1993 Chevrolet Cavalier
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 18 |
| 1987 | 24 |
| 1988 | 12 |
| 1989 | 43 |
| 1990 | 55 |
| 1991 | 55 |
| 1992 | 134 |
| 1993 | 146 |
| 1994 | 212 |
| 1995 | 270 |
| 1996 | 503 |
| 1997 | 540 |
| 1998 | 345 |
| 1999 | 240 |
| 2000 | 315 |
| 2001 | 243 |
| 2002 | 196 |
| 2003 | 678 |
| 2004 | 330 |
| 2005 | 287 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
18% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASH10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
HEAD GASKET HAS LEAKED FOR MANY YEARS. I EXPLAINED TO A MECHANIC THAT THE GASKET WAS LEAKING AND BEFORE I COULD TELL HIM WHERE HE KNEW EXACTLY THE LOCATION OF THE LEAK. HE SAID THAT IT SEEMS TO BE COMMON WITH MY TYPE OF CAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020920
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE FIRE. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950525
7% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED CAUSING A ACCIDENT. MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021018
TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, UNKNOWN CAUSE FOR LOSS OF BRAKING. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950804
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE BRAKE HOSES WERE MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, AND DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 106, "BRAKE HOSES."
Remedy: REPLACE THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE ASSEMBLY ON CIERA AND CENTURY MODELS, AND BOTH REAR BRAKE HOSES ON CAVALIER AND SUNBIRD MODELS.
Campaign 93V121000 — check if this car was fixed
HORN PAD FALLS OFF
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
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.
Campaign 96I001000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1993 Chevrolet Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V121000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96I001000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.