The vehicle dossier US · 2002

2002 Chevrolet
CAVALIERProblems & recalls

196 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 62 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 196 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components62 reports
Electrical system35 reports
Brakes27 reports
Engine22 reports
Fuel system18 reports
Visibility16 reports
Steering16 reports
Air bags14 reports
Transmission & drivetrain13 reports
Suspension10 reports
Body & structure9 reports
See original component labels
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS11
STEERING10
AIR BAGS8
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE8
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING7
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP6
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL6
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
SEATS5
SUSPENSION5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
TIRES4
STRUCTURE:BODY4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM4
SUSPENSION:REAR3
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY3
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH3
STEERING:COLUMN3
SEAT BELTS3
SERVICE BRAKES3
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)2
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE2
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN2
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS2
SUSPENSION:FRONT2
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM2
WHEELS:RIM2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS2
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM1
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM1
WHEELS1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)1
CHILD SEAT1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL1
STEERING:RACK AND PINION1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL1
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS1
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE1
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP1
PARKING BRAKE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES1
VISIBILITY1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1
POWER TRAIN1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Jun 7, 2023
Mileage, where supplied

53,503 miles is the median among 102 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 20,000–75,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

5 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Apr 7, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09E012000

Reported concern

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Read campaign 09E012000 at NHTSA
Oct 17, 2008 Safety recallSTEERINGCampaign 08E063000

Reported concern

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

Read campaign 08E063000 at NHTSA
Aug 11, 2008 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 08E050000

Reported concern

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Manufacturer’s stated response

K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Read campaign 08E050000 at NHTSA
Mar 12, 2007 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESCampaign 07E021000

Reported concern

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Read campaign 07E021000 at NHTSA
Mar 23, 2006 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 06E026000

Reported concern

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Manufacturer’s stated response

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Read campaign 06E026000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

444 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 18, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP5601CThis PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.NHTSA ID 11020816

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11020816 at NHTSA
Feb 20, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP5358DThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a …NHTSA ID 11014455

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11014455 at NHTSA
Oct 25, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP4723JThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/chargin…NHTSA ID 11009156

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11009156 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5099HThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will ne…NHTSA ID 11007744

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007744 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5099HThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will ne…NHTSA ID 11007743

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007743 at NHTSA
Aug 26, 2024 Service CampaignGeneral CommunicationVehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updatin…NHTSA ID 11006621

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

Campaign / software reference: General Communication

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11006621 at NHTSA
Jul 24, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions24-NA-141GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin adv…NHTSA ID 11006421

GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11006421 at NHTSA
Jun 28, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-NA-383This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier…NHTSA ID 11004761

This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

Components: ENGINE · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004761 at NHTSA
Jun 17, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions18-NA-099This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.NHTSA ID 11004557

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004557 at NHTSA
Jun 6, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions24-NA-098This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution info…NHTSA ID 11002312

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11002312 at NHTSA
Mar 28, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions10-08-45-001HThis bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.NHTSA ID 10252735

This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10252735 at NHTSA
Mar 13, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-NA-383This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Ti…NHTSA ID 10251890

This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10251890 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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