2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 38about 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 38 complaints about the visibility 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. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While stop at a red light veh.cut off and would not re-star. Towed to the dealer and I was told that it was the fuel pump. Cost $1,050. I also have problems with electric windows,two motors replaced ,one switch and still having problems. Besides that no complain.”
NHTSA complaint #10248249, filed 2008-11, 66,000 miles“I own a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier ls and on dec. 25 when I turned on the rear defrost button smoke started to come out from inside the steering wheel column. I could not get the rear defrost to turn off so I had to turn off the car and remove the fuse to it. Shortly after this incident the power windows have stopped working and the fuse to them is still good, I replaced it just in case but the windows still do not work. The odometer has also stopped working so I have had to guess my speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10318711, filed 2010-03, 108,000 miles“The front defroster/defogger would not blow air. The ventilation control cable was replaced because there was a kink in the cable that caused the air to not be directed to the defroster. The service tech recommended that I not use the recirculate function on my ventilation system as it seems that when the control is in that position, the cable will start to kink. This is unacceptable as I should be able to use every function on the ventilation system.”
NHTSA complaint #10203143, filed 2007-09, 40,814 miles“Hvac cable bent and then snapped. Now I can't defrost the windshield I ran off the road today because I could not see. I reported this problem to GM over a year ago and they didn't seem to care. They never responded to my letter. This is a big safety issue. I have had it fixed by a mechanic 2x and should not only be reimbursed, but should have this problem fixed. It still does not work right. Had the actual cable replaced and then just had the kink corrected on it and it broke again the next day.”
NHTSA complaint #10292080, filed 2009-11, 50,000 miles“I have a 2003 Cavalier and had the fuel pump go bad at 67,000 miles. I researched on the web and it seems that there is a tremendous amount of 2003 cavaliers that have had this same issue. I have replaced 3 of the 4 window motors in the past 18 months. I have twice had my climate control switch fixed, as it was stuck only on vent. And most recently at 69000 miles I have to replace my fuel pressure regulator. In my educated opinion, this seems to be an awful lot of repairs for a vehicle of this age and with this record.”
NHTSA complaint #10254145, filed 2009-01, 67,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10247780Sep 26, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General…
- 10230697Dec 15, 2022This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10216361Jun 13, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General…
- 10178385Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 11 | 4% |
| 2004 | 25 | 8% |
| 2003 | 38 | 6% |
| 2002 | 16 | 8% |
| 2001 | 11 | 5% |
| 2000 | 14 | 4% |
| 1999 | 15 | 6% |
| 1998 | 15 | 4% |
| 1997 | 40 | 7% |
| 1996 | 27 | 5% |
| 1995 | 32 | 12% |
| 1994 | 16 | 8% |
| 1993 | 5 | 3% |
| 1992 | 10 | 7% |
| 1991 | 5 | 9% |
| 1990 | 8 | 15% |
| 1989 | 4 | 9% |
| 1988 | 2 | 17% |
| 1987 | 1 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
383 complaintsElectrical system
106 complaintsExterior lighting
57 complaintsEngine cooling
43 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 29, 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