2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
33% of complaints: electrical system — 109 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
AIR BAGS DID NOT COME OUT CAR FLIPPED OVER TWICE AND THERE WAS 1 DEATH AND 1 INJURY. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140825
20% of complaints: electrical system — 67 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 24 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
LOST PARTIAL CONTROL OF THE STEERING BECAUSE SHEER PEN RELEASED AND ERRATIC SPEEDOMETER-( INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE )
NHTSA ODI report, 20180903
4% of complaints: steering — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20240517
3% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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 INCO
Remedy: 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
Campaign 04V300000 — check if this car was fixed
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
2004 Chevrolet Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (109 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (67 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V300000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E063000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 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.