VehicleVerdict

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 428 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Cavalier year — the 2004 model ranks #6 of 26 Cavalier years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 25 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 46% of all reports (198 of 428), far ahead of speed control at 27.

428

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

21

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

25

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Cavalier years?

Cavalier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted867 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 17 complaints1984: 10 complaints1985: 4 complaints1986: 21 complaints1987: 27 complaints1988: 14 complaints1989: 71 complaints1990: 70 complaints1991: 77 complaints1992: 178 complaints1993: 237 complaints1994: 310 complaints1995: 392 complaints1996: 748 complaints1997: 751 complaints1998: 473 complaints1999: 337 complaints2000: 447 complaints2001: 356 complaints2002: 254 complaints2003: 867 complaints2004: 428 complaints2005: 362 complaints
Cavalier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cavalier years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System19846%
Speed Control276%
Visibility & Wipers256%
Transmission246%
Engine225%
Steering164%
Brakes164%
Airbags154%
Fuel System154%
Other154%
Body & Structure133%
Lighting92%
Seats82%
Tires & Wheels82%
Suspension61%
Seat Belts61%
Latches & Locks41%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E063000SteeringOctober 17, 2008 · 3,855 units

Defect

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 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

Consequence

IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

04V300000Seat BeltsJune 23, 2004 · 37 units

Defect

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 INCORRECT NUT AND BOLT.

Consequence

IN A SEVERE CRASH, THE UPPER SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE MAY SEPARATE. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SEAT BELT COULD THEN BE REDUCED AND THE OCCUPANT COULD RECEIVE GREATER INJURIES.

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 1-800-620-7668.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DT: WHILE DRIVING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO A POSSIBLE MEDICAL CONDITION. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IMMEDIATELY UPON IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 26, 2005 · crash · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 17, 2015

“DRIVERS SIDE WIPER ARM NUT CAME LOOSE CAUSING WIPERS NOT TO WORK AT ALL. WILE WIFE WAS BACKING CAR UP IN DRIVEWAY TO RETURN TO OUR HOUSE (DUE TO WIPERS NOT WORKING)SHE HIT A TREE CAUSING REAR QUATER AND REAR BUMPER COVER DAMAGE”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · June 14, 2005 · crash

“WHEN I WAS DROPPING MY SISTER OFF AT THE AIRPORT, I WAS LEAVING IN MY CAVALIER WHICH IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND ENGAGED THE CLUTCH IT STUCK ON AND WOULD NOT COME OFF. I HAD TO SLAM ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND BRAKES TO STALL OUT THE CAR. ONCE THE CAR STALLED IT ALSO CAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 10, 2008 · crash

“DT: WHILE DRIVING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO A POSSIBLE MEDICAL CONDITION. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IMMEDIATELY UPON IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 26, 2005 · crash · fire

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier — common questions

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 428 complaints put the 2004 model at #6 of 26 Cavalier years. It is one of the Cavalier years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Cavalier problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (198 complaints), speed control (27 complaints), visibility & wipers (25 complaints).

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Cavalier years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cavalier years to avoid are 2003, 1997, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2004, 1995, 2005, 2001, 1999. The cleanest record among Cavalier years belongs to 1981.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.