MYRModel Year Report

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
678
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Fuel system, gasoline

53% of complaints

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 8 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1985 1986: 18 complaints 1987: 24 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 43 complaints 1990: 55 complaints 1991: 56 complaints 1991 1992: 137 complaints 1993: 148 complaints 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1996: 503 complaints 1997: 540 complaints 1997 1998: 345 complaints 1999: 240 complaints 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2002: 196 complaints 2003: 678 complaints 2003 678 2004: 330 complaints 2005: 287 complaints
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 24 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 43 complaints 1990: 55 complaints 1990 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 137 complaints 1992 1993: 148 complaints 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1996: 503 complaints 1996 1997: 540 complaints 1998: 345 complaints 1998 1999: 240 complaints 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2002: 196 complaints 2003: 678 complaints 2003 678 2004: 330 complaints 2005: 287 complaints
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1985 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 24 complaints 1987 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 43 complaints 1989 1990: 55 complaints 1990 1991: 56 complaints 1991 1992: 137 complaints 1992 1993: 148 complaints 1993 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1995 1996: 503 complaints 1996 1997: 540 complaints 1997 1998: 345 complaints 1998 1999: 240 complaints 1999 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2001 2002: 196 complaints 2002 2003: 678 complaints 2003 678 2004: 330 complaints 2004 2005: 287 complaints 2005

2003: 678 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19821
19833
19848
19854
198618
198724
198812
198943
199055
199156
1992137
1993148
1994217
1995271
1996503
1997540
1998345
1999240
2000315
2001243
2002196
2003678
2004330
2005287

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Fuel system, gasoline

53% · 361 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and injectors.

CRASH

Electrical system

16% · 109 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and wiring.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

There is a recall on the vehicle I need to get fixed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-07-07

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-28

Exterior lighting

11% · 74 reports

Most commonly citing turn signal and brake lights.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

7% · 45 reports

Most commonly citing engine and emission control.

FIRE

Service brakes

6% · 43 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2003Complaint volume 678 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2004-05-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-09-14 Turn signal malfunction
  3. I
    2004-09-14Engineering analysisClosed 2004-11-22 Turn signal malfunction
  4. R
    2005-01-18Exterior lighting04V524000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2007-06-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-11-01 Fuel pump failure
  6. I
    2007-11-01Engineering analysisClosed 2008-10-28 Engine stalling - fuel pump failure
  7. R
    2008-10-16Steering08E063000 Dorman products is recalling 3,900 intermediate steering shafts dorman part nos. 425-151, 425-152, and 425-153, (Sold under dorman's "Oe solutions" Brand name), balkamp #'s 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059…

    Remedy: Dorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2008. Owners may contact dorman toll free at 1-800-523-2492.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel system, gasoline: 361 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 109 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 74 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V524000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 08E063000 · Steering
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.