Before you buy
This 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier has 330 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 4-DR.Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2004 has 330 NHTSA complaints, with electrical faults accounting for 185. Unintended acceleration (27) and transmission issues (23) are also notable. Two recalls exist. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Cavalier
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 330
- Crash-related complaints
- 17
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Unintended Acceleration
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Unintended Acceleration, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The 2004 Cavalier is a high-risk purchase due to the prevalence of electrical faults. Buyers should expect potential electrical system failures and be prepared for repairs.
Electrical faults can cause intermittent failures in critical systems like lights, gauges, and starting. Unintended acceleration reports raise safety concerns.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to accept higher maintenance risk for a low initial cost.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers prioritizing reliability and safety should avoid this model year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
Inspection Focus
- Inspect all electrical components, including wiring harnesses and fuses.
- Test for unintended acceleration by checking throttle response and cruise control.
- Check transmission for slipping, hard shifting, or leaks.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission repairs.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or transmission issues.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier has 330 complaints and 2 recalls. Electrical faults dominate with 185 complaints, followed by unintended acceleration (27) and transmission issues (23). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Only one model year was analyzed, so no comparison to other years is available.
Recall context: Two recalls indicate known issues, but the low confidence level means many problems may not have been addressed.
- Electrical faults account for 185 of 330 total complaints.
- Unintended acceleration has 27 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 23 complaints.
- Electrical Faults (185 complaints)
- Unintended Acceleration (27 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (23 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 185 | 2 | 5 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 27 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 23 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 22 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 15 | 10 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 13 | — | 1 | — | |
| Equipment | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The whole steering column is loose The pins are all backed out I’m afraid to drive it I think this is a manufactured design flaw
The vehicle failed to pass pa. state inspection due to a severely rusted frame over the rear axles. The estimate to repair the frame was @$3000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the front driver’s side tire had detached. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic went to the contact's residence and diagnosed that the lower control arm ruste…
IN THE PARKING LOT WHERE I WORK MY CAR WOULD NOT START. WHEN MOVING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LEVER IT DID NOT CATCH ON TO ANYTHING. THE CAR JUST ROLLED BACKWARDS AND I HAD TO IMMEDIATELY PRESS ON THE BRAKES PREVENTING AN ACCIDENT. MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE AUTO SHOP. DIAGNO…
CAN'T SAFELY INSTALL A CAR SEAT BECAUSE THE SAFETY BELTS DO NOT PROPERLY RETRACT. THEREFORE THE CAR SEAT IS NOT STABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
WHEN I'M DRIVEN ABOUT 25 MILES THE ACCELERATOR STAYS STUCK AND THE SPEED KEEP GOIN UP IF YOU DON'T PUT THE BRAKES
AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AT RANDOM INTERVALS FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS, THEN TURNS OFF. SPEED, ROAD CONDITIONS, AND GEAR MAKE NO DIFFERENCE AS TO WHEN IT COMES ON. IT HAS COME ON WHILE TURNING, WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN AT 20 MPH, WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, WHILE GOING OVER A BUMP, AND WHILE…
EVERY TIME I GO TO MY JOB MY POWER STEERING RESERVOIR BECOMES EMPTY AFTER I PUT ONE OR MORE QUARTS IN THE RESERVOIR. ANYTIME I DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I SWAY BACK AND FORTH NO MATTER HOW MUCH CONTROL I HAVE OVER THE VEHICLE. MY STEERING GETS SO HARD TO THE POINT WHERE I ALMOST CR…
WHILE DRIVING THE GAS PEDAL GETS STUCK AND ACCELERATES.
LOST PARTIAL CONTROL OF THE STEERING BECAUSE SHEER PEN RELEASED AND ERRATIC SPEEDOMETER-( INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE )
TAKATA RECALL WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE BROKEN WHILE CAR IN MOTION ON A RAINY DAY AND MY CAR STALLS EVERYDAY WHILE AT LIGHT EVEN SHUTS OFF IF I'M AT LIGHT
I HAVE HAD MY USED CHEVY CAVALIER 2004 CAR FOR ALMOST A YEAR. AS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE ENGINE HAS JUST STOPPED. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN THE TIME SPAN OF 5 MONTHS. NO ONE ( AUTO SHOPS) CAN FIND THE ISSUE. THEY HAVE ZERO ANSWERS. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND HAS CAUSED ACCIDENTS. I…
I'VE OWNED THE 2004 CHEVROLET CAVALIER SINCE IT HAD 2000 MILES. IT CURRENTLY HAS AROUND 85000. WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE IN APRIL OF 2017 A GREASY BOLT CAME FLYING OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AREA. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I'VE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS AND ACCIDENTS DUE TO FAULTY "PINS" …
SPEEDOMETER HAS STOPPED FUNCTIONING. SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I CAN NO LONGER TELL HOW FAST I AM DRIVING. *TR
CLUSTER PANEL TEMP GAUGE WAS FLUCTUATING NOW THE GAUGE IS STAYING IN ONE SPOT SO HAVE NO IDEA IF TEMP IS GOOD OR NOT. WHAT IF SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE I WILL NOT KNOW WITHOUT THIS WORKING. HAVE TAKEN TO TWO GARAGES THEY BOTH SAY ITS THE CLUSTER PANEL. STATIONARY AND WH…
1. SEAT BELT WON'T RETRACT. 2. DRIVERS SIDE SEAT DROPPED WILL NOT GO BACK TO UPRIGHT POSITION.
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 PRO…
IN MOTION. 2004 CAVALIER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING INJURY AFTER IMPACT WITH TELEPHONE POLE. PICTURE OF POLE SNAPPED IN HALF. STATE ROAD 252 MARTINSVILLE INDIANA. PICTURE OF POLE CAR IS TOTALED.
TAKATA RECALL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER HITTING TELEPHONE POLE. SNAPPED IN HALF, CAR TOTALED. STATE ROAD 252 MARTINSVILLE, INDIANA. CAR IN MOTION.
TAKATA RECALL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER HITTING TELEPHONE POLE. SNAPPED IN HALF, CAR TOTALED. STATE ROAD 252 MARTINSVILLE, INDIANA. CAR IN MOTION.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Safety recalls
2004 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. Two recalls indicate known issues, but the low confidence level means many problems may not have been addressed. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
STEERING
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Chevrolet Cavalier buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 330 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Cavalier is a high-risk purchase due to the prevalence of electrical faults. Buyers should expect potential electrical system failures and be prepared for repairs. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (185 complaints). #2: Unintended Acceleration (27 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (23 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, NHTSA complaints include 17 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 330 total complaints. 19 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. A major recall area is STEERING. Two recalls indicate known issues, but the low confidence level means many problems may not have been addressed. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier?▾
The 2004 Cavalier is a high-risk purchase due to the prevalence of electrical faults. Buyers should expect potential electrical system failures and be prepared for repairs. Electrical faults can cause intermittent failures in critical systems like lights, gauges, and starting. Unintended acceleration reports raise safety concerns. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Cavalier reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.