2001 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Ignition Switch Contact Failure ($150-$500 repair) and 2.2L/2.4L Head Gasket Failure ($800-$1,800 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1995-2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, cavalier ignition switches develop worn contacts causing engine stalling while driving and intermittent no-start conditions. The ignition key can become difficult to turn, and the switch may lose spring tension allowing the key to move out of the RUN position from vibration. GM acknowledged this issue with service bulletins. A related but separate defect was carried into the Cobalt that succeeded the Cavalier.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, the Passlock security system frequently malfunctions, reading the wrong resistance from the ignition cylinder sensor and refusing to allow the engine to start. The security light flashes and the car cranks but will not fire. This commonly occurs in cold weather or after the ignition cylinder wears internally.
The temporary fix is to turn the key to ON (not start), wait 10 minutes for the security light to stop flashing, then turn off and restart. The permanent fix is to bypass the Passlock sensor by wiring a 2.2K ohm resistor in place of the hall-effect sensor in the ignition cylinder. Some owners replace the entire ignition lock cylinder assembly.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1995-2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, both the 2.2L OHV and 2.4L Twin Cam engines in the Cavalier are prone to head gasket failure. The 2.4L is particularly susceptible due to the aluminum head and iron block thermal expansion differences.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1995-2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, the 2.2L and 2.4L engines in the Cavalier are prone to intake manifold gasket failure, allowing coolant to leak externally or internally mix with oil. The composite gaskets deteriorate over time due to heat cycling. Dex-Cool coolant interaction with these gaskets accelerates deterioration.
Replace the lower intake manifold gasket with an updated Fel-Pro design. Flush the cooling system and switch to conventional green coolant if desired. Check the oil for milky contamination — if present, perform multiple oil changes to flush the system. Torque intake bolts to specification in the correct sequence.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
STEERING
DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, 'SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES.' THE PASSENGER-SIDE REAR SAFETY BELT MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH AN INCORRECT NUT AND BOLT.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2001-2001 Chevrolet Cavalier has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Ignition Switch Contact Failure, 2.2L/2.4L Head Gasket Failure, Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Coolant Leak. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2001-2001 Chevrolet Cavalier has 4 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Ignition Switch Contact Failure and 2.2L/2.4L Head Gasket Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Cavalier issues range from $50 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Ignition Switch Contact Failure, typically costs $150-$500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Cavalier ignition switches develop worn contacts causing engine stalling while driving and intermittent no-start conditions. The ignition key can become difficult to turn, and the switch may lose spring tension allowing the key to move out of the RUN position from vibration. GM a… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: high.
Both the 2.2L OHV and 2.4L Twin Cam engines in the Cavalier are prone to head gasket failure. The 2.4L is particularly susceptible due to the aluminum head and iron block thermal expansion differences. Repairs typically run $800-$1,800. Severity: high.
The 2.2L and 2.4L engines in the Cavalier are prone to intake manifold gasket failure, allowing coolant to leak externally or internally mix with oil. The composite gaskets deteriorate over time due to heat cycling. Dex-Cool coolant interaction with these gaskets accelerates dete… Repairs typically run $300-$600. Severity: medium.
The Passlock security system frequently malfunctions, reading the wrong resistance from the ignition cylinder sensor and refusing to allow the engine to start. The security light flashes and the car cranks but will not fire. This commonly occurs in cold weather or after the ignit… Repairs typically run $50-$350. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
