Research · 10 model years

Chevrolet CavalierEvery model year, 1996–2005

Across the 10 model years we’ve synced, NHTSA lists 68 recall campaigns and 3,773 owner complaints for the Chevrolet Cavalier. The 2003 model year has the most complaints (705).

01 —Model years

Chevrolet Cavalier years compared

Recalls, complaints, NCAP overall and EPA combined MPG per year
YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesNCAP overallMPG comb.
200512877Not rated26
2004233017Not rated25
2003270532Not rated25
2002520926Not rated24
2001624824Not rated23
2000732626Not rated23
1999824727Not rated23
19981136339Not rated23
19971354670Not rated24
19961351258Not rated24
Data from NHTSA recalls, complaints & NCAP; EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026
02 —Complaints by year

NHTSA complaints per model year

Newer years have had less time on the road
View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996512
1997546
1998363
1999247
2000326
2001248
2002209
2003705
2004330
2005287

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026
03 —Recent recalls

Latest recalls for the 2005 Cavalier

1 campaign

Steering

Free remedy

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 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.

SteeringReported Oct 17, 2008NHTSA 08E063000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026