NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls covering the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
SteeringNov 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V286000
Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Risk: If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wh
Electrical SystemMar 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V070000
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.
Risk: If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
SuspensionDec 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V319000
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.
Risk: If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air BagsJun 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V146000
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sensing and diagnostic module, an inadvertent air bag deployment could occur in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan.
Risk: Air bags deploy with great force and can seriously injure unrestrained occupants who are too close to them.
StructureFeb 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V032000
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with mis-located welds at the joint between the left rocker panel inner reinforcement and the body side ring. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 214, "side door strength."
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the sheet metal structure would not perform as desired increasing the risk of personal injury.
WheelsJun 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V106000
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The compact spare tire assemblies were assembled with incorrect rims. If the spare tire is underinflated, the bead can separate from the rim causing a rapid loss of air. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 110, "tire selection and rims."
Risk: A rapid loss of air can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
VisibilityAug 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V160000
These vehicles were built with an incorrect wiper blade assembly (17" long instead of 22" long) on the driver's side. This does not comply with fmvss no. 104, "windshield wiping and washing systems."
Risk: The area and pattern wiped on the windshield will be reduced and could affect the driver's view in wet weather increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.