Owners have filed 867 complaints
about the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier with NHTSA between 2002 and 2025.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 95
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Cavalier. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 50
9.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 46
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Chevrolet Cavalier
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Fuel Pump
16256.6%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
3110.8%
Turn Signal
3110.8%
Brake Lights
186.3%
Fuel Pump
124.2%
Frontal
124.2%
Rotor
103.5%
Engine
103.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
253.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
7010.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
466.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
10414.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
22932.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
12818.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
7510.7%
150,000+ miles
223.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2002peak 29Jul 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA07015Opened 1 Nov 2007Closed 28 Oct 2008FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ENGINE STALLING - FUEL PUMP FAILURE
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 ENGIN...
PE07033Opened 28 Jun 2007Closed 1 Nov 2007FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL PUMP FAILURE
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 WEA...
EA04028Opened 14 Sep 2004Closed 22 Nov 2004EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION
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 DETER...
PE04043Opened 14 May 2004Closed 14 Sep 2004EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION
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 CONTACTS....
Recalls on the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
08E063000
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 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.
04V524000
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 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200438879,716 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles were produced without the required dielectric grease being applied to the rear light bulb socket assemblies. Absence of the grease can result in electrical arcing between the light bulb major filament contact and the socket terminal that can render the stop and turn signal bulb inoperative. An inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. If a stop lamp is inoperative, indication of brake application to a following vehicle will be reduced, although during braking, warning to the rear of the vehicle will be conveyed by the remaining functional stop lamp and the center high-mounted stop lamp. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb socket assemblies.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Vulcan, MICrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #10787770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vulcan, MICrash3 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
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
NHTSA complaint #10787770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,587 milesWewahitchka, FLCrash
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10680126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,587 milesWewahitchka, FLCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10680126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,587 milesWewahitchka, FLCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10680126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,587 milesWewahitchka, FLCrash
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10680126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Spokane Valley, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is a recall on the vehicle I need to get fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11671800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesCoachella, CA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11414792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesCoachella, CA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11414789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesCoachella, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11414789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesComo, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11083515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 198,000 milesBerlin, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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??
NHTSA complaint #11065548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,925 milesLebanon, PA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
NHTSA complaint #10899679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,925 milesLebanon, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10899679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesSouth Mountain, PA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10876674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bath, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
"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, UNTIL RECENTLY, THE PAINT'S CLEAR COAT STARTED TO "STIPPLE" [SHARP BUMPS] AND BUBBLE ALL OVER TOP PANELS, STARTING WITH THE ROOF, THEN HOOD, AND NOW TRUNK. IT'S EMBARRASSING TO DRIVE HER, AND I AM NOT PAYING TO REPAINT HER, I ALREADY HAVE WAY TOO MUCH INTO A CAR THAT LIKELY WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION COMING UP IN AUGUST. I'M NOW HANDICAP'D AND DISABLED, FIXED INCOME, CAN'T AFFORD A NEW CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10863655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bath, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
"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, UNTIL RECENTLY, THE PAINT'S CLEAR COAT STARTED TO "STIPPLE" [SHARP BUMPS] AND BUBBLE ALL OVER TOP PANELS, STARTING WITH THE ROOF, THEN HOOD, AND NOW TRUNK. IT'S EMBARRASSING TO DRIVE HER, AND I AM NOT PAYING TO REPAINT HER, I ALREADY HAVE WAY TOO MUCH INTO A CAR THAT LIKELY WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION COMING UP IN AUGUST. I'M NOW HANDICAP'D AND DISABLED, FIXED INCOME, CAN'T AFFORD A NEW CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10863655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bath, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
"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, UNTIL RECENTLY, THE PAINT'S CLEAR COAT STARTED TO "STIPPLE" [SHARP BUMPS] AND BUBBLE ALL OVER TOP PANELS, STARTING WITH THE ROOF, THEN HOOD, AND NOW TRUNK. IT'S EMBARRASSING TO DRIVE HER, AND I AM NOT PAYING TO REPAINT HER, I ALREADY HAVE WAY TOO MUCH INTO A CAR THAT LIKELY WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION COMING UP IN AUGUST. I'M NOW HANDICAP'D AND DISABLED, FIXED INCOME, CAN'T AFFORD A NEW CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10863655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesPound, WI
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10850333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesPound, WI
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10850333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesPound, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10850333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Calhoun, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CLUSTER BLINKS IN AND OUT
NHTSA complaint #10838183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesToronto, OH
SUSPENSION
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).
NHTSA complaint #10825225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesToronto, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
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).
NHTSA complaint #10825225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10821266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10810161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10810161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10810161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vulcan, MICrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #10787770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vulcan, MICrash3 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
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
NHTSA complaint #10787770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Paso, TX
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
NHTSA complaint #10786735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.