2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 57about this part
- Share
- 8%of 678 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,192miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 57 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, 8% of the 678 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,192 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The left and right turn signals/brake lights in car stopped working. I took the car to the dealership where it was repaired. They told me there was a short in the wiring in the rear of the car. The right turn signal/brake light stopped working again about 1 week after the repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10078639, filed 2004-06, 6,000 miles“I have had a recall fixed twice on the brake lights, turn signals, tail lights all in the trunk for the rear lights well I am having the same problem on the recall 2 years later after contacting mccluskey Chevrolet about this problem they tell me it is a 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty issue on a recall by general motors. Apparently it was fixed only temporarily how can the same work being done twice for a recall have a time stipulation? The fuel pump went out directly after I had 36,100 miles only 100 miles over my warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10227147, filed 2008-05, 24,154 miles“I have been having a problem with my 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. The rear brake/signal lights keep burning out due to bad sockets and bulbs. Combined, I have had to replace five (5) light bulbs (three (3) on the right and two (2) on the left). The first time was april or may 2003 on the right side, when I was still in pittsburgh. The second time was in september or october 2003, also on the right side, but this time was in port orange, fl, where I found out about the socket problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10068157, filed 2004-05, 13,900 miles“The campaign 04083 was performed on my vehicle, but it didn't fix my problem. The Chevrolet service mechanic advised that they checked the sockets, found that they did not need to be replaced and greased accordingly, but that the turn signals are inoperative at times due to the fact the turn signal switch is bad & needs to be replaced to get them to work all of the time. I have all of the same issues that this campaign indicated it would resolve, but my turn signals are still going out sporadically, and it occurs more often if my lights are turned on and if I press down the break. …”
NHTSA complaint #10282026, filed 2009-08, 105,000 miles“The tail light/turn signal burned on the driver's side about 2 months ago I replaced the bulb 2 days later the passenger side went out I replaced that bulb and since that about every 2 days I burn another bulb I took it to the dealership thinking it was the recall they have on the tail light/turn signal and the dealership inspected it the first time and said nothing was wrong the second time this week I took it back with the bulb burned out and they said there was no problems found I can't get them to do the recall work because they say there is no problems with the lights but I am paying…”
NHTSA complaint #10290373, filed 2009-10, 140,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V524000Nov 1, 2004On certain passenger vehicles, the rear lamps that provide stop and turn signals and tail lamp functions stop working because of inadequate contact between…Covers: Chevrolet Cavalier 2003, Pontiac Sunfire 2003
Related service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 8 | 2% |
| 2003 | 57 | 8% |
| 2002 | 14 | 7% |
| 2001 | 7 | 3% |
| 2000 | 13 | 4% |
| 1999 | 11 | 5% |
| 1998 | 17 | 5% |
| 1997 | 13 | 2% |
| 1996 | 17 | 3% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1994 | 4 | 2% |
| 1993 | 5 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 2 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
383 complaintsElectrical system
106 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 31, 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