NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 248 owner complaints for the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. Most complaints involve electrical system (55) and power train (34). The EPA rates it 21–24 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT WAS DIFFICULT TO MOVE AND THE LEVER BECAME STUCK. OCCASIONALLY, THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. ALSO, THE HOOD WAS HOT, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED, AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THERE WERE ALSO MULTIPLE UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WITH AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND FELT SOMETHING DROP FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND WOULD NOT MOVE; THEREFORE, IT HAD TO BE TOWED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,675 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,525.”
“THE REAR BRAKES ON THE CHEVROLET CAVALIER CAN BECOME UNADJUSTED AND WHEN YOU HAVE TO BRAKE QUICKLY, THE BRAKES CAN LOCKUP AND SEND YOU INTO A SKID. THIS HAPPENED TO ME AND CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT, BUT I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE TYPE BRAKING SYSTEM THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH SO I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE CAR WENT INTO A SKID UNTIL MUCH LATER, AFTER I ALMOST REAR ENDED SOMEONE. PERSONNEL AT THE REPAIR SHOP EXPLAINED THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO ME. *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavalier Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Cavalier Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Cavalier Auto 3-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Cavalier Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Cavalier (Bi-fuel CNG) Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Cavalier Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 248 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (55), power train (34), service brakes, hydraulic (33). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier at 21–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).