CarRecallDB

2000 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls and problems

2 recalls and 315 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier.

2
recalls
315
owner complaints
25
complaints mentioning a crash
8
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2000 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls

Electrical system: ignition, switch

NHTSA campaign 04V036000 · reported January 27, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 1,415,231 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. Owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.

Interior lighting

NHTSA campaign 00V201000 · reported July 20, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 28 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the bi-fuel option fail to comply with FMVSS no. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination." the instrument panel lights in these vehicles are at full illumination levels and cannot be adjusted. The standard requires at least two levels of illumination.
The risk
This could make it more difficult to see objects outside the vehicle when driving at night.
The fix
Dealers will replace the fuel type indicator switch assembly, which includes the instrument panel illumination control.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 15, 2023 · Exterior lighting · 20,800 miles

The contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the interior passenger side directional signal began blinking rapidly while activated. Additionally, the contact stated that an onlooker observed that the exterior driver side indicator light was not illuminated when…

Feb 13, 2018 · Structure · 200,000 miles · fire reported

IGNITION GETS VERY HOT WHEN KEY IS TURNED CAN SMELL PLASTIC IGNITION OR BATT 1 CIRCUIT PROBLEM.CLEARCOAT IS PEELING.LUG NUTS COMING LOOSE

Mar 21, 2016 · Exterior lighting · 170,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Dec 28, 2015 · Fuel/propulsion system · 167,000 miles

UNNECESSARY GAS ODORS. SEAT BELTS KEEP UNLOCKING. STEERING

Sep 16, 2015 · Structure

REPORTING THIS AS A DEFECT ON CAR LIST ABOVE .I'M PA. STATE INSPECTION STATION. THIS IS JUST ONE OF MANY WE SEE AND REJECT FOR RUST OUT UNIT BODY REAR FRAMES . I FEEL THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE AWARE OF THEY OWN ONE THESE MODELS CAR COULD BUCKLE ON A REAR END COLLISION. I DID NOT SEE THIS ON YOUR SITE TO HAVE BEEN REPORTED…

Cavalier model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 2315258
2001 1243238
2002 0196244
2003 1678316

Across all years, the 2003 Cavalier has the most complaints (678). All Chevrolet Cavalier years →

Questions

Does the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier, the most recent reported on January 27, 2004 (Electrical system: ignition, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Owners have filed 315 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (69 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (54).
How many 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier complaints mention a crash or fire?
25 of 315 complaints report a crash and 8 a fire; 21 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 15, 2023.