2004 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls and problems

The 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier has 1 safety recall and 330 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

330

Crashes / fires

17 / 6

Injuries / deaths

19 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls

Recall 04V-300: Seat Belts

Reported Jun 23, 2004 · 37 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	192
Vehicle Speed Control	27
Power Train	24
Visibility	23
Steering	16
Engine and Engine Cooling	15
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	15
Air Bags	15
Structure	13
Unknown or Other	13
Fuel System, Gasoline	9
Seats	8

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 67
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 11
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 8
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 7
Structure › Body — 7
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 3
Electrical System › Ignition — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 52,000 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 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier complaints

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

Steering · reported May 17, 2024

The whole steering column is loose The pins are all backed out Iâm afraid to drive it I think this is a manufactured design flaw

Suspension · at 200,000 miles · reported Nov 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the front driverâs 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 rusted and detached from the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Seat Belts · at 49,000 miles · reported Mar 18, 2020

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.

Air Bags · at 165,700 miles · reported Nov 4, 2019

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 going 50mph on the highway.

Steering · at 166,000 miles · reported Jun 29, 2019

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 crash every time I drive my car anywhere because I have no power steering or don't have a lot of control over the steering because it becomes so tight.

Other Chevrolet Cavalier years

200520042003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Chevrolet Cavalier years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier: 04V-300 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (192 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (27). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 52,000 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.