1992 Chevrolet Cavalier
Introduction:
The 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier is a compact car offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine is a 2.2L inline-4 producing 110 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 3.1L V6 producing 140 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.4L V6 producing 160 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, and a 3-speed automatic. The Cavalier is known for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and reliability, but some owners have reported issues with certain components.
Engine
2.2L Inline-4
Intake manifold gasket failure Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the intake manifold, engine overheating, rough idle Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found
Fuel injector failure Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, loss of power, difficulty starting Solution: Replace the fuel injector Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found
3.1L V6
- Head gasket failure Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the head gasket, overheating, loss of power Solution: Replace the head gasket Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500 Recalls: None Found
3.4L V6
- Timing chain failure Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling noise, loss of power, engine damage Solution: Replace the timing chain Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $3000 Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-speed Manual
- Clutch failure Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch, burning smell Solution: Replace the clutch Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200 Recalls: None Found
4-speed Automatic
- Transmission slipping Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loss of power, transmission overheating Solution: Overhaul or replace the transmission Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500 Recalls: None Found
3-speed Automatic
- Transmission failure Description/Symptoms: Inability to shift gears, no power to wheels, transmission overheating Solution: Replace the transmission Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $3000 Recalls: None Found
Suspension
Strut failure Description/Symptoms: Excessive bouncing, poor handling, uneven tire wear Solution: Replace the struts Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200 Recalls: None Found
Ball joint failure Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise, difficulty steering, uneven tire wear Solution: Replace the ball joints Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600 Recalls: None Found
Electrical
Alternator failure Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dimming lights, electrical system issues Solution: Replace the alternator Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600 Recalls: None Found
Starter failure Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the engine, grinding noise Solution: Replace the starter Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on body panels Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on fenders, doors, or other body panels Solution: Repair or replace the affected body panels Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the damage Recalls: None Found
Interior
Dashboard cracking Description/Symptoms: Cracks forming on the dashboard Solution: Replace the dashboard Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800 Recalls: None Found
Window regulator failure Description/Symptoms: Difficulty raising or lowering windows Solution: Replace the window regulator Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier is generally considered a reliable vehicle, but it is not immune to certain issues. While some of these issues, such as intake manifold gasket failure and clutch failure, are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others, such as timing chain failure and transmission failure, can be more severe and costly. Overall, the severity and cost of the issues vary depending on the specific component that fails.