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Expensive Chevrolet Cavalier repairs by problem area

Engine (44%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (6%)

Suspension and Steering (17%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (6%)

Other (0%)

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Chart based on 18 repairs.

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Chevrolet Cavalier repair cost distribution

$2500+ (17%)

$1000 - $2499 (83%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (0%)

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Chart based on 6 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

124240 mi C $320	Replaced a broken tortion/stabilizer bar between the front wheels and brakes.
126840 mi C $1000	front axle seal, new rims, 4 new tires, alignment

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88040 mi

C $1000

Ignition takes multiple cranks to get going. Leaking Power steering fluid. ABS brakes issue.

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140000 mi US $200	Both power window motors has failed which also too out the switch. The motors failed about 2 years apart but repaied at the same time.
185000 mi US $1100	Complete overhaul of breaks, struts and shocks. Replaced burnt out window motors

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68500 mi

US $2500

Had fuel pump, harness and fuel filter replaced. Replaced upper strut bushings and did 4 wheel alignment. Replaced failed passenger power window motor. Replaced open splice in wiring harness for rear window defroster. Cavalier's are notorious for electrical problems. Replaced radiator fan assembly and fuse. Gauge cluster failure. Common problem with GM vehicles where the motors running the needles fail. GM warrantied all vehicles but the Cavalier was ignored. Imagine that for Government Motors junk.

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98000 mi US $178	cooling sensor, coolant flush
101000 mi US $100	Thermostat replaced, head gasket replaced, head repaired water pump replaced
101000 mi US $350	starter motor replaced

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.
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.
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.
160300 mi US $359	Car made loud squealing noise, dealer diagnosed as alternator bearing and replaced alternator with aftermarket part
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.
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).
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.
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.
187000 mi US $500	Replaced motor mounts.
187000 mi US $500	Repaired struts using strut kit
188000 mi US $300	Replaced brake rotors

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69000 mi

US $1350

Rear brake lines blew out from rust while on a highway exit. Fortunately it was late and enough pressure remained for front brakes to be fully functional. Was told by mechanic front subframe is dangerously rusted and shouldn't be trusted on potholed streets. Replacement would be at least $1,000, more if other rust problems found. Gave up on it, will sell on Craigslist for parts/repair.

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