Research · Compact Cars
2004 Chevrolet OptraRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2004 Chevrolet Optra. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (1). The EPA rates it 22 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
22mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$2,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2004 Chevrolet Optra as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2014 – Sep 2014
- Exterior lighting1
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, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Exterior lighting
1 report
“2004 CHEVROLET OPTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HEADLIGHT SETTING RECALL. *SMD”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd · Manual 5-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optra Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| Optra Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Chevrolet Optra as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2004 Optra questions
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Optra have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2004 Chevrolet Optra problems?
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2004 Chevrolet Optra get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Chevrolet Optra at 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026