Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
I have a 2004 Cavalier. Shortly after I bought it the drivers window stopped working. I had a warranty and replaced it. It stopped working without any warning. When I got the car back I could hear air coming through the window, but didn't see any gaps. Eventually noticed the window was off track. My guess is poor fixing by the dealership. About 2 years later (my warranty is up) the drivers window quit working again. I had to drive in the pouring rain with my window down. We have had so much rain the roads are flooding thus sending tons of water into my car by passing cars. From what I have read online this is obviously a problem for many people. GM needs to issue a recall and fix the problem, instead of making the customers pay.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. While driving approximately 15 MPH on normal road conditions, the front driver's side window mechanism would not activate. The contact was unable to release the window in a downward position. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer four times and they repaired it under the warranty. Recently, the front passenger side window mechanism failed. The repair would cost $590. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 18,000 and current mileage was 60,000. Updated 11/24/08 the window motor and regulator has been replaced 5 times. Updated 11/26/08.
Dt*: the contact stated that there were three problems with the vehicle. The automatic windows failed to roll either up or down. The second problem occurred with the trunk; water continually leaked into the trunk. The third problem was related to the brakes; they were no longer working at only 25000 miles. The brake light illuminated and made a squealing noise as soon as brake pressure was applied. The dealer determined the trunk was not installed properly. Although the dealer fixed the trunk, the problem persists. When it rain, water still leaks in the trunk. The water leak has been an ongoing problem since July 2003.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stopped in the middle of the interstate without warning. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that the fuel pump failed. The dealer was not notified. In addition, the contact heard a tapping nose in the heater and the cd player does not work. There were also two motor swtices repaired in the windows. The vehicle is currently being repaired at the contact's expense. The failure and current mileages were 78,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he heard a loud "shattering" noise. He went over and noticed that the rear window had shattered into pieces. The dealer was notified and stated that the heat must have caused the failure and since the vehicle was no longer under warranty, they could offer no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure and current mileages were approximately 199,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that the front driver and passenger side windows could only be closed partially. The rear driver and passenger windows could not be opened or closed. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who located the failure at the door motor and regulator. The motors and the regulators would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 83,000 and the current mileage was 90,000.
Dt: while driving and without warning the vehicle died. This has happened three times. The dealer said it was something different every time. The manufacturer was contacted, but would not return the consumers call. She called three times. The dealer said the problem was an ignition switch the second time. The third time they replaced/programmed the PCM. The first time they replaced a module 3.107, seal 3.112. The power windows would not roll down.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that he experienced a recurring failure in which the motor in the drivers side front window stopped functioning. The failure occurred four times and each time the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the window motor was replaced. The contact stated that when the motors were replaced they were covered with rust. The failure mileage was 9,000 and the current mileage was 92,000.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Cavalier years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, 7% of the model year's 330 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.