Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
461510023171Abs pump running when not needed. *nj10/31/2007
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
0096601/01/200400966A10007816Anti-lock braking system (abs) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness. *tt07/12/2004
00966B01/01/200410007293Abs front wheel speed codes - jumper harness. *tt06/09/2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
00052400104/01/2000613590Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies. **mr07/25/2000
VSS1999002010/05/1999607989Subject regarding request for customer complaint vehicles which have a front brake squeak / squeal noise complaint. *tt10/26/1999

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK
06/15/20002511/01/1997
 I previously reported this and received odi number: 724108 - my vehicle was totalled in this accident. the brakes failed 4 times and in an attempt to avoid hitting a vehicle stopped in front, had to steer off the road onto a bank. this resulted in hitting a boulder and subsequently the vehicle flipped over onto the driver's side. the only reason there were no injuries or fatalities was due to the seatbelt being worn, and the airbags deploying. i had at least 25 if not more incidences where the brakes failed and was told by the dealer upon having them checked out previously was that there was nothing wrong. i notified chevrolet after the accident, and was told i have no recourse because i didn't have the vehicle back to the dealer 3 times. i could have had it back 100 times and would have gotten nowhere. in the time of owning this vehicle, had to replace the brake pads twice and the rotors once. there is something wrong when an anti-lock brake system causes the brakes to fail. the only thing good about this mess is that my son, who was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident, wasn't hurt or killed. i have not as yet notified gm as they don't care if they are producing vehicles which can cause serious injury or death. i previously owned a gm jimmy with exactly the same problems with the braking system and was involved in a class action suit against gm. i don't know what happened with it - i sold the jimmy and purchased this cavalier which ultimately resulted in permanently losing my car. why doesn't someone do something to stop gm before someone is seriously injured or killed? the consumer is made to feel like they are at fault and don't know how to use anti-lock brakes. it's not our fault, it is the fault of the manufacturer. will you please have someone contact me with regard to this complaint? thank you.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
11/27/1998203/01/1998
 This car has been taken to the dealer and the dealer recognizes the problem but consistantly refuses to take any rsponsibilities for the junk that they sold me. this car has been to the body shop for repairs on the manufacturer ground effects package the transmission that doesn't work properly the brake system the i have had to have rotors turned and within four months have brand new rotors but on. the sunroof doesn't open properly, the trunk lid hits the bumper when you close it,the engine makes a weird rattle noise when you go over a bump,the doors do not close all the way, ther is tons of rust on the inside walls of my trunk, i was also notified of a recall on the oil consumption valve two weeks after all the oil in my car had leaked out causing my engine to knock on my way home from work (had to put four quarts of oil in it three days from having an oil change, i never received the airbag recall for my vehicle. to wrap this up in a nutshell i will never buy a chevrolet product again i will result to a foriegn car maker (honda) to purchase my next vehicle. nk
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DRUM - SHOES/LININGS
07/02/2004357381
 Brake lining rusted, causing the brakes to fail. consumer had the vehicle towed to a repair shop for diagnosis of the problem. also, consumer contacted the manufacturer, who insisted there was not much they could do, and consumer should take the vehicle to a chevrolet dealership. consumer was not willing to pay for a brake inspection. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
05/15/20030
 Power steering has slowly gone i took it to mechanic who could not read but says there seems to be a leak but he can't figure out where. it's caused the entire car to act up and i don't even want it anymore.!!
08/01/19985000512/01/1997
 Consumer stated when brakes were applied there was a delay in braking. cause was unknown. please provide any further information. *ph when the road is wet, the braking distance is the length of two telephone poles. vehicle was taken to the dealership five times but they weren't able to duplicate the problem. consumer was told bring the vehicle back when its raining. consumer did so and each time they stated they were busy. mechanic wrote one repair order. consumer installed new rotors and pads which helped a little bit. consumer believed the problem is the anti lock. *ph
08/14/2002
 Consumer states that the brake rotors are wearing and when applying the brakes the vehicle will have a heavy vibration and extended stopping distance. dealer notified. ts
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
03/22/200599000812/10/2004
 Abs brakes fail when turning and breaking at 10 mph. *nm
11/01/200485000100
 Dt: consumer states there is a malfunction with the abs system. at any speed, when brakes are applied, abs kicks on and does not catch, but starts to jolt. brake pedal seems to catch/release over and over, which caused extended stopping distances. also causes rolling foward or backward in any weather condition or under any driving circumstances. consumer has barely had an accident up to this point. vehicle has rolled into traffic several times and consumer was forced to use the emergency brake to avoid an accident. *tt
09/11/199920
 Chey cavalier has abs light on for as long as i have owned the car and it has been in a accident. also it has fail many times i called the company for answers but no one has help. *jb
08/24/2004810375
 When attempting to brake vehicle continued to roll intermittently, resulting in extended stopping distance .*ak
05/15/200328250103/29/2001
 When the brakes were applied, the abs failed. *nlm the consumer was told the anti-lock brake system was defective. *jb
06/01/2098
 Luckily, i have not been involved in any accident because of this problem, but it is only due to luck. i contacted gm regarding this, and was told that since i didn't bring the vehicle to the dealer for maintenance (i do all my own oil and easy filter changes), i was not eligible for anything to help defray the $700 cost of the abs modulator that failed, prematurely, at only 64,000 miles. it is ludicrous that they can tie oil changes to failure of a key brake component, and reward repeat gm customers in this manner. while i am awaiting the regional person's final say on this, it doesn't seem promising, judging by the response i got from they're customer care hotline. (now there's an oxymoron if i've ever seen one!!). *ak
10/06/2001110/01/2001
 Car was stopped about 2 feet from wall. foot slipped off brake allowing car to roll forward, causing it to bump wall. air bags deployed and passenger side air bag busted windshield. parts/service manager at our local general motors dealer removed bumper and inspected, and he saw no reason why air bags should have deployed. also, there is no visible damage to vehicle other than air bags deploying and busted windshield. he contacted general motors and reported this. they refused to do anything about it and they also refused to send an inspector. *ak
409/01/1998
 Abs fail to work at high or very low speeds. rotors replaced twice in two years. dealer can't find anything else wrong with the brakes. have taken it in several times, but problem continues. the last time i had the rotors fixed they put a hole in my windshield washer fluid container and want over $100 to replace it. starter refuses to turn over ocasionally, dealer couldn't find problem. there has got to be a recall very soon on the brakes soon, i'm lucky i haven't gotten in an accident yet. everyone i know that has the same car has had the exact same problems with their brakes. they had to issue a recall on a faulty brake system they had on their trucks several years ago. i don't feel safe driving my car and will never buy a chevy again. *ak
09/22/20011002/01/2001
 When i depress my brakes after the car has sat awhile, they lock up slamming the car to a stop. when it gets icy out my tires will lock up and i will go into a skid.*ak
304/01/2000
 This is the third cavalier i have owned, and the last. thought it was a great car, guess i was wrong. the radio has been replaced 3 times, the brakes 3 times (they wear funny), the seat broke and i fell into my 3 year old in the back seat. and chevrolet has once again stood by their word, i am the second owner of this car, so they will do nothing. what a company.
05/25/200102/01/2001
 3 minors injured. car totaled. brakes applied, but car would not stop and hit embankment.*ak
03/14/2001
 Extended stopping distance when applyinge brakes. problem is due to an abs modulator failure. dealer / manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle not cover under a recall, and was out of its warranty. please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak
107/01/2000
 Intermittently when brakes are applied vehicle will surge forward. pedal goes partially to floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. dealer has inspected vehicle. *ak
09/08/20000
 Consumer took vehicle in to dealer for abs light coming on. dealer said vehicle needed a master cylinder. consumer stated that if pedal went to floor that meant that brake pedal had failed.*ak
403/01/1998
 `i have had the rotors replaced twice and turned twice with brake pads. three of these were completed before the warranty expired. *ak
04/10/2000304/01/1998
 I have the complete case history in email form, if you notify me of you address i will send. *ak
02/01/1999210/01/1998
 I had to replace my brake pads about 4 months after i bought my car, now it seems that i have to replace them again, i know i drive alot by 6months of buying a car you should not need brake pads that much. i think there is something wrong within the braking systems that is causing the pads to worn too fast, i think this needs to be checked out quickly
 Vehicle suddenly accelerates on its own when cruising at a low speed up to very high speeds. brake responded, but sometimes were very hard. dealer has been contacted.*ak
06/16/20002511/01/1997
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
02/22/2000
 The defective braking system malfunctioned, causing the brakes to wear unevenly which resulted in extended stopping distance, and could cause a crash. please provide further information. *ak
 When applying the abs brakes on wet or dry pavement pedal goes to the floor , causing extended stopping distance. please give any further details. *ak
06/06/19982005/01/1998
 Intermittent braking problem. brakes lock-upand vehicle skids under all normal braking conditions, particularly when vehicle is cold. when problem occurs, brake pressure is lost and it does not seem like car will stop. can occur on relatively level roads and steep inclines alike at beginning braking speeds from 5mph up to 45mph. vehicle also makes loud popping sounds when braking system is malfunctionning. vehicle has been examined and test driven 4 times by different chevrolet dealers and each time they couldn't duplicate problem. i have a friend who drives the same model cavalier who has experienced the same braking problems and has also been told that there was no problem/couldn't duplicate problem. *ak
08/10/1999209/01/1998
 When first starting vehicle steering wheel locks up and continues not to move as a result of the wheel locking , brakes will also not work. *ak
0
 While driving abs warning light came on. consumer took car to dealer, and dealer said that nothing was wrong. *ak
09/01/1999
 When driving at any speed and applying the brakes there is a grinding sound/ knocking noise when releasing the brake's and the dealer can't determine the caus eof the problem. *ak
08/05/1998509/01/1997
 The vehicle purchased has not reached 2 years old, yet we have had numerous problems with the abs system. the better business bureau,as well as, the chevrolet customer service department has been contacted. a wendy lewis at the customer service dept. has not returned any of our phone calls(she has had 3 messages left for her). we feel as though our case is not being taken seriously. we have allowed 3 chevy dealerships try and remedy the problem for a total of 5 times. the tn state lemon law constitutes 4 or more repairs on the same part makes the car defective. it is time for a change. a car that is not even 2 years old should not have this problem, especially 5 times. please help us in any way you can. *ak
 When the brakes are applied pedal goes to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. the dealer has been notified. owner was told that the rotors were warped which causes the vehicle to shake and vibrate during heavy braking. *ak
11/27/1998203/01/1998
 This car has been taken to the dealer and the dealer recognizes the problem but consistantly refuses to take any rsponsibilities for the junk that they sold me. this car has been to the body shop for repairs on the manufacturer ground effects package the transmission that doesn't work properly the brake system the i have had to have rotors turned and within four months have brand new rotors but on. the sunroof doesn't open properly, the trunk lid hits the bumper when you close it,the engine makes a weird rattle noise when you go over a bump,the doors do not close all the way, ther is tons of rust on the inside walls of my trunk, i was also notified of a recall on the oil consumption valve two weeks after all the oil in my car had leaked out causing my engine to knock on my way home from work (had to put four quarts of oil in it three days from having an oil change, i never received the airbag recall for my vehicle. to wrap this up in a nutshell i will never buy a chevrolet product again i will result to a foriegn car maker (honda) to purchase my next vehicle. nk
02/28/1998
 When applying brakes vehicle shakes and makes noises. consumer took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced the rotors and front brakes. also, dealer had to adjust the brakes when these are self-adjusting brakes. *ak
12/01/1998
 While driving the abs braking light came on, and had no braking ability which caused a rear end collision. cause unknown. currently at dealer. please provide further information.
12/01/1998
 Consumer made a right turn and the engine stopped. after switching back and forth, the vehicle began to start slowly. once started, the vehcile merged forward and began to jerk back and forth. consumer proceeded, she was driving approx. 10-15mph when she began to brake for a vehicle and the abs light came on and there were no brakes to apply. consumer hit vehicle at 15mph. approximately 20-25 minutes later, both air bags deployed. the whinshield shattered. *ak
 Abs brakes; on several occasions, when applying brakes in normal conditions, the brakes lock up. cause unknown. please provide any details. *ak
03/20/1998
 Abs brakes go on by themselves intermittently at high speeds within 20 minutes of startup.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
12/13/20071
 I have always had trouble with the abs system and so did my father-in-law who drove car before me. abs was always very sensitive to activating and when activated vehicle very difficult to stop. i have be driving 40 years and never owned a more difficult vehicle to stop. had brakes serviced less than 10,000 miles ago at dealer, have brand new michelins. does not matter, i see a lot of complaints on internet about this cavalier abs system and it is dangerous. *tr
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
12/22/20001
 Consumer experienced shaking in the front when braking, dealer turned rotors and found that 60% of brake pads were left, consumer is worried that this happened with such low mileage on vehicle. *slc
01/22/1999104/01/1998
 Brakes failed, spring broken.
111/25/1997
 During wet weather the brake pedal is very hard when pressed and you must apply excessive force to get the vehicle to stop. had pads deglazed and rotors resurfaced but the problem continues during wet weather.
08/21/19981
 Brakes failed inspection.
12/08/19973
 Whenever brakes are applied, can hear rear brakes scrubbing. the problem is intermittent. they would hold sometimes. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
403/01/1998
 `i have had the rotors replaced twice and turned twice with brake pads. three of these were completed before the warranty expired. *ak
02/22/2000
 The defective braking system malfunctioned, causing the brakes to wear unevenly which resulted in extended stopping distance, and could cause a crash. please provide further information. *ak
08/12/1999210/01/1997
 #1, the front brake rotors warped and the pads were worn. dealer refused to replace under warranty so i paid out of pocket. now second set of rotors and pads is in need of replacement. #2 trunk lid latch could not be opened with key, dealer refused to repair/replace under warranty, so i paid out of pocket. #3 reverse light switch failed, again dealer refused to replace under warranty, i paid out of pocket. switch has gone bad again and i paid to have it replace a second time. #4 driver's door hinges were bent and door did not always close tightly, dealer repaired at no charge. #5 driver's side side had a metal bar sticking through the upholstery into my back. dealer repaired at no charge.
02/28/1998
 When applying brakes vehicle shakes and makes noises. consumer took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced the rotors and front brakes. also, dealer had to adjust the brakes when these are self-adjusting brakes. *ak
01/05/199801/05/1998
 Experiencing ongoing problem with vehicle stalling whenever travelling 25 mph with the right turn signal on. also, front pads and rotors had to be replaced at 11,000 miles, and was informed by dealer that condition was normal at 11,000 miles of wear. problem still exists. *ak *ml
02/12/1998
 When applying the brakes consumer can smell the brakes burning. consumer had problems with the rotors/hood latch and calipers sticking. also, had three mufflers replaced. the headlights went out while driving, and the parking brake won't work. in addition, was having problems with engine rocher arm gasket, and the brake light kept coming on. dealer can't find the problem. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
03/15/1999
 Excessive wear of brake pads on driver's side. dealer/manufacturer were notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was out of warranty, and nothing else would be done. feel free to provide further details. *ak
 Vehicle experienced premature wear of front brake pads. dealer has replaced them. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
409/01/1998
 Abs fail to work at high or very low speeds. rotors replaced twice in two years. dealer can't find anything else wrong with the brakes. have taken it in several times, but problem continues. the last time i had the rotors fixed they put a hole in my windshield washer fluid container and want over $100 to replace it. starter refuses to turn over ocasionally, dealer couldn't find problem. there has got to be a recall very soon on the brakes soon, i'm lucky i haven't gotten in an accident yet. everyone i know that has the same car has had the exact same problems with their brakes. they had to issue a recall on a faulty brake system they had on their trucks several years ago. i don't feel safe driving my car and will never buy a chevy again. *ak
209/16/1998
 Vehicle has had major brake problems, rotors have been replace twice, due to them being warped, at times consumer is unable to stop at slow speeds, dealer states they can not find the problem.*jb
 Front brake rotors warped, causing vibration when brakes were applied. *ak
04/27/1998
 Consumer complained that rotors had to be replaced after only 15300 miles. serviceman informed the consumer that it resulted from the way driver was applying the brakes. dealer notified. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
02/28/1998
 When applying brakes vehicle shakes and makes noises. consumer took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced the rotors and front brakes. also, dealer had to adjust the brakes when these are self-adjusting brakes. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - DRUM
04/30/19991
 Brake drums warped causing spongy brakes that lunge forward when applied. mjs
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
1
 Brakes have started to make loud grinding noise. took vehicle to dealer . dealer claimed there was no defect. but, after 3 days consumer was involved in a crash due to inoperative brakes.*ak *slc
09/08/20000
 Consumer took vehicle in to dealer for abs light coming on. dealer said vehicle needed a master cylinder. consumer stated that if pedal went to floor that meant that brake pedal had failed.*ak
405/01/1998
 No summary
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - PEDALS AND LINKAGES
04/23/200476968511/13/1999
 I have had my 1998 chevrolet cavalier for almost 5 years now; in feb. 2003 i had to pay 321.25 to have an ignition switch replaced in my car (which was an recall issue); i asked martin burks chevrolet on forest park parkway in forest park, ga if the ignition problem was a recall issue and bob allen, the auto part service manager lied to me and stated that it was not a recall issue, so i paid $321.25 for repair service to find out a year later that the ignition system problem was a recall issue. so i want to inform you that chevrolet has auto repair service centers with workers that lies to consumers just to take their money. at this present time, my 1998 chevrolet cavalier will not start because something is blocking the fuel from reach the motor/engine (which is another recall problem) but not according to the chevrolet manufacturer; my wheels feels as if they are wobbling sometimes; and my steering column is making a squeaking sound when i turn it left or right. by putting in the vin number, i found out that there has been four recalls on this vehicle, but the manufacturer states that there has been only one recall, someone is again lying and i don't believe it is the carfax report. i feel that gm should extend the warranties on their vehicles longer than they do because their vehicles are learned to be defective before a lifetime of 5 years is up (pre years lifespan) for any vehicle and the consumer should not be made to purchase the warranties, but gmpp (general motors protection plan) should reissue an extended warranty when someone have had as many problems with their vehicles as i have within these last two years. i feel that these headaches and expenses could have been avoided if martin burks had fixed my car the first time; i also feels that martin burks chevrolet is an untrustworthy service center. i will also be contacting the better business bureau to inform them of the unsatisfied service i have had with martin burks chevrolet service center. *ak