2005 Chevrolet Cavalier: common problems and reliability
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287 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2005 Cavalier?The 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier has 287 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and vehicle speed control.
Safety record for the 2005 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Cavalier years only. How we score it
Is 2005 a good year for the Cavalier?
Across the 10 Cavalier model years we track, complaint volume runs from 210 (2002) to 705 (2003). With 287 complaints, the 2005 Cavalier sits below 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 2005 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.
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 2005 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Cavalier against its rivals
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