1993 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INSUFFICIENT RETENTION OF THE HORN PAD.
What could happen: THE HORN PAD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL FALLING BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL SPOKES. THE HORN PAD COULD BECOME JAMMED BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL SPOKES AND THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER, HORN PAD, AND HORN WIRING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE HORN PAD RETENTION CLIPS, INSTALL HORN PAD RETENTION BRACKETS TO THE STEERING WHEEL, REINSTALL THE HORN PAD AND ASSURE THAT THE HORN PAD IS PROPERLY RETAINED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 CAVALIER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96I001000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INSUFFICIENT RETENTION OF THE HORN PAD.
Consequence: THE HORN PAD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL FALLING BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL SPOKES. THE HORN PAD COULD BECOME JAMMED BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL SPOKES AND THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER, HORN PAD, AND HORN WIRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE HORN PAD RETENTION CLIPS, INSTALL HORN PAD RETENTION BRACKETS TO THE STEERING WHEEL, REINSTALL THE HORN PAD AND ASSURE THAT THE HORN PAD IS PROPERLY RETAINED.
Notes: NOTE: GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO MODIFY THE HORN PAD ON THESE VEHICLES. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THE BRAKE HOSES WERE MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, AND DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 106, "BRAKE HOSES."
What could happen: THE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED BRAKE HOSES CAN CAUSEREDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND/OR UNEVEN BRAKING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN ANACCIDENT.
The fix: REPLACE THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLY ON CIERA AND CENTURY MODELS, AND BOTH REAR BRAKE HOSES ON CAVALIER AND SUNBIRD MODELS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 CAVALIER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93V121000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: THE BRAKE HOSES WERE MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, AND DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 106, "BRAKE HOSES."
Consequence: THE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED BRAKE HOSES CAN CAUSEREDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS AND/OR UNEVEN BRAKING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN ANACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLY ON CIERA AND CENTURY MODELS, AND BOTH REAR BRAKE HOSES ON CAVALIER AND SUNBIRD MODELS.
Notes: SYSTEM: BRAKES; HYDRAULIC; HOSE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED SERVICEDATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME WITHOUT CHARGE ORTHE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASECONTACT THE APPROPRIATE SERVICE CENTER ( BUICK AT 1-800-458-8006, PONTIAC AT1-800-763-2737; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537; OR CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 ).ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETYHOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (62), Hydraulic (62), Engine (52), Electrical system (29), Transmission / drivetrain (13).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
11/18/2014 · Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE PIN THAT HOLDS THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
03/10/2014 · Electrical system
IGNITION SWITCH SHUTS OFF WHEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND WHEN IT HITS A BUMP IN THE ROAD. *TR
03/07/2006 · Unknown Or Other
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER ROLLING DOWN THE MANUAL WINDOW, IT WOULD NOT ROLL BACK UP. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC FOUND THE PROBLEM TO BE THE WINDOW REGULATOR AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED.
07/31/2005 · Brakes · crash
SIDE IMPACT FAILURE, STEERING FAILURE, ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FAILURE. SEVERE RIGHT SIDE IMPACT ON FEBRUARY 28, 2005 MODERATE WEATHER CONDITIONS. ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE CAR. WHICH CAUSED THE CAR HARD TO STEER. A 2003 HONDA PILOT WRECKED HEAD-ON INTO THE SIDE OF A 1993 GEO PRIZM. THE PRIZM'S ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE WITH PASSENGERS WERE SEVERELY CRUSH.…
08/10/2004 · Brakes
WHILE DRIVING BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. WHEN THIS OCCURRED VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO D INDICATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM COLLAPSED AND WAS LOSING BRAKE FLUID. CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE DEFECT DESCRIBED IN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE HOSE NON METALLIC RECALL 93V121000. *AK
07/15/2004 · Suspension
VARIOUS PROBLEMS REGARDING 1993 CHEVROLET CAVALIER..ONE COMPLAINT SUBMITTED ON NUMEROUS MVOQ FORMS. *MR CONSUMER LOST BRAKES WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER DISCOVERED THAT BRAKE FLUID LINE FAILED. FUEL LINE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. BOTH HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL COMPONENTS OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT WERE FALLING APART. RUST WAS EVIDENT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE LOWER…
05/07/2004 · Wheels / tires
SIDEWALL TIRE SEPARATION. UNIROYAL P185/70R14. *AK
01/15/2004 · Brakes
MAJOR FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE'S WATER-RESISTANT ENVELOPE: SERIOUS WATER LEAK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FROM THE FIREWALL, RESULTING IN RUST AND SEVERE DAMAGE TO CARPET, MOLD AND MILDEW IN CARPET AND UNDERLAY, AND UNPLEASANT ODOURS