2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 2%of 678 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2% of the 678 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,750 miles. 1 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.
“I was heading out of my house in the evening and got about 2 or 3 miles from my home when I went to make a left turn through an intersection. Middle of the intersection my vehicle started to sputter and would not accelerate when I applied pressure to gas pedal. I was only able to coast just enough to clear the intersection and my vehicle ended up shutting down in the middle of the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10325771, filed 2010-04, 103,000 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“Dt: the contact experienced sudden unwanted acceleration. The contact was trying to park when the vehicle accelerated and crashed into another vehicle. The vehicle was repaired by a service dealer that did not tell her the cause. She believed the problem was caused by the cruise control. Updated 11/30/05.”
NHTSA complaint #10141933, filed 2005-11, 16,748 miles“In extreme heat or cold temperatures inside vehicle the speedometer will jump in intervals of five MPH. Sometimes it will reset itself if left alone. If passes 70 MPH mark it will continue rising until it pointed downward towards the odometer.”
NHTSA complaint #10190535, filed 2007-05, 35,000 miles“While driving at any speed and whenever the consumer depressed the brake pedal vehicle lost power. Also, intermittently cruise control engaged on its own. Vehicle would have to be turned off to disengage it. Vehicle was taken to dealer several times, and the dealer could not find the causes of the problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10042665, filed 2003-10, 1,500 milesVehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 18 | 6% |
| 2004 | 27 | 8% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 11 | 6% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 11 | 3% |
| 1999 | 11 | 5% |
| 1998 | 14 | 4% |
| 1997 | 18 | 3% |
| 1996 | 14 | 3% |
| 1995 | 5 | 2% |
| 1994 | 7 | 3% |
| 1993 | 6 | 4% |
| 1992 | 7 | 5% |
| 1991 | 2 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 4% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 3 | 13% |
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 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