1994 Chevrolet Cavalier: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 212 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% of complaints); the 1992 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 212 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The plastic bushing that holds the shift lever to the cable fell apart while driving and your not able to shift the car. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2010
“Turn signal/horn pad failure. Called chevrolet hotline on 12/30/2008, and they were not helpful. Referred me to dealership and said there were no open recalls for my vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2008
“Dt*: the contact stated the power door locks failed and the manual release would not unlock the door. The vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Apr 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“The signal light on the dashboard indicated that the rear signals work properly, even when a bulb was blown out. This caused the consumer to believe that signal worked properly, but it not. Dealer was not notified.*ak *tc”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2005
“When driving 20 mph left front tire collapsed. This caused consumer to stop in the middle of the road. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership for inspection and mechanic determined that the driveshaft failed. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · May 2004
“I have had a problem with my engine's cooling system ever since I got it. It consistently over- heats, leaks coolant and I believe there is something wrong with the fan. My car finally broke down from it and I am going to have to pay hundreds of more dollars toget the problem fixed. I have 2 friends that have the exact same car with the same problems. I am so sick of taking this car in for problems. Also, there have been problems with the fan belt and parallel pullies, which I was told by aaa. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2004
“Consumer's vehicle had the same problem as mentioned in recall 94v115000 concening axles. Dealer would not repair vehicle because VIN was not included.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2003
“Consumer drove the vehicle over a pot hole, and it felt like the bottom of the vehicle was about to come apart. Consumer smelled gas, and vehicle was towed to a mechanic, and he replaced the shock towers on the right side. About six weeks later, consumer felt something dragging. Took back vehicle to mechanic, who replaced the shock towers on the left side. *ak right rear shock tower was also repaired. *la”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2003
“This is the 4th time the timing chain has broken on my 1994 cavalier. The third time the chain broke I had to have the rods/pistons replaced because when the chain broke it bent them.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2003
“Lower radiator hose rubbed on motor mount and wore through the metal on the hose, causing loss of fluid and engine cooling failure. Hose was in good shape except for this. New hose is still rubbing. No apparent way to mount it differently. *ak second complaint. Air conditioning external runoff often runs into car under passenger mat instead of outside.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 28 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH OVERTORQUED DRIVE AXLE SPINDLE NUTS. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE LOADS ON THE SPINDLE NUT AND DRIVE AXLE RESULTING IN FAILURE OF THE DRIVE AXLE OR THE SPINDLE NUT. FAILURE OF EITHER OF THESE COMPONENTS CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE STEERING KNUCKLE TIRE-WHEEL ASSEMBLY FROM THE DRIVE AXLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT-HAND AND RIGHT-HAND DRIVE AXLES, BEARING-HUB ASSEMBLIES, SPINDLE NUTS, AND WASHERS ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES. CORRECTIVE ACTION: DEALERS WILL REPLACE LEFT-HAND AND RIGHT-HAND DRIVE AXLES, BEARING-HUB ASSEMBLIES, SPINDLE NUTS, AND WASHERS ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.
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 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?
NHTSA has 212 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 95,000 miles or less.
Does the 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm. 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.