VIN Vehicle Report

1996 Chevrolet Cavalier

3G1JF5240TS858249

Vehicle record for the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier (VIN 3G1JF5240TS858249). Red, sedan, gasoline / lpg. 13 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.

13 recall campaigns → Gasoline / LPG
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No photo of this model yet1996 Chevrolet Cavalier · Red on the registration record

We show a representative photo when one is available for this make, model and year.

Full vehicle history report

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Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 3G1JF5240TS858249, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 13 recall campaigns for this model year are shown free further down.

Title & Salvage Check · $4.99 Full report · $9.95 (everything)

📜 Title & ownership

  • Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)
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  • Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means
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  • Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace
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  • Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign
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🛞 Odometer

  • Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline
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  • Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards
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  • Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average
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💥 Damage, loss & theft

  • Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date
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  • Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags
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  • Theft screenActive and recovered theft records
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  • Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)
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  • Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane
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💰 Liens & value

  • Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records
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  • Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition
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  • DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection
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  • Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid
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🧰 Factory warranty & equipment

  • Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer
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  • Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in
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🚨 Recalls on this VIN

  • Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time
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History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.

At a glance

ColorRed
Recall campaigns13

Vehicle identity & specifications

Make
Chevrolet
Model
Cavalier
Year
1996
Body style
Sedan
Vehicle type
Passenger car
Displacement
2.2 L
Fuel type
Gasoline / LPG
Country of origin
Mexico

🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier data →

📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)

🏭 Manufacturing & other

sourceua_mvs
Registration regionunknown
Last operation date2023-11-06
Last operation254 - НАЛЕЖНИЙ КОРИСТУВАЧ. РЕЄСТРАЦІЯ
PurposeЗагальний
Engine cc2200
Own weight kg1280
Total weight kg1750

Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.

MPG & running costs

U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.

Combined23–26 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,780
FuelRegular
EPA size classCompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume92 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,900 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.

Crash-test safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,900
Fuel only$13,900
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
180.3 in
Width
68.1–68.5 in
Height
53.1–54.7 in
Wheelbase
103.9–104.3 in
Curb weight
2,676–2,837 lb
Front track
57.5 in
Rear track
56.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 4

UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION Closed

ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2003, THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) RECEIVED A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 FROM MR. DONALD FRIEDMAN, PETITIONING THE AGENCY TO "OPEN A DEFECT INVESTIGATION INTO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INVOLVING [MODEL YEAR] 1996 AND 1997 GENERAL MOTORS J-CARS." IN SUPPORT OF HIS PETITION, MR. FRIEDMAN CITED A REPORT HE "RECEIVED FOR GM" SHOWING IT HAD RECEIVED FAR MORE REPORTS OF ALLE…

NHTSA #DP03007 · Fuel System, Other · opened Oct 2003 · closed Jan 2004

FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN AREA Closed

NHTSA #PE02001 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2002 · closed Mar 2002

OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS Closed

NHTSA #EA98001 · Air Bags · opened Jan 1998 · closed Jul 1998

INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS Closed

NHTSA #PE97041 · Air Bags · opened Sep 1997 · closed Jan 1998

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 109

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 109.

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17-NA-073 · Equipment · Feb 2023

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723F · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2022

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723D · Electrical System · Jan 2020

This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.

Bulletin 19NA273 · Electrical System, Equipment · Dec 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696E · Equipment · Nov 2019

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Sep 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…

Bulletin PIC4696D · Equipment · Sep 2019

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Feb 2019

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve th…

Bulletin PIC4696C · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · May 2018

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…

Bulletin PIP4723C · Electrical System, Equipment, Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2017

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CAVALIER. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 11

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Airbag

Certain vehicles, after being exposed to substantial amounts of water, may experience deployment of either the driver or passenger front airbag without a crash. The owner’s manual for these vehicles does not provide specific information about this situation. Inadvertent deployment of the driver and / or passenger front airbag in a non-accident (non-impact) situation may cause d…

Transport Canada #2003162 · Jun 2003

Steering

On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997 may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. If the problem were to occur, the driver would have to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel. Correction: Dealers are to inspect the…

Transport Canada #2002199 · Nov 2002

Electrical

On certain passenger vehicles if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. Correction: Dea…

Transport Canada #2002041 · Mar 2002

Engine

Note: Certain 1997-99 vehicles in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces and 1995-99 vehicles in all other provinces and territories. Moisture may enter the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) as a result of corrosion after extended exposure to road salt. This can lead to symptoms including illumination of the "Check Engine" light or the engine running rough. If these symptoms…

Transport Canada #2000109 · Apr 2000

Engine

On certain vehicles located in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, Moisture entering the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) as a result of corrosion can cause illumination of the "Check Engine" light or cause the engine to run rough. If these symptoms are ignored, the engine may stall and may not be able to be restarted. Correction:…

Transport Canada #1999016 · Feb 1999

Suspension

Certain vehicles may have a condition which could result in one of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts breaking. If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, vehicle control would be affected and a crash could occur without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.

Transport Canada #1998247 · Dec 1998

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Chevrolet Cavalier

The Chevrolet Cavalier is a line of compact cars produced by Chevrolet. Serving as the replacement of the Chevrolet Monza, the Cavalier was the second Chevrolet model line to adopt front-wheel drive. Three versions of the Cavalier have been sold, including three generations sold in North America from model years 1982 to 2005, a version produced by SAIC-GM for China from 2016 to 2021, and a SAIC-GM version produced for Mexico since the 2019 model year.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

Safety recall campaigns 13

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 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.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009

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.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

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 LIST…

Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

NHTSA Campaign #08E063000 · 17/10/2008

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.

Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MRAS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 1-877-335-7443.

NHTSA Campaign #07E015000 · 26/02/2007

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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.

Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

NHTSA Campaign #06E049000 · 24/05/2006

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.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE

NHTSA Campaign #02V286000 · manufacturer #02049 · 04/11/2002

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE T

NHTSA Campaign #02V070000 · manufacturer #02008 · 06/03/2002

SUSPENSION:REAR

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM BOLTS CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM FASTENERS.

NHTSA Campaign #98V319000 · 15/12/1998

AIR BAGS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. BECAUSE OF CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG'S SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE, AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD OCCUR IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE.

NHTSA Campaign #98V146000 · 29/06/1998

INTERIOR LIGHTING

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THE INTERIOR LAMPS TO COME ON UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE VEHICLES ARE BEING DRIVEN. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS."

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE LAMP CONTROL MODULE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT.

NHTSA Campaign #98V027000 · 17/02/1998

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS

THE FRONT AND/OR REAR HAZARD WARNING LAMPS (FOUR-WAY FLASHERS) DO NOT FLASH WHEN THE HAZARD SWITCH IS ACTIVATED. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Remedy: DEALERS OR VEHICLE OWNERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER FUNCTION OF THE HAZARD WARNING LAMPS. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD LAMP SWITCH.

NHTSA Campaign #96V250000 · 17/12/1996

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE COULD HAVE BEEN KINKED DURING ASSEMBLY CAUSING HIGH ACCELERATOR PEDAL EFFORT, STICKING ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE, OR A BROKEN ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA Campaign #95V201000 · 23/10/1995

Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.

These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

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Common problems & what to inspect

Based on all 604 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.

💥 58 involved a crash 🔥 10 involved a fire 🚑 61 reported injuries

Engine And Engine Cooling 129 reports

🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Electrical System 101 reports

🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Air Bags 76 reports

🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Service Brakes 65 reports

🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Power Train 60 reports

🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Hydraulic 58 reports

🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Pre-purchase checklist

Owner complaints 604

Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A U TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, RIGHT SHOULDER, AND LEFT KNEE. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT SHOULDER. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQU…

Crash · 2 injured · NHTSA ODI #11050932

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE CRASH; HOWEVER, IT SUDDENLY DEPLOYED WHILE THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUS…

Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11029889

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A STOP SIGN AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPA…

Crash · NHTSA ODI #10638170

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

THIS CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING LIKE THE GM CARS BEING MENTIONED IN THE NEWS TODAY. STARTED IN 2005 AND WAS EVALUATED BY MULTIPLE MECHANICS INCLUDING A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP THAT KEPT IT OVER A MONTH. IT DOESN'T SHOW A CODE WHEN IT HAPPENS. IT RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING (VARIED SPEEDS). IT ALSO RANDOMLY WON'T START. TOTALLY UNPREDICTABLE WHEN I…

NHTSA ODI #10567934

INTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF SIXTEEN YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS NUMEROUS TIMES BUT THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES DISCOVERED. THE CONTACT EVENTUALLY REMOVED THE INTE…

NHTSA ODI #10501440

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THERE'S ALOT OF STUFF WRONG WITH THIS CAR. IT RAN GOOD AND IS RELIABLE WHEN RUNNING,BUT RECENTLY STOP RUNNING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10440387

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

I REPLACED THE BATTERY ON MY 1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2.4L WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION ABOUT 3 DAYS AGO. TODAY AS I WAS DRIVING TO GET GAS THE VEHICLE STARTED TO IDLE LOW AS IF IT WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL TO THE ENGINE. AS I CAME TO A STOP IT GOT WORSE AND THEN I CHECK THE DASH FOR ANY INDICATION OF MALFUNCTION ONLY TO SEE MY AIRBAG, CHECK ENGINE, ABS, CHECK …

NHTSA ODI #10438689

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING

YES CAR WILL TURN OVER BUT WON'T START IT DOES THIS AT TIME OR U CAN PRESS THE GAS TO TRY AND START INTERIOR LIGHT DON'T WORK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10361181

+ 596 more complaints on record.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?

No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.

Is the VIN 3G1JF5240TS858249 valid?

3G1JF5240TS858249 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in Mexico. It decodes to the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.

Are there safety recalls on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier?

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What is the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier crash-test ratings of frontal 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What fuel economy does the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier get?

The 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier has U.S. EPA estimates of 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.