Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 287 | typical | — | Electrical | Average |
| 2004 | 330 | typical | 1 | Electrical | Average |
| 2003 | 678 | 2.4× | 1 | Fuel System | Avoid |
| 2002 | 196 | −34% | — | Electrical | Average |
| 2001 | 243 | −22% | 1 | Electrical | Average |
| 2000 | 315 | typical | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 1999 | 240 | −19% | 2 | Brake | Average |
| 1998 | 345 | 1.2× | 4 | Electrical | Average |
| 1997 | 540 | 1.9× | 7 | Engine | Caution |
| 1996 | 503 | 1.9× | 7 | Engine | Caution |
| 1995 | 270 | typical | 4 | Engine | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Cavalier year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Latest Chevrolet Cavalier recalls
Exterior lighting › Turn signal
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…
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.
Seat belts › Rear/other
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, 'seat belt assembly anchorages.' the passenger-side rear safety belt May have been installed with an incorrect nut and bolt.
Remedy: Dealers are to inspect the safety belt anchorage and install a new nut and bolt, if necessary. The recall began on August 23, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
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, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the…
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Chevrolet Cavalier should you avoid?
2003, 1997 and 1996 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Cavalier years at the same age, led by fuel & propulsion system problems in the 2003.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Cavalier?
2002 has the fewest complaints compared with other Cavalier years at the same age, followed by 2001 and 1999. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Chevrolet Cavalier problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (1,041), engine & cooling (601) and fuel & propulsion system (585). Electrical complaints peak in the 2005 model year.
How many recalls has the Chevrolet Cavalier had?
19 recalls across 1995–2005. The model year with the most is 1996. See all Chevrolet Cavalier recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.