general problems of the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier

15 problems related to air bag have been reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 12/05/2011

I replaced the battery on my 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 2. 4l with manual transmission about 3 days ago. Today as I was driving to get gas the vehicle started to idle low as if it was not getting enough fuel to the engine. As I came to a stop it got worse and then I check the dash for any indication of malfunction only to see my airbag, check engine, abs, check oil & battery lights flickering. Moments later as I shift into 3rd gear it dies rendering all safety and normal operation of the vehicle nearly impossible. I had to call a friend to jump me 3 more times before reaching my home which was less than a mile away!.

2 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 02/20/2007

Airbags deployed inadvertently while my daughter was driving causing her to hit a tree. Eye witnesses state this as well.

3 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 06/03/2005

Consumer experienced problems while having the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier recall repairs performed. Recall campaign#02v286000. There were problems with the steering mechanism, the ignition and the air bag. The consumer believed that none of the recall repairs were ever made on the vehicle.

4 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 02/09/2005

The vehicle was being driven when all of a sudden the air bag deployed on its own unexpectedly. Manufacturer will be notified by consumer.

5 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 03/19/2002

The dealer refused to honor the recall for the air bag for almost a year. (recall #98v146000).

6 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 01/24/2000

In 53000 miles: spontaneous airbag deployment, computer failure, valve train failure.

7 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 09/18/1998

Air bag deployed while daugher was sitting still at the red light. Consumer indicated that air bag deployed prematurely. Consumer stated after air bag deployed, vehicle went foward and struck a van, there were 2 injuries in consumers vehicle, the windshield shattered due to air bag covering on passenger side.

8 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 08/12/1998

Vehicle was sold without knowledge of recall #98v-146. Mjs.

9 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 07/15/1998

Sdm (air bag) failed prior to recall notification.

10 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 06/30/1998

False deployment of both air bags resulted in vehicle collision, airbags failed prior to recall.

11 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 09/24/1997

False deployment of air bag caused injury to left arm.

12 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 01/08/1997

False deployment of air bag caused severe injuries including brain damage to 8 year old child. (attorney for consumer).

13 Air Bag problem

The airbag modules were no loger functional whicm may result in the unit not working.

14 Air Bag problem

Received recall notification 98v146 in August 98. Consumer has contacted the dealer weekly after receipt of recall . Dealer has not received the parts.

15 Air Bag problem

False deployment of air bags resulted in damage to vehicle.



Fuel Economy of Cavalier Vehicles
Cavalier Service Bulletins
Cavalier Safety Recalls
Cavalier Defect Investigations