1991 Chevrolet Cavalier

Introduction:

The 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier was a compact car offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. It was praised for its fuel efficiency and affordable price, but it also had its share of issues.

Engine

• 2.0L I4
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Head Gasket Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.2L I4
  • No Issues Found

Transmission

• 3-Speed Automatic
  • Transmission Slips:
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, delayed engagement
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 5-Speed Manual
  • Clutch Master Cylinder Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, difficult to shift gears
    • Solution: Replace clutch master cylinder
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension Struts:
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn struts, excessive bouncing, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace front struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: 91V003000
• Starter Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start or cranks slowly
  • Solution: Replace starter motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Solenoids Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors won’t lock or unlock
  • Solution: Replace door lock solenoids
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Switches Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows don’t work
  • Solution: Replace power window switches
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier had several issues across various categories, with the most common affecting the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. Some issues, such as intake manifold gasket failure and clutch master cylinder failure, could lead to serious problems if not addressed promptly. While many of the issues were relatively inexpensive to fix, others, such as head gasket failure and transmission rebuilds, could be quite costly.