◆

2002 Chevrolet Cavalier repairs by problem area

Engine (46%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (4%)

Brakes and Traction Control (6%)

Suspension and Steering (17%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (27%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (0%)

Other (0%)

Select a problem area

Need advice about a specific Chevrolet Cavalier problem?

Chart based on 48 repairs.

See TSBs and recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier.

2002 Chevrolet Cavalier repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (8%)

$500 - $999 (10%)

$100 - $499 (50%)

< $100 (33%)

See most expensive repairs

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 40 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

See repairs for all Chevrolet Cavalier model years.

Chevrolet Cavalier in Michigan, United States Dec 2012 - Dec 2013
Jan 2013 US $250	Rusted radiator pipe had a hole in it. Two sensors went bad (crank shaft, evap)

Return to top

Chevrolet Cavalier in Michigan, United States Jan 2015 - Oct 2017
Apr 2015 131000 mi US $400	Clunking front right strut, replaced all struts and mounts. Front springs replaced. Tie rod boot torn, replaced. Transmission mounts showing cracks, replaced.
Aug 2015 133100 mi US $60	Wheel bearing noise noticed, checked all bearings and found noticeable play in FL bearing. After removal, found that it had been replaced before but previous technician neglected to reinstall an inner seal or outer o-ring.
Mar 2016 138000 mi US $100	Both passenger window motors replaced.
Sep 2016 142000 mi US $100	Right rear wheel bearing had play, replaced.

Return to top

Chevrolet Cavalier in New York, United States - Dec 2010
Dec 2010 120000 mi US $200	Replaced Clutch

Return to top

Chevrolet Cavalier in California, United States Dec 2014 - Oct 2016
Jan 2016 119800 mi	The idler pulley was noisy so I replaced it along with a new AC Delco Serpentine belt.
Jun 2016 120000 mi US $750	The fuel pump went out and needed to be replaced.

Chevrolet Cavalier in Pennsylvania, United States Aug 2016 - Mar 2018
Oct 2016 131700 mi US $50	The left front wheel bearing was worn and was replaced with a new one.
Feb 2017 135000 mi US $99	The front right door speaker was blown, causing the radio to no longer produce sound. Radio was replaced in the process.

Chevrolet Cavalier in Quebec, Canada Mar 2012 - Jun 2012
Apr 2012 144460 mi C $150	Upper mount of rear left suspension was broken. Upon replacing, it was found that the absorber was worn out and has also been replaced.
May 2012 144760 mi C $70	Front left coil spring was broken, replaced both left and right followed by an alignment. Replaced the front calipers. Slide pin was completely seized.

Chevrolet Cavalier in Virginia, United States Feb 2011 - Jun 2011
Jan 2011 98000 mi US $178	cooling sensor, coolant flush
Mar 2011 101000 mi US $100	Thermostat replaced, head gasket replaced, head repaired water pump replaced
Apr 2011 101000 mi US $350	starter motor replaced

Chevrolet Cavalier in Michigan, United States Dec 2011 - Mar 2018
Jun 2012 104000 mi US $15	Charged the AC to make it cold again. System wasn't completely empty and is still 100% factory.
Sep 2012 106000 mi US $15	Replaced rear light socket and bulb. Old socket had deformed due to heat, which resulted in poor electrical contact.
Jan 2013 94000 mi US $120	Old AC compressor clutch started dragging on AC pulley when the clutch was disengaged, making a horrible sound. Replaced AC compressor clutch and pulley. Entire system is OE (ie 10 years, 110k miles old), so it has held up pretty well.
Aug 2013 120000 mi US $60	Had to replace the connector on the inline pressure sensor
Jan 2014 114300 mi US $20	Replaced muffler strap. Still have OE muffler

Chevrolet Cavalier in New Jersey, United States Feb 2011 - Sep 2019
Apr 2011 144000 mi US $300	Blower not working on low & medium but OK on high; also blower noise. Dealer replaced resistor, works OK now. Replaced the same resistor 2 years ago. Blower not working on low & medium but OK on high; also blower noise. Dealer replaced resistor, works OK now. Replaced the same resistor 2 years ago.
May 2011 148000 mi US $300	Coolant light came on but not overheating. I had coolant system maintenance 2 wk before. Dealer said there was an air bubble in the line, they bled system and it was OK.
Jun 2011 149000 mi	3rd time coolant light came on. Dealer identified loose connection, fixed & topped up coolant.
Aug 2011 150000 mi US $316	AC not working, saw puff of smoke, drove to dealer. Took 4 days to diagnose. I was told a coolant system problem resulted in compressor burnout, so associated parts had to be replaced. Seems OK now. Not sure if related to earlier problems. Without warning, car would not turn over or start. Towed. Ignition switch failed, replaced, OK. Ignition system was replaced last year, adviser said the switch should have been replaced at that time, replaced system at no charge.
Jan 2012 168000 mi	Blower motor making noise, replaced under repair warranty.
Oct 2012 160300 mi US $359	Car made loud squealing noise, dealer diagnosed as alternator bearing and replaced alternator with aftermarket part
Feb 2013 163100 mi	replace wheel cylinders w. spring hardware replace radiator hoses Replaced valve cover gasket; I did not notice oil leak, don't know if that is preventive or symptom
Nov 2014 175900 mi US $1988	Replaced 2 broken motor mounts. Dealer had quoted $3,000 for these and the exhaust, so had an independent shop do the work. Exhaust system had multiple cracks and breaks. Entire system required replacement. No symptoms! Rough ride, I questioned shocks/struts. Dealer said they need replacement. Because of cost and other problems with car, I decided to live with the bumpy ride.
Dec 2014 176000 mi US $150	Car would not start, just click. No prior indication of bad battery. Dealer didn't notice at latest check-up; battery 5 years old. Road service diagnosed dead battery and replaced it (sent the battery truck--replaced on the spot so no tow).
Mar 2015 178000 mi US $844	Smelled burning wires. Low-speed blower motor stopped working. Motor and resistor were replaced. Previously only resistor was replaced (2x in 5 years) Ignition system wires replaced.
Aug 2015 180400 mi US $442	Car wouldn't start but lights, radio OK. When key was turned, nothing happened. Road service diagnosed ignition not making contact. Replaced ignition lock system, recoded.
Sep 2016 187000 mi US $500	Replaced motor mounts.
Oct 2016 187000 mi US $500	Repaired struts using strut kit
Feb 2017 188000 mi US $300	Replaced brake rotors
Mar 2018 193000 mi US $15	Used aluminum stop-leak to plug a small radiator leak. No further problems!

Return to top

Chevrolet Cavalier in Wisconsin, United States Nov 2012 - Jul 2014
Jun 2014 130000 mi US $362	Wheel bearings, cv boots.
Jul 2014 130000 mi US $370	Ignition switch froze. Needed replacement.