2003 Chevrolet Cavalier

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
BUILT 2026-08-02

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 PER YEAR

2003: 678 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	0
1981	0
1982	1
1983	3
1984	8
1985	4
1986	18
1987	24
1988	12
1989	43
1990	55
1991	55
1992	134
1993	146
1994	212
1995	270
1996	503
1997	540
1998	345
1999	240
2000	315
2001	243
2002	196
2003	678
2004	330
2005	287

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 28%

28% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 193 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 24%

24% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 162 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 57 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20250707

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, 20180128

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 5%

5% of complaints: exterior lighting — 31 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5%

5% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2003 — complaint volume: 678

I 20040514 — PE (closed 20040914)

TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION

I 20040914 — EA (closed 20041122)

TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION

R 20050118 — exterior lighting

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 BU

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 P

Campaign 04V524000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20070628 — PE (closed 20071101)

FUEL PUMP FAILURE

I 20071101 — EA (closed 20081028)

ENGINE STALLING - FUEL PUMP FAILURE

R 20081016 — steering

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 (SOL

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.

Campaign 08E063000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (193 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (162 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (57 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 04V524000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Verify recall 08E063000 (steering) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1989 ▲ 1991 ▲ 1990

WORST YEARS

■ 1997 ■ 1996 ◆ 1998

See all years ranked →

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 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.