2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 2%of 330 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2% of the 330 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,000 miles.
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.
“2004 Cavalier, 2.2l dohc, 5-speed manual transmission. While driving at 60 MPH vehicle felt as if cruise control was engaged. Rpms would not fall off as fast as usual when foot taken off gas, and when I depressed the clutch (which was just replaced last week due to another known issue that chevy refuses to recall) rpms went above 4,000. Tapped gas pedal thinking maybe it was stuck and it only revved higher and did not come down on its own. Rpms continued to climb as I came to a stop, around 6,000 by the time I pulled over. …”
NHTSA complaint #10592115, filed 2014-05, 152,000 miles“I have had my used chevy Cavalier 2004 car for almost a year. As I have been driving the engine has just stopped. This has happened 4 times in the time span of 5 months. No one ( auto shops) can find the issue. They have zero answers. This is dangerous and has caused accidents. I would be banned from the internet if I said what I really want to say to chevy. The most recent time this happened was yesterday...aug 3rd 2017.”
NHTSA complaint #11012830, filed 2017-08“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle was able to function properly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be replicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 133,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10572737, filed 2014-03, 120,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and no warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local shop, who diagnosed that the timing chain guide bolts broke. As a result, the cylinder head, oil pump, and transmission were damaged. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10463074, filed 2012-06, 80,000 miles“Car will not start consistently. Have to wait a couple of days, then it may start or not. But if it starts, it will not start again until days go by............ Ignition shut off on one occasion when operating on a public road. Loss of power, engine and power brakes.steering wheel did not lock but coasted vehicle off the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10608801, filed 2014-07Related service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service 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 or…
- 10242298Aug 10, 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…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This 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…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This 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…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
- 10143445Jun 15, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a loud tick or rattle noise under the hood at all operating conditions…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
185 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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