Chevrolet Cavalier problems by year
4,616 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 23 Chevrolet Cavalier model years. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 287 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 2004 | 330 | 1 | Electrical System | |
| 2003 Most complained | 678 | 1 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2002 | 196 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 2001 | 243 | 1 | Electrical System | |
| 2000 | 315 | 2 | Electrical System | |
| 1999 | 240 | 1 | Electrical System | |
| 1998 | 345 | 3 | Electrical System | |
| 1997 Most complained | 540 | 2 | Electrical System | |
| 1996 Most complained | 503 | 2 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1995 | 270 | 1 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1994 | 212 | 0 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1993 | 146 | 0 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1992 | 134 | 0 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1991 | 55 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 1990 | 55 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 1989 | 43 | 0 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1988 Fewer complaints | 12 | 0 | — | |
| 1987 | 24 | 0 | Seat Belts | |
| 1986 Fewer complaints | 18 | 0 | — | |
| 1985 Fewer complaints | 4 | 0 | — | |
| 1984 Fewer complaints | 8 | 0 | — | |
| 1983 Fewer complaints | 3 | 0 | — |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Chevrolet.