2002 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls and problems
No recalls and 196 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier.
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.
2002 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
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.
Was in a horrible car wreck yesterday and none of my airbag is avoid but yet my no check engine light none of my lights were on so I don't understand the problem you could have nearly killed me is what I got spent around three times and put back at the gas station that I left
Horn doesn't work..replaced fuse still not working..so I wonder if my air bag will work...how do I fix it no body know not even the dealer
JUST PURCHASED A 2002 CHEVY CAVALIER FOR OUR DAUGHTER AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND OUT IF ANY OF THE 5 RECALLS WERE PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE OR NOT. THE NHTSA RECALL PAGE ISN'T WORKING AT THIS TIME AND THE CHEVY LOCAL DEALERSHIP ISN'T WILLING TO HELP. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE PROVIDE SOME ASSISTANCE??
PROBLEM WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT OPERATES REAR BLINKERS AND BRAKE LIGHTS. I HAVE CHANGED BULB WHICH ARE NOT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CHANGED THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS. WORKS FINE FOR SHORT PERIOD OF TIME WHEN EITHER OF THESE ARE CHANGED BUT STILL NOT FIXED. STARTED WITH PASSENGER SIDE BUT NOW HAVING ISSUES WITH DRIVER'S…
KEY GET STUCK IN IGNITION IN THE ON POSITION. CANNOT SHUT THE CAR OFF OR REMOVE THE KEY. MUST PULL IGNITION FUSE TO SHUT OFF ENGINE AND THEN DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. GM ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS A PROBLEM IN 2014 BUT NEVER ISSUED A RECALL.
Cavalier model years compared
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2 | 315 | 25 | 8 |
| 2001 | 1 | 243 | 23 | 8 |
| 2002 | 0 | 196 | 24 | 4 |
| 2003 | 1 | 678 | 31 | 6 |
| 2004 | 1 | 330 | 17 | 6 |
| 2005 | 0 | 287 | 7 | 0 |
Across all years, the 2003 Cavalier has the most complaints (678). All Chevrolet Cavalier years →
Questions
- Does the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier as of October 27, 2026.
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier?
- Owners have filed 196 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (35 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (22).
- How many 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier complaints mention a crash or fire?
- 24 of 196 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 33 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 7, 2023.