2003 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls and problems

The 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier has 1 safety recall and 678 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

678

Crashes / fires

31 / 6

Injuries / deaths

18 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls

Recall 04V-524: Exterior Lighting

Reported Nov 1, 2004 · 256,025 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Fuel System, Gasoline	361
Electrical System	109
Exterior Lighting	74
Engine and Engine Cooling	45
Fuel System, Other	38
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	37
Visibility	37
Suspension	22
Steering	20
Air Bags	19
Equipment	16
Power Train	16

Most reported parts

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 162
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 31
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 31
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 18
Air Bags › Frontal — 12
Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 12
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 10

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 62,207 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · at 50,000 miles · reported May 2, 2021

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.

Electrical System · at 50,000 miles · reported May 2, 2021

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.

Electrical System · at 198,000 miles · reported Jan 28, 2018

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??

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 59,925 miles · reported Aug 31, 2016

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.

Suspension · at 113,000 miles · reported Jun 26, 2016

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…

Other Chevrolet Cavalier years

2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Chevrolet Cavalier years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier: 04V-524 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier?

Owners report fuel system, gasoline problems most often (361 reports), followed by electrical system (109). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 62,207 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.