Model year
2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 330 complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (109), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL (67), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (24). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 24–27 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,500–$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
04V300000 · Jun 23, 2004
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
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.
Complaints
330 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 17, fire flag on 6, injury field 19, 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
No investigations are matched to this name.
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 | 31 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
| Cavalier · 2.2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 23 | 33 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
| Cavalier Dual-fuel · 2.2L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · Bifuel (CNG) | 21 | 29 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
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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 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.