Model year
2001 Chevrolet Cavalier
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 243 complaints for the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26), POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (17), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH (13). NHTSA lists 2 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 21–24 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,800–$3,200, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 315 complaints
- 2001 243 complaints
- 2002 196 complaints
- 2003 678 complaints
- 2004 330 complaints
- 2005 287 complaints
Recalls
04V036000 · Jan 27, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.
Complaints
243 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 23, fire flag on 8, injury field 24, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| SQ01002 | ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES | Jan 26, 2001 | Sep 30, 2002 |
| EA02028 | ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM | Sep 30, 2002 | Dec 30, 2003 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavalier · 2.2L · Automatic 3-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 27 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| Cavalier · 2.2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 29 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
| Cavalier · 2.2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 30 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
| Cavalier · 2.4L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 18 | 26 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
| Cavalier · 2.4L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 29 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| Cavalier (Bi-fuel CNG) · 2.2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · Bifuel (CNG) | 20 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.