to carpet, mold and mildew in carpet and underlay, and unpleasant odours”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2003
“Not a complaint, exactly, an inquiry: has anyone looked at right knee injuries, since steering column locks became mandatory? I note that it feels as if, in an 'impact', my knee would be impacted by the keys.... (or vice versa) this inquiry applies to any vehicle type/model, though internal ergonomics may affect occurrence, if any. Vehicle details provided only to satisfy web site requirements. Feel free to ignore this enquiry, if non issue... Best dave pierson. *jb”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2003
“After filling gas tank, their was a gas smell and vehicle shut off.contacted dealer. Fuel injector was leaking. Replaced part, problem reoccurred.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2002
“Vehicle was hit head-on by motorcycle while driving about 35-40 mph. Upon impact, driver's airbag did not deploy, and consumer was badly injured. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2001
“While braking at a slow speed, brake pedal went to floor, and there was no braking action. Consumer hit vehicle in front of her insurance agent claimed rear brake hose was at fault, damage to vehicle unknown at this time. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2001
“While driving vehicle experiences rough vibration/ speedometer doesn't work anymore, ABS light stays on. These things were working when test driven. Dealer is not assiting consumer with problem.*ak check engine light illuminated after driving 5-6 miles. Cruise control does not work. While slowing, steering wheel vibrates. When heater is on, engine has a strong odor. *slc”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2001
“While driving long distance vehicle completely shuts down, and rear brakes lock up when brakes are applied. *ak the cause was determined to be a sensor and it was replaced. *yh”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE BRAKE HOSES WERE MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, AND DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 106, "BRAKE HOSES."
Remedy: REPLACE THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLY ON CIERA AND CENTURY MODELS, AND BOTH REAR BRAKE HOSES ON CAVALIER AND SUNBIRD MODELS.
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INSUFFICIENT RETENTION OF THE HORN PAD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE HORN PAD RETENTION CLIPS, INSTALL HORN PAD RETENTION BRACKETS TO THE STEERING WHEEL, REINSTALL THE HORN PAD AND ASSURE THAT THE HORN PAD IS PROPERLY RETAINED.
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 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?
NHTSA has 146 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 81,000 miles or less.
Does the 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. 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.