The 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier is a small car that came with a choice of 2.2L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl engines. At 28 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 3-spd, Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 20–21 city / 27–31 highway / 23–25 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,700–$2,900 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 355–386 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 5 configurations |
| Age | 28 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls covering the 1998 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.
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. The fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
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
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with bi-fuel compressed natural gas (cng) vehicles. The cng fuel line and the cng high pressure regulator coolant lines can contact other fuel (gasoline) and brake lines on the vehicle. Abrasion from contact can cause a leak in the brake pipe, fuel pipe, or both.
Risk: Abrasion from contact can cause a leak in the brake pipe, fuel pipe, or both. A brake fluid leak could disable a portion of the brake system, causing longer stopping distances. Gasoline leaking from a fuel pipe, in the presence of an igniti
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The wheel lug nuts were not tightened securely resulting in a fracture of the wheel studs.
Risk: The wheel could separate from the vehicle. If the vehicle were in motion, a vehicle crash could result.
Owners have filed 345 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier with NHTSA. 36 reports involved a crash and 10 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 33 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 105 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tes
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tes
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
‹ Sell a 1997 Cavalier · Sell a 1999 Cavalier › · All Chevrolet Cavalier years
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 1998 Cavaliers that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.