Engine problems of the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier

Engine and vehicle speed sometimes, but intermittently, do not respond to driver control - vehicle accelerates on its own. When that happens, had to ride brakes to control speed. This happened five times with increasing severity over a period of time - on the sixth time the vehicle reached 60mph without the accelerator being touched. Review of odi compliants shows an increasing number of similar related complaints on this model with age. Had purchased car to give to my newly licensed daughter, who, due to lack of experience, was initially unsure if the problem was with her or the car. The last time scared her, and the dealer's rep said "it was an accident waiting to happen". Dealer did a good job in persisting with the problem, which was finally (after two days) traced to the accelerator control cable dust cover coming loose and wedging itself between the cable an actuator in a difficult to detect location.

Car surges when cold, under slow acceleration. Gives a feeling of holding back, under slow acceleration. Runs fine when warm. First 3 minutes then clears up.

Engine check light stayed on. When driving lights turned off then flickered. Also, windshield wipers and automatic locks operated poorly. Vehicle was taken to dealership on several occasions for the same problems. On for occasions consumer was driving when vehicle headlights went out. Another problem consumer is experiencing is the windshield wipers come to a complete stop while in use. There is also a problem with the door locks. Vehicle has been serviced on various occasions for electrical problems. During one service visit the body control module was replaced and the theft deterrent system was programmed. Even after several service visits vehicle still experiencing problems with windshield wipers, door locks, turn signals, and hazard lights.