Engine Exhaust System Problems of Chevrolet Cavalier

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.

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My 2004 chevy Cavalier has suffered a number of defects since its purchase. While they did not result in any collisions or injuries, they easily could have. At 10,211 miles (8/31/2004) the water pump failed; luckily, this was covered under warranty, and the pump, along with several seals and gaskets were replaced. At 29,522 miles (5/23/2005), white smoke began billowing out of the exhaust. Multi Chevrolet in union, NJ discovered that a cylinder head was defective, the head gaskets were cracked, and the timing chain needed to be replaced. These repairs were again covered by the warranty at 48,241 miles (6/9/2006), the instrument cluster and a suspension beam failed. Luckily, we had purchased an extended warranty, and the repairs were again covered. Finally, at 74,000 miles (5/10/10), the vehicle suffered catastrophic engine failure. Luckily, my son stephen was driving on a local road, and was able to pull over safely. After having the vehicle towed, marc burton, service manager of bill defouw Chevrolet in lafayette, indiana, informed us that every lifter was broken and every valve was bent, and the pistons were irreparably damaged as well. Because the vehicle is outside of warranty, gm has refused to replace the engine, and we cannot afford to do so out of pocket. We are reporting this in case other buyers of this model/year or later have experienced issues, and are currently driving unsafe vehicles.

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The consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealer for a regular oil maintenance and the dealer stated the vehicle needed front alignment. The dealer replaced the front struts. The vehicle had 3700 miles. Noise had come from the dashboard, when the left door was closed, when the vehicle was driven over bumps, and when the door was closed. There was static in the radio due to looseness, and there was a rattle noise in the rear, near the exhaust, when closed. The hinges were repaied, due to a noise in the door.

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There is a burning smell in vehicle while driving.

Oil falls onto exhaust heat shield when changing the filter, the heat shield is like a metal mesh covering the exhaust pipe. Always being told to let it burn off. Not good for people with breathing difficulties.

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Possible exhaust failure may be causing fumes that are getting the driver sick while driver is inside the vehicle.

See all problems of the 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier 🔎.

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.

While traveling 72 mph engine blewout without any indication. Vehicle was serviced by dealer, technician noticed exhaust blew into coolant system which blew the engine. Please provider further information. Ts. . .

When accelerating from a braked position, there is a vibration noise that comes from the rear exhaust, axle or strut area.

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When starting vehicle a strong odor enters passenger's compartment, following extreme vibration in the front end, cause unknown. Dealer can not identify the problem. Please give any further details.

While driving in heavy traffic a large quantity of carbon monoxide fumes entered vehicle compartment.

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The vehicle stalled while idling. It was determined that the egr position didn't match the actual egr position on the dash. Scc.

See all problems of the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 🔎.