2004 Chevrolet Cavalier: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier: 1 recall, 330 owner complaints and up to 27 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #04V300000 · 2004 · 37 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
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, 19 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (185): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (19), electrical failure (16).
- Speed control / throttle (27): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), sudden acceleration (3).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (23): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), leaks (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (23): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (11), stalls / loses power (5), leaks (4).
The 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier has 330 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 16 Cavalier model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 284). Complaints peaked in 2010 (55 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 52,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (678 complaints, 1 recalls), 2005 (287 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 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 2004 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 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 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier problems?
Owners have filed 330 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (185), speed control / throttle (27), visibility (wipers, glass) (23).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 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.