Most common 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Share of the 330 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Cavalier complaints by model year
Best Cavalier years: 2002, 2001, 1999. Years to avoid: 2003, 1997, 1996. Compare all years →
2004 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls (1)
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.
What 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say
Electrical system all 185 →
My cluster stopped working a while ago. Since I didn't get a recall on it I was unaware of people did complain about it until my car caught on fire where the cluster is and all the wires are totally burned up. I am furious. I read other complaints and some people had the same problem. I could not read all of them so, I don't know how many caught on fire. Thank god I didn't get injured or death. Chevrolet should be held responsible for this. Please help.
For several years now, the interior light has been coming on intermittently when I hit a bump in the road. Last year I went shopping, got back into my car & started it, or rather tried to start it, but it shut down quite quickly. Thinking it was a fluke, I tried to start it several more times with the same results. Not even pushing on the gas could keep it going. After towing the car & having it sit around for a while before someone could finally find the electrical issue, it was 'repaired'. The issue was the wiring for the ignition switch. The repair completed was a cheaper route than replacing the actual switch. What I didn't know until too late last year was the 'service w/wrench' and 'theft system' lights were the warning that the switch was about to go out. …
Speed control & acceleration all 27 →
While driving down the road my speedometer for stuck. I know I was going 60 when it happened because that's what it is stuck at.it isn't the first time this has happened. My car has had multiple problems with the windshield wipers, windows, and engine light.
I have a 2004 Chevy Cavalier ls sport. Well lets first start off with my drivers side window motor. It went out about a year and half ago and we fixed it this summer. Apparently it is a huge problem but of course no recall on it so paid almost 300 dollars myself to fix it. Then after that when I would start my car and put it into drive, the car would sputter and the ABS and trac off lights would come on. Next about 5 months ago I noticed that my gas gauge was fluctuating a little. Didn't give it much thought but then 2 months ago my temp gauge was going haywire. Called the dealer and they said that there was no recall and we would have to pay to have it fixed. Well we all know money is tight so I have left it. Low and behold late last week, the MPH gauge said I was going 100 MPH in a 35 zone. I had to take a double look. Dealer again says no recalls. …
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 23 →
Drivers side wiper arm nut came loose causing wipers not to work at all. Wile wife was backing car up in driveway to return to our house (due to wipers not working)she hit a tree causing rear quater and rear bumper cover damage
I have a 2004 Chevy Cavalier ls sport. Well lets first start off with my drivers side window motor. It went out about a year and half ago and we fixed it this summer. Apparently it is a huge problem but of course no recall on it so paid almost 300 dollars myself to fix it. Then after that when I would start my car and put it into drive, the car would sputter and the ABS and trac off lights would come on. Next about 5 months ago I noticed that my gas gauge was fluctuating a little. Didn't give it much thought but then 2 months ago my temp gauge was going haywire. Called the dealer and they said that there was no recall and we would have to pay to have it fixed. Well we all know money is tight so I have left it. Low and behold late last week, the MPH gauge said I was going 100 MPH in a 35 zone. I had to take a double look. Dealer again says no recalls. …
2004 Chevrolet Cavalier engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 33 / 27 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 31 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier a good car?
Based on 330 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Cavalier rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Cavalier at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The electrical system — 185 complaints, 56% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the speed control & acceleration (27) and windows, wipers & sunroof (23).
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, the most recent from June 23, 2004 (rear/other). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Cavalier?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2001 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 1997 and 1996. See the full Chevrolet Cavalier years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 44% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.