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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2005

Chevrolet Cavalier recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 19 recall campaigns and 3,947 owner complaints for the Chevrolet Cavalier, covering model years 1995 to 2005. The 2003 model year drew the most complaints (678), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Chevrolet Cavalier VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 19 recall campaigns on file
  • 3,947 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 11 model years with data (1995–2005)
  • most complaints: 2003 (678 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (1,041 complaints)
  • latest recall 04V524000 (reported Nov 1, 2004)
  • 351 complaints reporting a crash (8.9%)
  • 89 complaints reporting a fire (2.3%)
  • 245 complaints reporting an injury (6.2%)
  • 11 complaints reporting a death (0.3%)

Chevrolet Cavalier complaints by model year

11 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2003 model year has the most complaints: 678 of 3,947, or 17.2%. Next come 1997 (540) and 1996 (503). The fewest are for 2002, with 196 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Chevrolet Cavalier owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2005Column chart of 3,947 complaints across 11 model years. The highest is 2003 with 678. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 270 complaints27019951996: 503 complaints50319961997: 540 complaints54019971998: 345 complaints34519981999: 240 complaints24019992000: 315 complaints31520002001: 243 complaints24320012002: 196 complaints19620022003: 678 complaints67820032004: 330 complaints33020042005: 287 complaints2872005
Chevrolet Cavalier complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Chevrolet Cavalier complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
19952703310200
19965035810441
19975407025604
19983453610230
1999240272150
2000315258132
2001243238151
2002196244190
2003678316161
2004330176151
20052877051
All model years3,9473518924511

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Chevrolet Cavalier components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 1,041 complaints (26.4% of all 3,947), followed by Engine and Engine Cooling (573) and Fuel System, Gasoline (479).

Components named most often in Chevrolet Cavalier complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Chevrolet Cavalier complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System1,04126.4%
Engine and Engine Cooling57314.5%
Fuel System, Gasoline47912.1%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3879.8%
Steering3498.8%
Air Bags3218.1%
Power Train2616.6%
Visibility2406.1%
Exterior Lighting1694.3%
Structure1664.2%
Suspension1654.2%
Vehicle Speed Control1503.8%
Unknown or Other1283.2%
Seat Belts992.5%
Equipment922.3%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Chevrolet Cavalier recalls

19 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Cavalier, newest first. The 19 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2004. The 1996 and 1997 model years appear in the most campaigns (7 each).

  • 19 recall campaigns
Chevrolet Cavalier recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1995: 4 campaigns1996: 7 campaigns1997: 7 campaigns1998: 4 campaigns1999: 2 campaigns
2000: 2 campaigns2001: 1 campaign2002: no campaigns2003: 1 campaign2004: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 04V524000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal

    Model year 2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 04V300000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Rear/Other

    Model year 2004

    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.

    Consequence:
    In a severe crash, the upper seat belt anchorage may separate. The effectiveness of the seat belt could then be reduced and the occupant could receive greater injuries.
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 04V036000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model years 1998–2001

    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.

    Consequence:
    If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. The fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
    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 ignition switch. Owner notification will begin on March 1, 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, Buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 02V286000

    Reported

    Steering › Rack and Pinion

    Model years 1996–1998

    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.

    Consequence:
    If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
    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. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 02V070000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model years 1995–1997

    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.

    Consequence:
    If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
    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. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, Buick at 1-800-521-7300, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 00V201000

    Reported

    Interior Lighting

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the bi-fuel option fail to comply with FMVSS No. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination." The instrument panel lights in these vehicles are at full illumination levels and cannot be adjusted. The standard requires at least two levels of illumination.

    Consequence:
    This could make it more difficult to see objects outside the vehicle when driving at night.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the fuel type indicator switch assembly, which includes the instrument panel illumination control.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 00V053000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model year 1998

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with bi-fuel compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. The CNG fuel line and the CNG high pressure regulator coolant lines can contact other fuel (gasoline) and brake lines on the vehicle. Abrasion from contact can cause a leak in the brake pipe, fuel pipe, or both.

    Consequence:
    Abrasion from contact can cause a leak in the brake pipe, fuel pipe, or both. A brake fluid leak could disable a portion of the brake system, causing longer stopping distances. Gasoline leaking from a fuel pipe, in the presence of an ignition source, could cause a vehicle fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and reposition the CNG fuel and coolant pipes and reposition/repair any damaged fuel or brake pipes as necessary.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 99V218000

    Reported

    Interior Lighting

    Model year 1999

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination." The instrument panel backlighting may not function after adjusting the interior light intensity.

    Consequence:
    If the instrument panel is not lit at night, the driver may not be able to see the controls and displays.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will test the body control module, and if necessary, replace it.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 98V319000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear

    Model years 1996–1997

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.

    Consequence:
    If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 98V146000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model years 1996–1997

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sensing and diagnostic module, an inadvertent air bag deployment could occur in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan.

    Consequence:
    Air bags deploy with great force and can seriously injure unrestrained occupants who are too close to them.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Show 9 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 98V032000

    Reported

    Structure › Body

    Model year 1997

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with mis-located welds at the joint between the left rocker panel inner reinforcement and the body side ring. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 214, "side door strength."

    Consequence:
    In the event of a vehicle crash, the sheet metal structure would not perform as desired increasing the risk of personal injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the welds and, if necessary, place five welds between the involved panels and apply primer and topcoat finish materials.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 98V027000

    Reported

    Interior Lighting

    Model year 1996

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 101, "controls and displays."

    Consequence:
    The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 97V219000

    Reported

    Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs

    Model year 1998

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The wheel lug nuts were not tightened securely resulting in a fracture of the wheel studs.

    Consequence:
    The wheel could separate from the vehicle. If the vehicle were in motion, a vehicle crash could result.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the torque of all wheel nuts and, if necessary, tighten any that may be below required torque.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 97V106000

    Reported

    Wheels › Space Saver Wheel

    Model year 1997

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The compact spare tire assemblies were assembled with incorrect rims. If the spare tire is underinflated, the bead can separate from the rim causing a rapid loss of air. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 110, "tire selection and rims."

    Consequence:
    A rapid loss of air can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the rim on the compact spare tire assembly. Owners are requested not to use the spare tire until the rim has been replaced.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 96V250000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights

    Model years 1995–1996

    The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch is activated. This fails to comply with FMVSS No. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

    Consequence:
    If these lamps were not flashing, other vehicles would not be aware that this vehicle was stopped increasing the risk of an accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. If necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 96V160000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer

    Model year 1997

    These vehicles were built with an incorrect wiper blade assembly (17" long instead of 22" long) on the driver's side. This does not comply with FMVSS No. 104, "windshield wiping and washing systems."

    Consequence:
    The area and pattern wiped on the windshield will be reduced and could affect the driver's view in wet weather increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect for the correct wiper blade assembly and install a correct length wiper blade assembly.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 95V201000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model year 1996

    The accelerator control cable could have been kinked during assembly causing high accelerator pedal effort, sticking accelerator control cable, or a broken accelerator control cable.

    Consequence:
    If the accelerator control cable sticks or breaks, unwanted acceleration and/or loss of throttle control can result increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the accelerator control cable assembly.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 95V141000

    Reported

    Structure › Frame and Members

    Model year 1995

    Some welds were omitted from the body lock pillar, or "b" pillar. This does not comply with FMVSS NO.208, "occupant crash protection."

    Consequence:
    Consequence of non-compliance: if a vehicle crash should occur, occupant protection levels could be reduced.
    Remedy:
    All vehicles in this recall campaign have been repurchased and replaced with a comparable vehicle.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 95V025000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm

    Model year 1995

    These vehicles have been built with welds missing from the front suspension lower control arm assemblies causing excessive loads on the existing welds.

    Consequence:
    This condition can result in separation of the frontbushing sleeve subassembly from the control arm increasing the potential for a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect both left-hand and right-hand front suspension lower control arm assemblies and replace all control arm assemblies found with omitted welds.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Chevrolet Cavalier questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Chevrolet Cavalier have?

NHTSA lists 19 vehicle recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Cavalier, covering model years 1995 to 2005. The most recent, 04V524000, was reported on November 1, 2004 and is filed under “Exterior lighting”. The 1996 and 1997 model years are covered by the most campaigns (7 each).

Which Chevrolet Cavalier model year has the most complaints?

The 2003 model year, with 678 of the 3,947 complaints in NHTSA’s file (17.2%). The next are 1997 (540) and 1996 (503). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Chevrolet Cavalier complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 1,041 complaints, or 26.4% of all 3,947. Engine and Engine Cooling (573) and Fuel System, Gasoline (479) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Chevrolet Cavalier?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Chevrolet dealer.

How many Chevrolet Cavalier complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 3,947 complaints, 351 report a crash, 89 a fire, 245 at least one injury and 11 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Chevrolet models

8 models · most complaints first

The Chevrolet models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Chevrolet VIN decoder with every Chevrolet model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Chevrolet models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.