1996 Chevrolet Cavalier engine problems
124 complaints about engine have been filed for the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, which is 17% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 124 17% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 79,000 miles 16 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 4 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 2 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 1 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 2 |
What the data shows
Of the 16 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 79,000 miles, and 25% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash.
What owners wrote
While driving struck a deer on the road. Then checked under hood, where anti-freeze was leaking from engine head gasket without prior warning.
Head gasket on my 1996 chevrolet cavalier. We couldn't figure out why the vehicle would continue to stall , after placing nearly $800.00 worth of new parts in vehicle, changing several alternators and starters, from the ingnition swith recall. I had taken to a mechanic and found out the car had a blown head gasket. Which, apparently there is a recall on other cavaliers, although not with my VIN number. I have called GM motors and they want me to have the car diagnosised at their dealership, costing $100-$200.
Other problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
- Electrical system 109 complaints
- Air bags 77 complaints
- Brakes 65 complaints
- Steering 53 complaints
- Transmission 49 complaints
- Lighting 33 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 31 complaints
- Suspension 27 complaints