2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 678 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,302miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the seat belts of the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, 1% of the 678 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,302 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When I drive my Cavalier with a passenger next to me and they wear their seatbelt the seat belt tightens up as you drive so much so that you have to disconnect it or it will take your breath away. The dealer said that we could buy an extension for the belt but that is not required as there is room left in the belt when it is not locked up !the service girl implied that we were to fat as I latter realized that was the basis of her extension comment. Nothing has been done . This happens all of the time!”
NHTSA complaint #10231970, filed 2008-06, 1,000 miles“There are numerous things, and the delaership has convinced GM, because I wrote GM about the problems with this, that I am making this stuff up to get an SUV. First the radio wasn't working, they put the cable back on said it was loose, its still not sounding like a radio should. Next was the popping in the front end, dealership turned rotors, under warranty back brakes squealed real loud they said it was dust I had to pay for that. Back brakes still squeal, front end still pops like a bad cv joint. Trunk wouldn't shut had to keep slamming it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10113912, filed 2005-03, 21,000 miles“While driving approximately 20 MPH consumer's vehicle rear ended another vehicle, and the front air bags did not deploy. Driver's chest hit the steering wheel, causing muscle spasms from the neck down. The seat belts also failed to lock.”
NHTSA complaint #10042348, filed 2003-11, 12,603 miles“While driving at 30 MPH, the consumer had a front end collision and neither of the air bags deployed and the seat belt did restrain the driver. No air bag light warning prior to the crash.”
NHTSA complaint #10065541, filed 2004-04, 8,000 miles“Seat belt in middle rear position of car was getting caught on some part of the mechanism and a large hole in the seat belt resulted. I had to have the entire mechanism replaced at my own expense since it was six months past end of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10181932, filed 2007-02Related service bulletins
- 10113787Aug 3, 2015This informational bulletin provides information to advise dealers about seat belt buckles not operating and/or seat belt warning light illumination, as well as difficulty…
Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 2% |
| 2003 | 8 | 1% |
| 2002 | 9 | 5% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 8 | 3% |
| 1998 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 13 | 2% |
| 1996 | 21 | 4% |
| 1995 | 11 | 4% |
| 1994 | 22 | 10% |
| 1993 | 9 | 6% |
| 1992 | 10 | 7% |
| 1991 | 5 | 9% |
| 1990 | 4 | 7% |
| 1989 | 4 | 9% |
| 1988 | 1 | 8% |
| 1987 | 6 | 25% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
| 1984 | 2 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
383 complaintsElectrical system
106 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 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