Two problems related to car will not start have been reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Problems with engine failure. The consumer experienced starting problems described in recall# 04v036000. The consumer would place the key in the ignition, turn the key to the start position and the engine failed to start. The original switch was replaced. The consumer did not believe the recall was ever performed on the vehicle, since the vehicle continued to exhibit problems.
On September 3, 2002, I tried starting the car in the morning around 11:15 am. The car did not start after multiple attempts. The car was left in the apartment parking lot. The car door was opened around 2:00 pm and black smoke came out all over from inside the car. There was a fire flame on the dash-board from the hole inside the steering. The car caught on fire as it received oxygen from the wind blowing. Immediately 911 was called. Fire department came down within 5 minutes and blew out the fire. A police complaint was filed. Also we contacted general motors and they inspected the car after the fire. Finally gm accepted full responsibility for the failure after 14 business days. Gm reimbursed our insurance company all the expenses incurred. Dt.