1988 Chevrolet CAVALIER problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
10 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
82,435 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1988 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 10 complaints (20.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 20.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 10.0% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 10.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash | 2 |
| Visibility:Windshield | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting:Back Up Lights | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights | 1 |
| Seat Belts:Front | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | 1 |
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash: 2; Visibility:Windshield: 2; Electrical System: 1; Exterior Lighting:Back Up Lights: 1; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights: 1; Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights: 1; Seat Belts:Front: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 1 |
1995: 3; 1996: 3; 2002: 1; 2004: 2; 2005: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10064146 · 2004-03-30 (March 30, 2004)
PURCHASED A 1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER FROM E[ILOTOS AUTO SALES 2230 FRANKFORT AVE. PHILA. PA. THE CAR WAS SOLD WITHOUT THE DEALER INFORMING THE BUYER OF THE DEFECTS. THERE WERE MANY....TWO MAIN CRUNCHERS WERE THE BRAKES AND HUDDLED SYSTEMS. THE EMISSION STICKERS WERE DUE. THE DEALER SAID,"HE WOULD PUT STICKERS ON AFTER THE SALE," WHICH WHEN THE TIME ARRIVED FOR THE TRANSACTION,HE SAID,"WE COULD BUT THEY'RE HOT." NOW WE ARER HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME FINDING A GARAGE TO PUT STICKERS ON IT BECAUSE OF THE MECHANICAL DEFECTS.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10064146 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 961934 · 1995-03-13 (March 13, 1995)
WAS DRIVING THE CAR CAME TO A STOP LIGHT PUT ON BRAKE IT FEEL LIKE CAR IS ALREADY TO GO. TT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 961934 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 965196 · 1995-05-11 (May 11, 1995)
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN FRONT DASH, ELECTRICAL. TT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 965196 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 488167 · 1995-09-15 (September 15, 1995)
'COLD POWER STEERING'. *DH
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 488167 at NHTSA ↗