Chevrolet Cavalier years to avoid
The Chevrolet Cavalier years to avoid are 2003, 1997, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2004, 1995, 2005, 2001, 1999 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1981 is the cleanest year on record.
6,452
Total complaints
50
Recall campaigns
1980–2005
Years covered
10
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Cavalier years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | High complaint rate | 867 | |
| 1997 | High complaint rate | 751 | |
| 1996 | High complaint rate | 748 | |
| 1998 | High complaint rate | 473 | |
| 2000 | High complaint rate | 447 | |
| 2004 | High complaint rate | 428 | |
| 1995 | High complaint rate | 392 | |
| 2005 | High complaint rate | 362 | |
| 2001 | High complaint rate | 356 | |
| 1999 | High complaint rate | 337 |
Every Cavalier year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005avoid | 362 | 1 | |
| 2004avoid | 428 | 2 | |
| 2003avoid | 867 | 2 | |
| 2002 | 254 | 5 | |
| 2001avoid | 356 | 6 | |
| 2000avoid | 447 | 7 | |
| 1999avoid | 337 | 8 | |
| 1998avoid | 473 | 11 | |
| 1997avoid | 751 | 13 | |
| 1996avoid | 748 | 13 | |
| 1995avoid | 392 | 9 | |
| 1994 | 310 | 2 | |
| 1993 | 237 | 2 | |
| 1992 | 178 | 1 | |
| 1991 | 77 | 3 | |
| 1990 | 70 | 1 | |
| 1989 | 71 | 2 | |
| 1988 | 14 | 3 | |
| 1987 | 27 | 3 | |
| 1986 | 21 | 3 | |
| 1985 | 4 | 3 | |
| 1984 | 10 | 3 | |
| 1983 | 17 | 6 | |
| 1982 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1981 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1980 | 0 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst Chevrolet Cavalier years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Cavalier years to avoid are 2003, 1997, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2004, 1995, 2005, 2001, 1999. The cleanest year on record is 1981.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Cavalier?
By complaint volume, 1981 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Cavalier years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Cavalier have?
Across all model years, the Cavalier has 50 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 6,452 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.