Model year
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 678 complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (193), FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP (162), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (57). NHTSA lists 4 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 24–25 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,700–$2,800, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 315 complaints
- 2001 243 complaints
- 2002 196 complaints
- 2003 678 complaints
- 2004 330 complaints
- 2005 287 complaints
Recalls
04V524000 · Nov 1, 2004
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
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…
Complaints
678 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 31, fire flag on 6, injury field 18, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE04043 | TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL | May 14, 2004 | Sep 14, 2004 |
| EA04028 | TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL | Sep 14, 2004 | Nov 22, 2004 |
| PE07033 | FUEL PUMP FAILURE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | Jun 28, 2007 | Nov 1, 2007 |
| EA07015 | ENGINE STALLING - FUEL PUMP FAILURE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | Nov 1, 2007 | Oct 28, 2008 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavalier · 2.2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 30 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
| Cavalier · 2.2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 22 | 30 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
| Cavalier Dual-fuel · 2.2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · Bifuel (CNG) | 21 | 30 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.