“Owner objects to GM's assertion that this is not a safety-related defect. Vehicle suddenly stalled without notice and left auto occupants in a dangerous position. Engine stumbled once and then stalled while driving down snow- covered road. Had to be pushed out of traffic. Engine would not restart. Was towed to repair facility and in-tank fuel pump had failed.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 17, 2012 at 64,640 miles
“Tl- the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH the vehicle stalled with the illumination of the check oil and battery warning lamps. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance to teh contact with repairs.”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 28, 2011 at 123,769 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the fuel systemRecall (red: the fuel system)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2003 Cavalier peaked in 2008, with 179 filed that year. No recall on file covers the fuel system, the subject of 53% of the complaints. In 2025 owners filed 1 so far.
Filed Oct 17, 20083,855 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Filed Nov 1, 2004256,025 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR LAMPS THAT PROVIDE STOP AND TURN SIGNALS AND TAIL LAMP FUNCTIONS STOP WORKING BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE CONTACT BETWEEN THE BULB AND SOCKET. IN ADDITION, IF ONE BULBS WERE TO BECOME INOPERATIVE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING IN CRUISE CONTROL, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD DISENGAGE WHEN THE REMAINING BULB WAS ACTIVATED. IF BOTH LAMPS WERE TO BECOME INOPERATIVE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT ENGAGE.
Risk. AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION OF STOPPING TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND AN INOPERATIVE REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION TO TURN TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES. BOTH OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR LAMP BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLIES AND APPLY GREASE OR REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 18, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 4 name the 2003 Cavalier.
Odi's analysis of the stalling incidents that have resulted from subject component failures found that they can occur at any speed and generally result in a no restart condition.these are generally considered to be factors that increase the potential severity of stalling incidents.however, these incidents have occurred at relatively low rates in the subject vehicle population when compared with prior investigations involving similar categories of engine stall consequences.even for the early my 2003 production, where higher failure rates were noted, the rates of pump failures resulting in …
An engineering analysis has been opened to further investigate the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.general motors (GM) has identified an issue with accelerated motor brush wear in the fuel pump assembly of model year (my) 2001 through 2003 chevrolet vehicles that can cause the pump to stop operating.general motors indicated that peroxide or sulfur, which are both present in varying amounts in gasoline, can react with the copper commutator of the pump motor and corrode/roughen the surface.a rough commutator surface increases the rate of brush …
TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTIONEngineering analysis EA04028Closed
Opened Sep 14, 2004Closed Nov 22, 2004Led to recall 04V524000headlights
On may 14, 2004 the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe04-043) based on consumer complaints alleging that the brake/tail turn signal lamps would not operate properly when either the tail lights were turned on, the brake pedal was depressed, or when the turn signal switch was activated.on september 14, 2004 odi upgraded pe 04-043 to an engineering analysis (ea04-028).GM states that some brake/tail/turn signal lamp bulbs can prematurely become inoperative due to excessive heat buildup within the bulb sockets.the cause of the excessive heat build up was …
TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTIONPreliminary evaluation PE04043Closed
Opened May 14, 2004Closed Sep 14, 2004headlights
Complainants allege that the rear turn signals fail to illuminate and do not provide a signal to drivers in following vehicles.odi has received one report of a crash where the complainant braked and attempted to make a left turn and the following vehicle impacted the complainant's vehicle in the driver-side door.in may 2002, GM's supplier made changes to the bulb socket that included stopping the use of thermal-mastic grease in the bulb socket.GM reports that the grease reduces arcing at the contacts and dissipates heat thus preventing melting of the socket material or burning of the …
Technical service bulletins
477 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2003 Cavalier. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
equipment 164engine 78electrical system 58transmission 32body and frame 18fuel system 18equipment adaptive/mobility 17visibility 15
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …
PIP4723FService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 14, 2022fuel system
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 Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
21NA124Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 25, 2021fuel system
This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
PIP5163EService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 30, 2021fuel system
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible cause of engine oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage or blow by. Technician will need to inspect the engine for Cylinder damage or scoring, An out of round cylinder bore, Dirt …
PIP5725Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 8, 2020fuel system
This Preliminary information communicates the use of Winter grade fuel during the warm months of 2020 and the potential rivability issues that it can cause. The ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant reductions in driving and fuel use. Due to the surplus of winter grade fuel sitting in storage (pipelines/stations) the EPA is waiving …
16NA383Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 2, 2020fuel system
This informational bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
PIP5339AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 4, 2019fuel system
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a customer?s request to remove or disable the Bi-Fuel Compressed Natural Gas system. General Motors does not condone the removal of the original equipped Compressed Natural Gas systems.
Showing the newest 6 of 18 bulletins about the fuel system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jul 7, 2025WA
There is a recall on the vehicle I need to get fixed.
Steering
Filed May 2, 202150,000 milesCA
THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE. PINS ON TILT MECHANISM ARE GONE. DON'T KNOW WHEN IT FELL OUT. NOTICED WHEN CLEANING CAR WHEN I TILTED THE STEERING WHEEL UP.
Electrical System
Filed May 2, 202150,000 milesCA
MY CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT WAS RECALLED FOR OTHER GM VEHICLES. THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE, TEMPERATURE GAUGE, RPM, SPEEDOMETER.... NONE OF MY GAUGES WORK. THEY GAVE THE WRONG READINGS, THE HAND WOULDN'T RETURN TO THEIR STARTING POSITIONS, THEN THE HANDS WENT LOWER THAN THEIR STARTING POSITIONS TO THE POINT THEY ALL DIDN'T WORK ANYMORE. THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE ADDED TO THE GM RECALL LIST FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 5, 2018200,000 milesNC
TAKATA RECALL
Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 2018198,000 milesCT
CLUSTER OF DASHBOARD INDICATORS (SPEEDOMETER, GAS GUAGE , ENGINE TEMP, RPM) ALL ARE NOT WORKING NOW. THEY WERE GOING OFF AND ON AT TIMES WHEN DRIVING BUT NOW NOTHING WORKS...MY MECHANIC INFORMS ME THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. NO RECALL FOUND. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WHY WASN'T THIS COMMON PROBLEM LISTED AS A RECALL WHEN MANY HAVE COMPLAINED??
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 31, 201659,925 milesPA
I WAS ONE BLOCK FROM HOME AND MY CAR STALLED IT WOULDN'T START BACK UP. I FOUND MY SELF AT THE INTERSECTION. THE MECHANIC SAID IT IS A BAD FUEL PUMP. THE CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT THIS TIME LAST YEAR . ALSO LAST YEAR MY GAUGE TO MY ENGINE TEMPERATURE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. I CAN'T TELL THE ENGINE TEMP. ANYMORE.
Suspension
Filed Jun 26, 2016113,000 milesPA
MY 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER RECENTLY BEGAN TO MAKE A CLUNKING NOISE, WHICH CAN ALSO BE FELT, IN THE FRONT END. WHEN I PUT IT UP ON A LIFT, I NOTICED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTING (DETERIORATING). I KNOW IT IS 13 YEARS OLD, BUT MY PARENTS OWNED A 1989 CAVALIER Z24 FOR 20 YEARS, AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH ITS FRAME. I'VE READ THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR 2003 CHEVY CAVALIERS. WHY IS THIS? WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL? MY FAMILY HAS OWNED SEVERAL NEW AND USED VEHICLES, ALL GM, AND WE HAVE NEVER SEEN A SUB-FRAME RUST TO THIS EXTENT. WE ARE A GM FAMILY AND ARE EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN GM'S LACK OF RESPONSE TO THIS SAFETY HAZARD.
Structure › Body
Filed May 6, 2016PA
"CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT KEEPS COMING BACK ON FOR THE SAME ISSUE, SUPPOSEDLY THE "AIR INTAKE TEMP SENSOR, REPLACED THAT ONE AND SEVERAL SENSORS REPEATEDLY, HAD THE COMPLETE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTIONS CHECKED AND CLEANED, EVEN REPLACED MY ECM AND BCM [NEITHER OF WHICH WAS CHEAP], AND STILL HAS "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT, EVEN AFTER BEING "CLEARED" OVER AND OVER AGAIN -- THIS CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND THE BODY AND SUB-FRAME ARE SEVERELY ROTTING OUT LEFT AND RIGHT -- HAD A WEIRD LEAK ON THE PASS. SIDE FRONT, UNDER THE DASH. IT COMES AND GOES. THE CAR SMELLS LIKE AN OLD SNEAKER INSIDE. WATER WOULD POUR OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE HEATER DUCT, BUT THERE WAS NO RHYME OR REASON TO IT. ONE I EVEN HAD SOAP FOAM FROM A DRIVE THRU CAR WASH LITERALLY COME BLOWING IN TO THE CABIN, THRU THE VERY SAME HEATER DUCT. THANKFULLY IT HAS SEEMINGLY CLEARED UP, BUT IT IS STILL A HEAD SCRATCHER. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS, PRIVATELY OWNED SHOPS, AND EVEN HAD SOME "CAR SAVVY" FRIENDS LOOK HER OVER, AS WELL AS MY DAD [ANDS ASE CERTIFIED TECH], AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL COMES BACK EVERY TIME. IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN I'D PUT THIS MUCH MONEY INTO A CAR THAT LITERALLY READY TO BREAK APART, I WOULD HAVE SAVED MY MONEY TO PUT TOWARDS ANOTHER CAR. LIVE AND LEARN, I GUESS. SHE WAS DOING SO WELL FOR 10 OR 11 YEARS AND IT'S LIKE SHE JUST STARTED "GIVING UP" ON ME. SHE'S GOT 165K ON HER AND THE PAIN HAS GONE TO CRAP, BUT THAT'S GM FOR YOU, KEPT HER GARAGED, WAXED REGULARLY, HAD HER LOOKING SHOWROOM NEW,
Electrical System
Filed Mar 17, 2016130,000 milesWI
INSTRUMET CLUSTER PROBLEMS FOR A FEW YEARS. FUEL SENDING UNIT HAS BEEN REPLACED AT ABOUT 52,000 MILES AFTER QUITING TWICE WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEED OF 55 MPH. DEALER CLAIMED THE CAR QUIT BECAUSE OF A BAD BATTERY THE FIRST TIME AND DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM CORRECTLY. IT WAS NOT THE BATTERY. THE FUEL SENDING UNIT INTERMITTENTLY READS WELL BEYOND FULL AND INTERFEARS WITH THE TEMPERATURE GAGE FUNCTION. NOW SPEEDOMETER IS STUCK AT 85 MPH WHILE TURNED OFF. I WAS DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE DOING 67 MPH, I SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE A TURN AT AN AT GRADE INSECTION TO A ROAD POSTED AT 55 MPH. I COMPLETED THE TURN AND SPED UP. THE SPEEDOMETER READ 58 MPH BUT IT FELT LLIKE I WAS GONG ABOUT 30 MPH. I STOPPED AT ANOTHER INTERSECTION AND THE SPEED DROPPED TO 40 MPH. I MADE THE TURN AND ACELERATED AND THE SPEED WENT TO 110 MPH BUT I WAS NOT GOING NEAR THAT FAST. THE CAR IS IN DRIVEWAY TURNED OFF BUT THE SPEEDOMETER READS 85 MPH. MOST RECENT ISSUE IS STEERING RACK AND K-FRAME RUSTED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MECHANIC STATED HE NEVER SAW A STEERING RACK RUST OUT OR A K FRAME RUSTED AS BAD AS THE ONE ON THIS VEHICLE. WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 25, 2016NE
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CLUSTER BLINKS IN AND OUT
Suspension
Filed Feb 9, 2016200,000 milesOH
I HAVE NOTICED A LOT AND I MEAN A LOT OF THESE CAVALIERS HAVE HAD HORRIBLE FRAME PROBLEMS I USE TO WORK ON CARS EVERYDAY UNTIL THE LAST YEAR WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE MECHANICS FIELD AN NOW I OWN A 03 CHEVY CAVALIER ITS A TWO DOOR 5 SPEED 2.2 I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM THE STORE AND I FELT SOMETHING RUBBING SO I STOPPED AN GOT OUT TO FIND OUT MY K FRAME WAS HORRIBLY ROTTED AN BROKE NOW THIS VEHICLE IS 13 YEARS OLD BUT AS ROTTED OUT AS IT WAS IT WASN'T SOMETHING THAT JUST HAPPENED ITS BEEN BAD I WAS JUST THE LUCKY OWNER THAT THE FRAME GAVE OUT ON AN I DEMAND TO KNOW WHY THIS ISN'T A RECALL ANOTHER THING IS I OWNED A 98 FORD F150 WHICH HAD RECALLS AN WHEN I WAS SENT THE LETTER ABOUT THE RECALLS I ASKED FORD WHY THE FRAMES ON THE F150 OR RANGER WASN'T A RECALL THEY HAD NO ANSWER. I PUT MY CHILD IN THESE AUTO MAKERS CARS AND TRUST THEIR WORK TO KEEP HIM SAFE BUT THEY HAVE NO ANSWER FOR WHY ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PART ON THE WHOLE VEHICLE IS FALLING APART. I DON'T KNOW IF THEY NEED TO USE STAINLESS STEEL, ALUMINUM, OR WHAT BUT IT NEEDS FIXED OR THE VEHICLES NEED REIMBURSED AN CRUSHED. I COULD OF BEEN DOING 70 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY WOMAN AN SON IN THE CAR AN THE FRAME COULD OF WENT AND KILLED US ALL. IS THAT WHAT ITS GONNA TAKE TO GET THIS [XXX] FIXED SOMEONE ELSE TO DIE/HURT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 20, 2016TN
I WAS LOOKING AT MY LOCAL NEWS STATION AND A MAN HAD CALLED THE INVESTIGATION TEAM ABOUT CRACKS IN HIS DASHBOARD SO THEY COULD GET IN TOUCH WITH GM ABOUT IT BECAUSE NOTHING WAS BEING DONE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CRACKS IN MY DASHBOARD AND PART OF IT WAS CRACKED SO BAD IT CAME OUT AND IT IS BIG ENOUGH FOR ME TO SIT AN APPLE IN. THE MAN WHO BROUGHT THE STORY TO ATTENTION WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE CRACKS OVER THE AIRBAG THAT IF IT EVER CAME OUT THAT DEBRIS FROM THE DASHBOARD WOULD FLY EVERYWHERE AND THAT WOULD BE HAZARDOUS TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE CAR. THIS IS A CONCERN TO ME NOW BECAUSE THE CRACKS STARTED OUT SMALL BUT GOT BIGGER OVER TIME. I'M ALMOST SURE THAT THERE WILL BE MORE CRACKS APPEARING ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WEATHER GETS HOT AND MY CAR IS NOT ALWAYS IN THE HEAT OR IN AREAS WHERE THE HOT SUN IS BEAMING DOWN ON IT. TO ME THAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A DEFECT FOR THAT TO JUST HAPPEN. I ALSO HAVE A FORD ESCORT 2000 MODEL AND THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO THAT DASHBOARD. I CAN TAKE PHOTOS BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD THEM ON THE COMPUTER, TELL ME OTHER WAYS I CAN SEND PHOTOS IF POSSIBLE. MY VEHICLE IS MOSTLY STATIONARY AT MY HOME ADDRESS WHENEVER I AM NOT AT WORK AND I NEVER HARDLY USE THE FREEWAYS. THERE HAS DEFINITELY BEEN NO TAMPERING WITH MY VEHICLE. THE STORY I SAW ON THE NEWS WAS AIRED I BELIEVE LAST WEEK OR THE WEEK BEFORE.
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 14, 2015GA
METAL ON METAL NOISE FOUND OUT SHOES AND ROTORS ARE DAMAGEDDAMAGED. I HAVE NO MONEY. V CAN'T FIX THIS. SMELL INSIDE OF LEAK. TEMP RUNNING HIGH. 200.
Air BagsCrash3 injured
Filed Nov 2, 2015MI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ENTERING THE HIGHWAY, THE TURN SIGNAL LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN ACTIVATED AND RESULTED IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AND SPUN ONTO THE ROADSIDE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. ALL THREE OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE WERE SEVERELY INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V524000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ...UPDATED 02/19/16 *BF UPDATED 09/20/16*LJ *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 28, 2015TX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY TO THE ON FUNCTION AND HAD TO WIGGLE THE KEY TO BE ABLE TO RELEASE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 21, 2015MA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNALS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V524000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 1, 2015NC
JULY 2009 IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS STUCK. I HAD IT REPLACED FOR $362.75 AT CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. AUGUST 2014 IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS STUCK. I HAD IT REPLACED FOR $488.83 AT CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. SEPTEMBER 2015 IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS STUCK, MY KEY CAME OUT OF LOCK AND THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING. I HAD TO COME OFF OF THE CLUTCH TO PURPOSELY MAKE THE CAR CUT OFF AND HAD TO UNPLUG THE BATTERY. THE 2003 CHEVROLET IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT IT NEEDS TO BE. MY IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER HAS FAILED ME 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 6 YEARS. THANKFULLY, I'M ALIVE AND ABLE TO TELL YOU ALL ABOUT THIS. CHEVROLET & GM KNEW ABOUT THE LOCK CYLINDER RECALL WHEN I HAD MINE REPLACED LAST YEAR.
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 9, 2015FL
THE DASHBOARD PIECES HAVE STARTED TO CRACK BAD. I REPLACED THE CONSOLE PIECE BUT THEY DONT MAKE A REPLACEMENT FOR THE STRIP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF WINDSHIELD. ITS GOT CHUNKS MISSING OUT OF IT.
Steering
Filed Apr 7, 2015184,000 milesMI
STEERING WHEEL AND SHROUD BECAME TOTALLY DISENGAGED AND FELL INTO MY LAP WHILE TRYING TO TURN ONTO LIVERNOIS ROAD MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO STEER VEHICLE.LUCKY I WAS LEAVING POST OFFICE AFTER MAILING LETTERS AND NOT WHILE ON FREEWAY. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Mar 25, 20158,161 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. WHEN THE CONTACT INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE OVERHEAD LIGHT DID NOT TURN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,161.
Visibility/WiperCrash
Filed Jan 31, 2015189,587 milesFL
POWER SUDDENLY SHUT OFF, CAUSING POWER STEERING TO FAIL, WHICH MADE ME WRECK INTO A DITCH. IT ALSO CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO NOT DEPLOY AND PREVENTED SEATBELTS FROM LOCKING INTO PLACE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE HIT. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jan 19, 2015115,000 milesOH
I HAD BEEN READING ABOUT RECENT RECALLS WITH GM, ESPECIALLY IGNITION SWITCHES. I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY CAVALIER AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A BAD IGNITION SWITCH. I FIRST NOTICED WHEN I WENT TO START THE CAR IN THE MORNING, A DAY AFTER COMING HOME FROM WORK. GOOD THING IT HAPPENED THEN BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED OFF SITE. I WENT TO START THE CAR, NOTHING HAPPENED EXCEPT WIPERS AND RADIO DID NOT WORK AS WELL WHICH I THOUGHT WAS STRANGE. FINALLY THE RADIO AT LEAST CAME ON AT SOME POINT, BUT CAR STILL WOULD NOT START. AFTER IT WAS FIXED THEY SAID THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS BAD AND THE MECHANIC ASKED IF I HAD LOOKED FOR THE RECALL ON IT. I SEARCHED ONLINE BUT DID NOT FIND IT. I KNOW MY CAR IS OLDER, HOWEVER OF ALL THE CARS I EVER OWNED AND I HAD MANY, I NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH IGNITION SWITCHES! I THINK I HAD ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE SWITCHES AND WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. UNFORTUNATELY I PROBABLY CAN'T GO BACK TO GET THE PHYSICAL IGNITION SWITCH AT THIS POINT, TOO LATE. I HAVE THE PROPER PAPERWORK FOR IT HOWEVER. ALSO ON ANOTHER NOTE, MY REAR DRIVER SIDE SIGNAL KEEPS GOING OUT, NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I REPLACE IT. THAT MIGHT BE SOMETHING GM SHOULD LOOK INTO AS WELL. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Dec 11, 2014120,000 milesIA
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES MALFUNCTION PERIODICALLY AND LOCK INTO ONE POSITION OR DON'T WORK AT ALL. CANT TELL WHAT YOUR SPEED IS , TEMP IS, RPM ETC! THIS I THINK IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. I SEE THIS IS HAPPENING TO MANY PEOPLE AS I HAVE INVESTIGATED IT ON LINE. THIS IS PRETTY MUCH WHAT'S HAPPENING... HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=RZILY3GXEXA. *TR
Engine
Filed Jul 11, 201426,914 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,914 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,914.
Engine
Filed Jun 24, 201440,000 milesAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, IT MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
Steering
Filed Jun 19, 201435,000 milesVA
2006 CHEVROLET COBALT & 2003 CAVALIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BOTH VEHICLES POWER STEERING AND CUTTING OFF PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE CAVALIER, CUT OFF, JUST LIKE THE COBALT. HOWEVER, THE COBALT WAS RECALLED. THE CAVALIER CUT OFF WEEKLY SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE POWER STEERING WAS REPLACED DURING A RECALL. IT WAS REPLACED AT 35,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 68,000. *JB UPDATED 08/07/14 *JB UPDATED 09/24/14. *JB
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 18, 201477,700 milesWA
MY SON WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT AND AS HE DESCRIBES IT, EVERYTHING BUT THE RADIO WENT DEAD ALL BY ITSELF (THE ENGINE DIED AND THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES). OBVIOUSLY THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE CURRENT RECALLS. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE CAR ISN'T ON THE LIST. I'VE COMPLAINED TO CHEVY AND AM GETTING THE RUNAROUND BY MULTIPLE MEMBERS OF THEIR "CONSUMER SUPPORT TEAM" (WE'VE ASSIGNED YOU A SERVICE REQUEST NUMBER BUT I AM TO WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN AND THEN BRING IT IN "SO WE COULD START REVIEWING ON YOUR CASE"). I TOOK IT TO MY OWN MECHANIC AND HE RAN A BUNCH OF TESTS BUT COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO DIE. *TR
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Jun 18, 201450,000 milesMO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY SEIZED IN THE IGNITION AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 08/19/14*LJ UPDATED 08/23/2017*CT
Engine
Filed May 16, 201490,000 milesWY
WENT TO START CAR TO GO TO STORE AND IT WOULD NOT START. LUCKILY IT WAS AT HOME WHEN IT DECIDED TO STOP WORKING. TOWED TO GARAGE AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. THE GARAGE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND IT FIXED THE NO START ISSUE. I HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS WAS THE PROCESS TO START A RECALL INVESTIGATION OR I WOULD HAVE SAID LONG AGO. THERE HAS BEEN LOTS OF RECALLS LATELY ON GM AND THIS SAME CAVALIER DECIDED NOT TO START TWICE AFTER THE FUEL PUMP, ONCE IN 2011 WAS THE TIMING CHAIN THEN AGAIN DECEMBER 2012 THAT I STILL HAVE TO DIAGNOSE WHICH LED ME TO RESEARCH RECALLS. EACH TIME THE CAR STOPPED WORKING LUCKILY IT WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY EACH AND EVERY TIME. THE TIMING CHAIN THERE WAS SOME WARNING, IT WOULD SOMETIMES BUCK, OTHER TIMES IT WAS FUSSY ON STARTING AND IT WOULD STALL AT STOP LIGHTS. I WILL REPORT A NEW ISSUE IF I CAN FIND OUT THE 3RD UNKNOWN 2012 ISSUE. *TR
Electrical System
Filed May 12, 201455,000 milesAK
CLUSTER DEFECT: PURCHASED A 2003 CHEVY CAVALIER BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT IN DECEMBER OF 2002. JUST AFTER 5 YEARS AND APPROXIMATELY 55,000 MILES, WE ARE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY DURING SNOWFALL WHILE THE SPEEDOMETER STATED WE WERE TRAVELING AT 65 MILES PER HOUR, WE DID NOT KNOW THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT READING CORRECTLY UNTIL WE GOT TO A CORNER AND THE SPEEDOMETER SHOWED WE WERE DRIVING AT ABOUT 20 MPH WHEN WE WERE FLYING AT ATLEAST 50 MPH WHICH INDICATED THE SPEEDOMETER WAS ABOUT 30 MPH OFF. THEN THE TACHOMETER WOULD STOP WORKING, GET STUCK, OR NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY. I THEN BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH ALL OF THE GAUGES, THE GAS GAUGE NEEDLE WOULD GO BACKWARDS ON TOP OF THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE CAUSING THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE TO STOP WORKING THEN ALL GAUGES WOULD MALFUNCTION, THEN THEY WOULD STOP WORKING COMPLETELY. I TOOK IT INTO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP, THEY CAME BACK TO ME AND SAID IT'S WORKING FINE, THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN THE GAUGES CONTINUE TO GO HAYWIRE CHEVY STATED WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A COMPLAINT AND I TOLD THEM TO LOOK IT UP ON THE INTERNET, THERE ARE HUNDREDS/THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. CURRENTLY NONE OF MY GAUGES ARE WORKING AND AM HAVING TO USE A GPS TO NAVIGATE SPEED AND FILL MY VEHICLE UP EVERY 4 DAYS BECAUSE I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THE CAR IS ON EMPTY. IT IS HIGH TIME SOMETHING BE DONE ABOUT THIS. CHEVY RECALLED A BUNCH OF OTHER MODELS, BUT NOT THE CARS. SOMETHING HAS TO BE D
Electrical System
Filed Apr 6, 2014170,000 milesCT
ERRATIC INSTRUMENT PANEL..SOMETIMES AFTER TURNING IGNITION KEY ON ALL PANEL LIGHTS STAY ON (BEYOND NORMAL)AND ALL GAUGES GO OFF..SOMETIMES OK WHEN STARTING BUT SOME LIGHTS COME ON (AIR BAG, SERVICE ENG, ABS GAS GAUGE, ETC) AFTER DRIVING ..SOMETIMES ALL INSTR GAUGES GO OUT COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER...THEY SOMETIMES COME BACK ON AND SOMETIMES NOT...I ENTERED MY MAKE AND YEAR ON GOOGLE TO SEE IF OTHER OWNERS HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT MANY DO..INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT WHILE RESEARCHING ON GOOGLE I FOUND OUT CHEV TRUCKS IN YEAR 2003 HAD A RECALL DUE TO FAULTY INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTROLS BUT THE AUTOS WERE NOT RECALLED.. I FEEL THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD SINCE I SOMETIMES HAVE TO DRIVE WITH NO SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE AND AN AIRBAG LIGHT THAT STAYS ON. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME AND HAVE TO RESORT TO ONLY SHORT TRIPS (GROCERY STORE, DR APPTS, ETC) I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY GM HAS NOT RECALLED THIS 2003 CHEVY CAVALIER..ESP WHEN THEY HAVE RECALLED THE SAME YR AND MAKE TRUCKS FOR FAULTY INSTR PANELS.. I FEEL THIS FAULTY INSTR PANEL IS PLACING ME IN A VERY DANGEROUS POSITION EACH TIME I GET BEHIND THE WHEEL AND NEEDLESS TO SAY DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS AUTO AT ALL... *TR
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Mar 18, 2014109,801 milesWI
ON OR ABOUT MARCH 8TH, 2014, I NOTICED THAT HOLES HAD APPEARED ON THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ON THE BOTTOM AND WHEN I WENT TO FURTHER EXAM THE HOLE, I THEN REALIZED THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR IS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE SHEET METAL ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE IS COMING OFF IN SHEETS AND THE HOLE HAS BECOME MUCH LARGER IN SIZE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT PRETTY STRONGLY. THE INSIDE FLOOR OF THE CAR FEELS SQUISHY LIKE THE FLOOR IS GOING TO FALL OUT. HIGHER SPEEDS SEEM TO MAKE MORE SHEET METAL FALL OFF. *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Mar 17, 2014TN
AFTER I DRIVE CAR FOR 5 THEN SYSTEM SECURITY LIGHT COMES, AND MANY OTHER LIGHTS COME ON DASH BOARD AND ALL THE GAUGES DROPPED TO ZERO. PEPBOYS SAYS IT IS BAD BCM. *TR
Power Train
Filed Mar 10, 201488,000 milesFL
WHEN SHIFTING AUTO TRANSMISSION INTO REVERSE GEAR FROM PARK THE CLIP THAT HOLDS THE SHIFT CABLE ONTO THE SHIFT LEVER ON THE TRANSMISSION BROKE. DEALER TOLD ME THAT ENTIRE SHIFT CABLE MUST BE PURCHASED TO GET THE SMALL CLIP THAT HOLDS CABLE END TO TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER. I WENT TO A LOCAL JUNK YARD TO FIND THIS SMALL CLIP (PART) AND WAS ASTONISHED TO FIND THAT EVERY AUTO OF THIS YEAR AND MAKE HAD THE SIMILAR PROBLEM. ALL OF THESE AUTOS HAS THE CABLE WIRED TO THE SHIFT LEVER. SOME USED A WIRE TIE TO SECURE THE LEVER TO CABLE. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WHO RESPONDED TO TOW MY VEHICLE SAID HE SEES THIS PROBLEM "ALL THE TIME". WHEN I CALLED THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER THEY SAID THEY WERE OUT OF STOCK FOR THIS CABLE AND CLIP AND HAD TO ORDER IT. THIS MAY ALSO INDICATE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS WIDE SPREAD. IF THIS SHIFT CABLE WERE TO FALL OFF WHILE TRYING TO MANUALLY SHIFT THE AUTO TRANSMISSION, WELL, I AM SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE RESULTS. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Mar 5, 2014115,000 milesNM
THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL COMPLETELY WENT HAY WIRE AND THE SPEED WOULD INCREASE AND DECREASE. EVERYTHING WAS FLASHING TO THE POINT IT WAS ACTUALLY SCARY. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND IT STILLED CONTINUED. I FINALLY DECIDED TO CONTINUE HOME AND AFTER ABOUT 6 MILES IT FINALLY JUST STOPPED. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND THAT SO MANY MORE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING HAPPENING BUT SOME HAVE HAD THEIR CAR ACTUALLY START ON FIRE. PLEASE ADVISE IF THERE IS ANY RECALL IN THE NEAR FUTURE BEFORE SOMEONE HAS TO LOSE THEIR LIFE OVER THIS. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANY CONSIDERATION. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 13, 2013123,100 milesAZ
WAS IN THE FAST LANE AND CAR SHUT OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART BUT IT WOULD NOT. WAS STUCK IN THE ROAD CARS HONKING CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Jun 11, 201390,000 milesKY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF CORRODED BRAKE LINES, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS ALSO CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 9, 2013140,000 milesOK
COASTING DOWN HILL ON A DIRT ROAD, GOT TO THE BOTTOM AND ENGINE HAD DIED. ROLLED TO A STOP AND WOULD NOT RESTART. TOWED TO A MECHANIC, REPLACED FUEL PUMP. THIS HAPPENED TWICE MORE AND EACH TIME THE FUEL PUMP WAS BAD. THE LAST FUEL PUMP ONLY LASTED 3 MONTHS AND LIKE THE TWO PREVIOUS PUMPS, IT WAS BRAND NEW!! THIS IS 3 BAD FUEL PUMPS IN A YEAR AND MY WALLET CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP THIS UP. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL ON THIS? *TR
Steering
Filed May 26, 201376,000 milesNV
DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. STEERING WHEEL EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE SIDE PLAY. MADE APPOINTMENT AT LOCAL MECHANIC (NON-DEALER) STEERING HOUSING TAKEN OFF AND FOUND ONE OF TWO PINS IN THE STEERING COLUMN FOR THE TILT MECHANISM HALF WAY OUT OF HOUSING. MECHANIC REINSERTED PIN AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTAKE PIN IN HOUSING. EXPERIENCED NO SIDE PLAY AFTER REPAIR FOR ABOUT 1 WEEK AND PROBLEM HAS RESURFACED. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 21, 201365,045 milesFL
MY BOYFRIEND WAS DRIVING OUR CAR. I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WE HAD BEEN DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE FOR ABOUT A MILE. THEN THE CAR STALLED. MY FRIEND REALIZED SOMETHING WAS WRONG WHEN HE HIT THE GAS PEDAL AND THERE WAS NO RESPONSE, SO HE PLACED IT IN NEUTRAL, STEERED AND SIGNALED UNTIL HE GOT US AND THE CAR SAFELY OFF THE ROAD. AFTER, THE CAR WAS TOWED INTO THE DEALERS SHOP THE MECHANICS SAID IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP THAT HAD FAILED TO WORK. THEREFORE, A NEW FUEL PUMP WAS INSTALLED IN THE CAR. *TR
WheelsCrash
Filed May 13, 2013127,000 milesOH
I WAS TURNING LEFT ON TO A STREET AND I HEARD A LOUD BOOM AND THEN THE CAR JUST CAME TO A STOP. I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE RIM WAS SNAPPED IN HALF. THIS CAUSED MY AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Mar 18, 2013710,000 milesAZ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, ALL OF THE ILLUMINATED GAUGES AND INTERIOR LIGHTS SWITCHED OFF INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 710,000. *TR
Power Train
Filed Mar 6, 2013108,600 milesWA
DROVE 54 MILES LAST VENEING TO SAFEWAY, BOUGHT MILK THERE. DROVE HOME, THEN WENT TO LEAVE FOR WORK TODAY, AND MY CLUTCH HAD FAILED OVERNIGHT. IT IS THE CLUTCH HYDRAULIC SYSTEM THAT HAS FAILED. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Feb 19, 2013100,000 milesPA
WHEN DRIVING ON A LONG TRIP, I NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER KEPT INCREASING AFTER EACH TIME I STOPPED THE CAR. WHEN I STOPPED, THE SPEED READ 25. I WENT 45 MPH, IT WENT TO 70 MPH. ETC. IT NOW RESTS IN VERTICAL POSITION FACING DOWN. THE GAS GAUGE HAS ALSO BEGUN TO GO HAYWIRE. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE CAR WOULD LONGER CAN GO INTO CRUISE CONTROL (WITHOUT WORKING FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN SHUTTING OFF), I AM THINKING BECAUSE OF THE SPEEDOMETER OR CLUSTER. EITHER WAY, IT NOW NO LONGER WORKS AT ALL. SEEING EVERYONE'S COMPLAINTS ON HERE AND WITH "GOVERNMENT MOTORS" NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT, I WILL NOT PUT MY TRUST IN THEIR BRAND ON ANY FUTURE VEHICLES. THIS ALSO HAPPENED ON MY 2005 CAVALIER. GOOD THING FOR A GPS... *TR
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jan 3, 201384,000 milesCO
THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE SPEEDOMETER. I WAS TRAVELING AT WHAT I THOUGHT WAS ABOUT 40 MPH AND I LOOKED DOWN AND MY SPEEDOMETER SHOWED 65 MPH. WHEN I CAM TO A STOP MY SPEEDOMETER ONLY WENT DOWN TO 25 MPH. THE NEXT MORNING IT WAS DOWN TO 0. ONE WEEK LATER IT WENT UP AND DIDN'T GO BELOW 35 MPH AND IT HAS KEPT INCREASING. NOW WHEN I GET IN THE CAR THE SPEEDOMETER IS AT 95MPH. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL FOR THESE ITEMS. THE COST TO REPAIR IS $500 AND MAKES IT TOO EXPENSIVE FOR IT TO BE FEASIBLE. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 7, 201270,000 milesAL
WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND CAR JUST KONKED OUT AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. I TRIED AND TRIED BUT TO NO AVAIL. HAD TO PUSH IT INTO A GAS STATION ABOUT 100 YARDS, NOT EASY AS A 50 YEAR OLD FEMALE (NO ONE STOPPED TO HELP ME, JUST SPED BY). I HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON-LINE THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN HABITUAL PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. IT ONLY HAS 71,000 MILES ON IT AND I JUST PURCHASED THE FIRST PART OF 2012???? WHAT IS UP? THIS MANY PROBLEMS SHOULD HAVE INVOLVED A RECALL! *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 6, 2012130,000 milesDE
I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY CAVALIER STALLS : CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP , PRESSURE SOLENOID SWITCH ,TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOID .TIRED OF THIS AND NO ONE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT STILL STALLS AND ALL EVERYONE CAN DO IS GUESS AT WHAT IT IS I HATE MY CAVALIER THE LAST THREE YEARS I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOT THAT FIXED AFTER THREE CONVERTERS HELP. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 14, 201263,000 milesNC
WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT TOP SPEED WHEN CAR DIED. GOT TO SIDE OF ROAD AND HAD IT TOWED. HAD TO HAVE FUEL PUMP REPLACED. A YEAR LATER THE NEW FUEL PUMP WENT OUT. A YEAR LATER THAT PUMP WENT OUT. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE FOURTH FUEL PUMP WENT OUT AND IT IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN. CAR IS NOT SAFE AS THIS HAPPENS SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING AND LEAVES YOU WITH NO CONTROL IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC MOVING AT TOP SPEED. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 22, 2012127,000 milesMI
I'VE OWNED TWO DIFFERENT 2003 CHEVY CAVALIERS AND IN BOTH CARS THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT AFTER A YEAR OF OWNING THE VEHICLES. I WENT THROUGH TWO FUEL PUMPS IN MY FIRST CAVALIER AND I BOUGHT ANOTHER CAVALIER AFTER THE FIRST WAS WRECKED AND MY SECOND CAVI LOST ITS PUMP NOW. I KNOW OF CARS WITH 3 TIMES THE AMOUNT OF MILES ON IT WITHOUT HAVING A SINGLE FUEL PUMP PROBLEM. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 5, 201276,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. HE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO ADVISED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 678, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Cavalier years to avoid: owners filed 678 complaints, 2.6 times as many as a typical Cavalier year. The most common complaint is about the fuel system (53%).
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The fuel system: 356 of the 678 complaints (53%) are about it. Owners most often say it stalls (29%), will not start (17%) and loses power (8%). The typical report comes at 66,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 17, 2008. The largest, 04V524000, covered 256,025 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 62,207 miles. For the fuel system the midpoint is 66,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Yes, 4 times. The latest, EA07015 ("ENGINE STALLING - FUEL PUMP FAILURE"), was opened Nov 1, 2007 and closed Oct 28, 2008.
Are there service bulletins for the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The manufacturer filed 477 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (78), the electrical system (58) and the transmission (32). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Oct 17, 2008. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.