2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 106about this part
- Share
- 16%of 678 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 106 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, 16% of the 678 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Cluster of dashboard indicators (speedometer, gas guage , engine temp, RPM) all are not working now. They were going off and on at times when driving but now nothing works...my mechanic informs me this is a common problem with this make and model. No recall found. Very dangerous to drive why wasn't this common problem listed as a recall when many have complained??”
NHTSA complaint #11065548, filed 2018-01, 198,000 miles“My car has the same problem with the instrument cluster that was recalled for other GM vehicles. The fuel level gauge, temperature gauge, RPM, speedometer.... None of my gauges work. They gave the wrong readings, the hand wouldn't return to their starting positions, then the hands went lower than their starting positions to the point they all didn't work anymore. This car needs to be added to the GM recall list for the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11414789, filed 2021-05, 50,000 miles“The instrument panel stopped working. I ordered 2 used ones they did not work. I had the dealership rebuild it and it still does not work. I have searched online and several people have the same problem. Gm has recalled this item on several models but not on the Cavalier as of yet. I have spent hundreds and still have not fixed the problem. No speedometer, gas gauge.”
NHTSA complaint #10437773, filed 2011-11, 89,000 miles“While in park my 2003 Cavalier tachometer reads at 5 RPM while driving at 30mph my tachometer reads over 7 rpms. The engine sounds normal contacted chevy and was told they did not have enough complaints to do a recall when it is a safety issue it should not matter the number of complaints I can not afford to pay 500 to fix this with no guarantee it will work.”
NHTSA complaint #10371122, filed 2010-12, 63,000 miles“The cluster board has gone out. It does not light up, the speedometer, the fuel gage and RPM gage all does not work. Chevy has already recalled trucks for this problem but I have a Cavalier and on ebay you can buy a fixed cluster board and send back your old one and get 100.00 back so it must be a big problem not just my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10265444, filed 2009-04, 68,000 milesRelated service bulletins
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- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10230605Jan 6, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10198890May 25, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
- 10176649May 20, 2020This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 211 | 74% |
| 2004 | 185 | 56% |
| 2003 | 106 | 16% |
| 2002 | 35 | 18% |
| 2001 | 56 | 23% |
| 2000 | 69 | 22% |
| 1999 | 47 | 20% |
| 1998 | 66 | 19% |
| 1997 | 107 | 20% |
| 1996 | 100 | 20% |
| 1995 | 59 | 22% |
| 1994 | 23 | 11% |
| 1993 | 26 | 18% |
| 1992 | 21 | 16% |
| 1991 | 17 | 31% |
| 1990 | 20 | 36% |
| 1989 | 6 | 14% |
| 1988 | 3 | 25% |
| 1986 | 5 | 28% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
383 complaintsExterior lighting
57 complaintsEngine cooling
43 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
38 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsEquipment
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology