2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 6%of 678 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, 6% of the 678 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2003 chevy Cavalier stalls : changed the fuel pump , pressure solenoid switch ,torque converter clutch solenoid .tired of this and no one doing anything about it still stalls and all everyone can do is guess at what it is I hate my Cavalier the last three years I had problems with the catalytic converter got that fixed after three converters help.”
NHTSA complaint #10478854, filed 2012-10, 130,000 miles“Was at a stop light and car just konked out and would not start again. I tried and tried but to no avail. Had to push it into a gas station about 100 yards, not easy as a 50 year old female (no one stopped to help me, just sped by). I have seen hundreds of complaints on-line that this has been an habitual problem with this make and model. It only has 71,000 miles on it and I just purchased the first part of 2012???? What is up? This many problems should have involved a recall!”
NHTSA complaint #10483675, filed 2012-11, 70,000 miles“The car stalls at low speeds (up to 15 MPH) and has been increasingly doing so lately. I was nearly hit by a tractor trailer when the car stalled as I was crossing a highway. My wife has been nearly hit several times and I am fearing that if a recall isn't given on these cars people, including my wife and I, may be seriously injured. We are going to try to replace the fuel pump to see if this helps the problem. The mileage is approximately 77,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10234130, filed 2008-07, 77,000 miles“Yesterday my husband was driving home from work and came to a stop light as he slowed down the engine just cut off. This same thing happened last year once and the car dealer lindsay Chevrolet said it was not a problem. I am now finding that hard to believe.”
NHTSA complaint #10202982, filed 2007-09, 32,621 miles“I was driving my Cavalier to pick up my wife. As I approached an intersection, the system completely shut off and I could not restart the car. I was able to stop at the beginning of a left turn lane and put my hazards on. With the help of my passenger and a police officer, we moved the car across 2 lanes of travel to the shoulder. The car had 116,000 miles at the time of the incident. The only warning before the car lost all power and drive-ability was the battery light turning on briefly.”
NHTSA complaint #10320336, filed 2010-03, 116,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10228888Dec 14, 2022This 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…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 43 | 6% |
| 2002 | 22 | 11% |
| 2001 | 29 | 12% |
| 2000 | 54 | 17% |
| 1999 | 44 | 18% |
| 1998 | 55 | 16% |
| 1997 | 106 | 20% |
| 1996 | 117 | 23% |
| 1995 | 82 | 30% |
| 1994 | 56 | 26% |
| 1993 | 41 | 28% |
| 1992 | 15 | 11% |
| 1991 | 8 | 15% |
| 1990 | 7 | 13% |
| 1989 | 10 | 23% |
| 1986 | 6 | 33% |
| 1984 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
383 complaintsElectrical system
106 complaintsExterior lighting
57 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 27, 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