VehicleVerdict

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 362 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Cavalier year — the 2005 model ranks #8 of 26 Cavalier years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 60% of all reports (218 of 362), far ahead of speed control at 18.

362

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Cavalier years?

Cavalier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cavalier years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System21860%
Speed Control185%
Brakes175%
Fuel System164%
Transmission164%
Body & Structure144%
Visibility & Wipers113%
Steering82%
Engine72%
Other72%
Airbags62%
Lighting62%
Seats62%
Seat Belts41%
Latches & Locks41%
Suspension21%
Tires & Wheels10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2005 CHEVY CAVALIER 2.2L, 33K MILES, SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THE GAUGE CLUSTER WAS FAULTY AFTER REPLACING THE SPEED SENSOR. I OF COURSE CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY FORWARDED ME TO CHEVY CUSTOMER SUPPORT. I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 7, 2008 · crash

“THIS VEHICLE HAS LOST THE SPEEDOMETER SVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST 20,000 MILES AND NOW IT HAS QUIT COMPLETELY, I WENT TO AN ON LINE FORUM AND THEY SAY THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING A LOT WITH NO RECALL FROM GENERAL MOTORS. USUALLY BEFORE IT WOULD BOUNCE UP TO 35 OR 40 AND THEN START WORKING AGAIN, BUT IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 25, 2011

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT BRAKES VIBRATED AND PULSATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND THEY RESURFACED THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT STILL HEARD A GRINDING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT HAS NOT RETURNED VEHICLE TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 29, 2004

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT WHENEVER FUEL WAS DISPENSED INTO THE FUEL TANK, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED INACCURATE READINGS AT ANY GIVEN FUEL LEVEL CAPACITY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE CONTACT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 21, 2009

“WAS IN A PARKING LOT WENT TO BACK UP..CLUTCH PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND WOULDN'T MOVE,, CLUTCH LINE WAS CUT BY A SMALL PIECE OF METAL RIDING ON THE LINE..ALL THE FLUID LEAKED OUT DISABLING THE CAR,, IF GOING AT HIGH SPEED WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT,,NO WARNING OR WARNING LIGHTS..HAVEN'T HAD CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 15, 2008

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier — common questions

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 362 complaints put the 2005 model at #8 of 26 Cavalier years. It is one of the Cavalier years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Cavalier problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (218 complaints), speed control (18 complaints), brakes (17 complaints).

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 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.