2003 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Owners have filed 867 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier with NHTSA. Fuel system, gasoline accounts for 41.6% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 12.6%.
Complaints867
Crashes53
Fires7
Injuries27
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Fuel system, gasoline 41.6% · 361
Electrical system 12.6% · 109
Exterior lighting 8.5% · 74
Engine and engine cooling 5.2% · 45
Fuel system, other 4.4% · 38
Visibility 4.3% · 37
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.3% · 37
Suspension 2.5% · 22
Severity
Of those complaints, 53 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire, 27 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 14 model years of the Chevrolet Cavalier in this data, 2003 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 49 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 60,000 miles.
In owners' own words
While actively driving my 2003 chevy Cavalier my car without warning just shut down. I was unable to restart it and a tow to the repair shop was required. I had to have my fuel pump replaced. This was a shock because my car only has 49,900 miles on it. My mechanic was even in shock and doesn't understand why that would happen. I was lucky enough to be able to glide to the side of the road and avoid an accident. Fuel system, gasoline · reported at 49,900 miles
Vehicle would not maintain speed in traffic and subsequently stalled. The vehicle would not start and required towing. The vehicle had a fuel pump failure and required replacement of that part. The total cost of the repair was $680.00. After some research this appears to be a serious problem with this vehicle as multiple complaints have been lodged concerning this same problem at the same approximate mileage. Fuel system, gasoline · reported at 60,774 miles
I own a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. 65,000 Km (not miles on it). Works great, one minute, then the next won't start. Have had it towed twice ... Told no real problem, then told that the fuel pump is gone. Checked online and there are hundreds of complaints, but no recall. Seems absolutely unreasonable, especially when it appears to be happening while driving ... That would seem to me to be a safety issue. Fuel system, gasoline · reported at 40,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…