2004 Chevrolet Cavalier: common problems and reliability
An average Cavalier year.
330 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 Cavalier?The 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier has 330 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and vehicle speed control.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Cavalier years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the Cavalier?
Across the 10 Cavalier model years we track, complaint volume runs from 210 (2002) to 705 (2003). With 330 complaints, the 2004 Cavalier sits about the same as the model's median of 338.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2004 Cavalier
steering
Campaign 08E063000DORMAN 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.
seat belts:rear/other
Campaign 04V300000CERTAIN 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner experiences. The vehicle is consistently described as unreliable, prone to frequent and varied mechanical failures, and built with low-quality materials.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Cavalier. See the full Cavalier owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Cavalier listings typically run $4,498–$8,437 across 1984 to 2005 model years.
Other Cavalier model years
Compare every Cavalier year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Cavalier against its rivals
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