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Vehicle Stats/Chevrolet/Cavalier Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Aug 2026Methodology

Chevrolet Cavalier Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 2,124 complaints and 23 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Chevrolet Cavalier options? We analyzed 6 model years (2000–2005) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

2,124
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
23
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
132
Crash-Related
crash complaints
33
Fire-Related
fire complaints
124
Injuries Reported
across all years
6
Years Analyzed
2000–2005

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Found a Chevrolet Cavalier? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Chevrolet Cavalier has 2,124 owner complaints and 23 safety recalls across model years 2000–2005. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2003 drew the most complaints; 2002 drew the fewest.

Chevrolet Cavalier — key reliability facts
Make
Chevrolet
Model
Cavalier
Model years analyzed
2000–2005 (6 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
2,124
Safety recall campaigns
23
Crash-related complaints
132
Fire-related complaints
33
Worst model year (by complaints)
2003 (705 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2002 (210 complaints)
Top reported issue area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Aug 16, 2026
This Cavalier has 23 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

Chevrolet Cavalier: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2003705 complaints2000338 complaints2004330 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
2002210 complaints2001254 complaints2005287 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The CHEVROLET CAVALIER has 2,124 NHTSA complaints and 23 recalls on record. 132 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 2,124 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 23 federal recall campaigns
  • 132 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2000
338
2001
254
2002
210
2003
705
2004
330
2005
287

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

23 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#09E012000EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 4, 2009
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#09E012000EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 4, 2009
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#09E012000EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 4, 2009
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

#08E050000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSNovember 8, 2008
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

#08E050000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSNovember 8, 2008
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

#08E050000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSNovember 8, 2008
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

#07E021000FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESDecember 3, 2007
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

#07E021000FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESDecember 3, 2007
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

#07E021000FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICESDecember 3, 2007
Safety recall

STEERING

#08E063000STEERING
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#06E026000EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

#04V036000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Safety recall

STEERING

#08E063000STEERING
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#06E026000EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Safety recall

STEERING

#08E063000STEERING
Safety recall

STEERING

#08E063000STEERING
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

#04V300000SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
Safety recall

STEERING

#08E063000STEERING
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

#06E026000EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Safety recall

INTERIOR LIGHTING

#00V201000INTERIOR LIGHTING

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2000–2005. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 2,124 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM677 complaints
02
FUEL SYSTEM494 complaints
03
GASOLINE425 complaints
04
SERVICE BRAKES182 complaints
05
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING174 complaints
06
HYDRAULIC157 complaints
07
POWER TRAIN132 complaints
08
STEERING119 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

2,124 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEMar 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT WAS DIFFICULT TO MOVE AND THE LEVER BECAME STUCK. OCCASIONALLY, THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. ALSO, THE HOOD WAS HOT, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED, AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THERE WERE ALSO MULTIPLE UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WITH AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE AND CLOSING THE DOORS, THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE LIGHT BULB WIRING IN THE ROOF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. *LN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNov 2016

IGNITION SWITCH AND THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER MALFUNCTIONED IN 2009, ROUGHLY FIVE YEARS AFTER GM'S RECALL. THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH'S SERVICE. IN ADDITION TO THE RECALL, GM INSTALLED AN IGNITION WIRING HARNESS. BACK IN 2009, THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION WOULD OVERTURN, AND THEN, THE ENGINE WOULD AUTOMATICALLY SHUT-OFF. TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, BOTH THE IGNITION SWITCH AND LOCK CYLINDER WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF $492. IN 2014, THE IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS. THIS TIME, IT APPEARS THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER TO BE WORKING PROPERLY. THE IGNITION SWITCH BECAME DAMAGE DUE TO CURRENT FLOW TO THE IGNITION WHEN HOLDING THE KEY IN THE START POSITION. THE HEAT MELTED THE INTERNAL SWITCH. I HAD NOT KNOWN IN 2014 THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN THE SAME YEAR, HOWEVER, GM RECALLED A MASSIVE NUMBER OF VEHICLES FOR IGNITION SWITCH DEFECT. CHEVROLET CAVALIER WAS NOT ON THE LIST. TODAY, IT COSTS $180.00, EXCLUDING TAXES AND FEES, TO GET THE IGNITION SWITCH INSTALLED BY A CHEVROLET TECHNICIAN. A LOCKSMITH RATE STARTS AT $90 BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE SERVICE FEE, AND LABOR. BASED ON FEW ONLINE REPORTS, THE INSTALLATION TAKES A MINIMUM OF 20 MINUTES. WOULD INSTALLED THE IGNITION SWITCH MYSELF BUT CANNOT LOCATE STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS. ALL THE CHEVROLET MANUALS OWNED DO NOT PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS ON REPLACING THE IGNITION SWITCH. IF I DO INSTALL THE IGNITION SWITCH, I AM UNSURE IF THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER WILL NEED REPROGRAMMING. A FEW REPORTS MADE REFERENCE TO REPROGRAMMING THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER FOLLOWING THE CHANGING OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. SOLUTION: I THINK GM NEEDS TO ADD CHEVROLET CAVALIER TO THE "RECALL" LIST. THE ALTERNATIVE, IGNITION WIRING HARNESS DOES NOT SUPPORT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ENTIRELY WHEN THE CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT REMAINS ON THE DASHBOARD.

STRUCTUREJun 2016

THE WHOLE FRONT DASH HAS MANY CRACKS IN IT AND APPEARS TO BE DANGER SINCE PIECES ARE FLYING OFF AS I DRIVE.

STEERINGNov 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATLEY 35 MPH, AN UNUSUAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TROUBLE CODE DETECTED A FAILURE WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE MECHANIC RESET THE STEERING COLUMN SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08E063000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

SERVICE BRAKESAug 2015

SOMETIMES, DURING REGULAR BRAKING, REAR BRAKES LOCK AND CAR DOES NOT STOP. HAPPENS ON ASPHALT EVEN AT SLOW SPEEDS. ONLINE RESEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO STEM FROM A FEW CAUSES AT TIME OF PRODUCTION.

Read 14 more owner reports
Crash 4 InjuriesELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)Mar 2015

MY VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON 2/15/2012. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO GREENLEAF COLLISION INC., LOCATED AT 5100 A. KENTUCKY AVENUE, NASHVILLE,TN 37209,615.320.7818, OWNER [XXX]. ON 2/16/2012 MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED IN TO GREENLEAF COLLISION INC, FOR REPAIRS. ONCE I FOUND OUT FROM GREENLEAF COLLISION, INC. THAT MY CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2001 WAS ON RECALL LIST TO BE REPAIRED FOR "IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE", GENERAL MOTORS. THE GREENLEAF COLLISION INC., HAD MY CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2001, TOWED TO FREELAND CHEVROLET 5333 HICKORY HOLLOW PARKWAY, ANTIOCH, TN. 37013, 615.731.3020. MY CHEVROLET CAVALIER, IS IN THE RECALL FOR "IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE", ONCE MY VEHICLE WAS SENT OVER TO FREELAND CHEVROLET FOR REPAIR OF THE "IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE", TO MY UNDERSTANDING BY GREENLEAF COLLISION INC. I WAS INFORMATED THAT MY VEHICLE THE CHEVROLET CAVALIER, WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR "IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE", ON 3/8/2012 I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WERE MY CHEVROLET CAVALIER," IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE" . MY WAS TOTALED OUT, THE VEHICLE JUST CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET, AND WE WERE HIRE AND TOTALED OUT. MY "IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE" WITH MY CHEVROLET CAVALIER TOTALED OUT, AND WAS NOT REPAIRED, AT FREELAND CHEVROLET ON 3/7/2012 THE" IGNITION SWITCH", WAS NOT REPLACE/NOR REPAIRED. MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED OUT, AND I WAS LEFT WITHOUT VEHICLE COMPENSATION, AND I WAS INJURED, AND MY GRANDCHILDREN WERE INJURED ALSO. I HAVE AN CLAIM NUMBER WITH GENERAL MOTORS:[XXX]. WHO HAS A THIRD PARTY COMPANY NAMED ESIS/GM CENTRAL CLAIMS UNIT P.O. BOX 300, DETROIT, MI 48265-3000. 800.888.0164. ESIS/GM CENTRAL CLAIMS UNIT HAS NOT PROCESSED MY CLAIM WITH THE" IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE", ON THE CHEVROLET CAVALIER. I REQUEST HELP IN RECEIVING COMPENSATION ON MY TOTALED OUT VEHICLE. YOUR URGENT ASSISTANCE IS GREATLY NEED. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Crash 4 InjuriesELECTRICAL SYSTEMFeb 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BACK INJURY, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BODY AND HEAD INJURIES, THE REAR MIDDLE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY AND THE REAR MIDDLE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BODY INJURIES. THE INJURIES REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJan 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE IGNITION KEY WAS SLIPPING IN AND OUT OF THE IGNITION. AS A RESULT, THE INTERIOR LIGHT WAS TURNING ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINENov 2014

MY CAR ABRUPTLY SLOWED DOWN AND BEGAN TO DRAG AS THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING INTO A LOW GEAR AND THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED. *TR

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURESep 2014

THE DASHBOARD CRACKED AND I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET IT FIXED I HAVE LEARNED SINCE THEN THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE CHEVROLET CAVALIERS AND I WORRY THAT IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT THAT MY AIRBAGS WONT PROPERLY DEPLOY BECAUSE OF THE CRACKED DASHBOARD. NOW MY WINDSHIELD FOGS UP CAUSING VISIBILITY ISSUES BECAUSE OF THE LEAKS CAUSED BY THE CRACKING. *TR

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINESep 2014

MY KEY CAME OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND IN THE ON POSITION, AND ALSO ANOTHER TIME THE CAR KEY TURNED OFF BY ITSELF AND I LOST POWER TO THE VEHICLE AND MY BRAKES LOCKED AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET INTO A CRASH. *TR

UNKNOWN OR OTHERSep 2014

KEY COMES OUT IF THE IGNITION WHILE CAR IS RUNNING/ IN RUN POSITION

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAug 2014

KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION WHILE CAR IS IN GEAR AND IN PARK. AND CANNOT BE PUT BACK IN DURNING VEHICLE RUNNING

CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKESJul 2014

I,WAS COMING FROM WALMART .ONTO THE THREE LANE HIGHWAY ,I CROSSED OVER INTO THE LANE THEN I SAW THIS CAR ,I HIT MY BRAKES ,THEY FROZE AND MY CAR SLID INTO THE FINDER OF THE OTHER CAR ,I COULD NOT STOP AND IT SLED ONTO THE OTHER LANE AND STOPPED. *TR

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, A RED LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 25 MPH. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TRACK LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY ONCE THE SPEED STARTED TO INCREASE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NEARLY 12 TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS 85, 610 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 85,615.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEN INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM BEING STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AFTER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE KEY TO THE START POSITION SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,610 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,615.

POWER TRAINMay 2014

SES AND DTC P1810 COME UP, THERE IS NO REVERSE, AND P0507 COME UP, RESULTING IN TRACTION CONTROL DISABLED

SERVICE BRAKESFeb 2014

HIT THE BRAKES TO AVOID A REAR END CRASH ANDABS AND TRAC OFF SERVICE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THERE WAS NO COLLISION, HAD THE CAR DIAGNOSED WITH BOTH FRONT ABS SENSOR HARNESS WAS WORN-OUT HAD TO FIX AND REPLACE AND COST 398.81$

FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITYDec 2013

UPON DRIVING VEHICLE AT LOW SPEEDS 20-30 MPH WITH FRONT AND REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER ON,IT BECAME MORE,AND MORE EVIDENT OF A POSSIBLE FIRE. FIRST THERE WAS AN INCREASING BURNING SMELL FOLLOWED BY SMOKE. A CONNECTOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE KICK PANEL HAS MELTED BEING SO CLOSE TO THE CARPET ITS POSSIBLE THAT IT BEING WINTER MOISTURE FROM MELTED SNOW SOMEHOW MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN, A SEARCH ON GOOGLE SEEMS TO PULL MULTIPLE CARS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. ALSO I WANT TO NOTE THAT I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN OFF MY REAR DEFROSTED WITH THE REAR DEFROSTER SWITCH, I HAD TO PULL THE 30 AMP FUSE THAT STILL HAD A COMPLETE CIRCUIT IN IT! *TR

Showing 20 of 2,124 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Chevrolet Cavalier

These pages show model-year patterns across 6 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Chevrolet Cavalier, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Chevrolet Cavalier has 2,124 complaints on record across 6 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Chevrolet Cavalier has 23 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 132 of the Chevrolet Cavalier's 2,124 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Chevrolet Cavalier vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Chevrolet Cavalier vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Chevrolet Cavalier has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a Chevrolet Cavalier by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Chevrolet Cavalier.

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Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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Chevrolet Cavalier reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?

Poor. The Chevrolet Cavalier has 2,124 NHTSA owner complaints and 23 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Chevrolet Cavalier years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2003 (705 complaints), 2000 (338 complaints), 2004 (330 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Chevrolet Cavalier problems?

Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (677 complaints); FUEL SYSTEM (494 complaints); GASOLINE (425 complaints).

Does the Chevrolet Cavalier have recalls?

Yes — 23 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Chevrolet Cavalier. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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