2003 Chevrolet Cavalier: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier: 1 recall, 678 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #04V524000 · 2004 · 256,025 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the rear lamps that provide stop and turn signals and tail lamp functions stop working because of inadequate contact between the bulb and socket. In addition, if one bulbs were to become inoperative while the vehicle was operating in cruise control, the cruise control would disengage when the remaining bulb was activated. If both lamps were to become inoperative, the cruise control…
Why it matters: An inoperative brake lamp will not convey the driver's intention of stopping to drivers in following vehicles, and an inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. Both of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear lamp bulb socket assemblies and apply grease or replace them if necessary. The recall began on January 18, 2005. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Steering Equipment recall #08E063000 · 2008 · 3,855 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2008.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel system (340): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (165), won't start (49), warning light on (17).
- Electrical (106): the most common themes are electrical failure (27), stalls / loses power (16).
- Exterior lights (57): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), noise or vibration (6).
- Engine & cooling (43): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (28), noise or vibration (6).
The 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier has 678 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 16 Cavalier model years for complaints (2.4× the average Cavalier year). Complaints peaked in 2008 (179 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 62,203 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (196 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (330 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier problems?
Owners have filed 678 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (340), electrical (106), exterior lights (57).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.