1994 Chevrolet Cavalier: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier: 1 recall, 212 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #94V115000 · 1994 · 65 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were built with overtorqued drive axle spindle nuts. This condition can cause excessive loads on the spindle nut and drive axle resulting in failure of the drive axle or the spindle nut. Failure of either of these components can result in separation of the steering knuckle tire-wheel assembly from the drive axle.
Why it matters: This can result in loss of vehicle control and a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left-hand and right-hand drive axles, bearing-hub assemblies, spindle nuts, and washers on all involved vehicles. Corrective action: dealers will replace left-hand and right-hand drive axles, bearing-hub assemblies, spindle nuts, and washers on all involved vehicles.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Electrical Recall #96I001000 · 1996 · 417,000 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. These vehicles were built with insufficient retention of the horn pad.
Why it matters: The horn pad can separate from the steering wheel falling between the steering wheel spokes. The horn pad could become jammed between the steering wheel spokes and the turn signal lever, resulting in damage to the turn signal lever, horn pad, and horn wiring.
The fix: Dealers will modify the horn pad retention clips, install horn pad retention brackets to the steering wheel, reinstall the horn pad and assure that the horn pad is properly retained.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (60): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (15), noise or vibration (11).
- Engine & cooling (56): the most common themes are leaks (14), noise or vibration (10).
- Electrical (23): the most common themes are door / lock issues (4), electrical failure (4).
- Seat belts (22): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
The 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier has 212 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 16 Cavalier model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 284). Complaints peaked in 1995 (47 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 95,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (146 complaints, 1 recalls), 1995 (270 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 33 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier problems?
Owners have filed 212 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (60), engine & cooling (56), electrical (23).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.