Five problems related to engine exhaust system have been reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I purchased a 1996 chevy Cavalier in 1999 and from the beginning had problems with the check engine light continually on etc. From 1999 to sept 2010 - I took it to several chevy dealers while it was under warranty and they never fixed the problem completely and the lights remained on. I was told to put fuel injection cleaner in it by one car dealer of course that didn't work. Years later and many repairs, engine rebuilt, thermostat replaced, water pumps, fans etc. . Four catalytic converters I still have the same problem - loss of power, car shutting off and leaving me in intersection, freeways etc. . Causing a very dangerous situation, I have over these years become very frustrated the codes read O2 sensors, the cat converter pieces fall apart easily causing very costly repairs because these defective parts clog the air flow causing overheating and loss of power, it should not be this difficult or cost to keep this car in repair order. Cat converters, sensors, head gaskets, seals, water pumps, sticking thermostats etc. . Continually replaced and still the same on going problem with no hope of ever finally fixing this dangerous defective problem.
There is a burning smell in vehicle while driving.
Contacted dealer and they advised of the evaporative purge solenoid and charcoal canister needed replacement as carbon monoxide was leaking. We have a warranty and they report it is not covered under the warranty. If gm had to replace the same parts in many of their other cars then why not this vehicle. The cadillacs, buicks, cutlass and over 400,000 vehicle they should recall this problem in the Cavalier at no cost to the owner of the vehicle. We just purchased the vehicle a few months ago and purchased the warranty for 1,000. 00. The dealer said it is not covered. My daughter purchased her first vehicle just a few months ago, and now it has a problem that they say she will needs to pay for. I think that this problem should be covered under the warranty we purchased and should be recalled just like the other vehicles were at no cost to the owner. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to answer our concerns. Yvette hollis and aimee hollis.
Water in air filter/plugs caused engine to backfire.
Noise heard over bumps due to misaligned exhaust/heat shield.