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EquipmentPart report

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Equipment Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
2%of 330 total for the year
Median mileage
51,750miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the equipment of the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2% of the 330 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,750 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.

“The trunk latch on my Cavalier won't latch. This is the second time it has broke with the same problem. I replaced the trunk latch about three years ago I rarely use my trunk. Also the defrost,vent knob quit working it turn but won't switch to defrost or the different vent settings. The cd player won't take, or play cd's. There was a fly on my windshield right around a year after I bought the car and I barely tapped the windshield and the windshield cracked all over.”

NHTSA complaint #10367334, filed 2010-11, 107,200 miles

“I bought my car, a 2004 chevy Cavalier with 21 miles on it. Since then I have tried to return it and now the minor but frequent issues are much bigger and more frequently! First my trunk latch broke a week after purchase. The cd broke the next week, cigarette lighter broke, and passenger seat wouldn't move. This was the first two months of ownership. A few months ago the fuel gauge broke, temp gauge and AC. They couldn't verify it so couldn't repair, until it completely failed this month. Also, I was left stranded at 2:30 am with my 3 year old son when the clutch fell through the floor. …”

NHTSA complaint #10167018, filed 2006-08, 5,000 miles

“Gas gauge went haywire which interfered with the temperature gauge, which interfered with the speedometer. I have seen over 1,000 complaints of the same nature. Gm needs to recall and fix this problem. 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier.”

NHTSA complaint #10372222, filed 2010-12, 98,670 miles

“Dt: consumer stated that the wiring harness behind the dashboard went bad, and then there was a clicking noise from the front end. Consumer stated that there appeared to be an electrical problem with the vehicle because the radio had to replaced 3 times, and the alarm went off at random. Also, dealership replaced the body module control unit. The front end had a service bulletin on the wheel covers and the clicking noise was a result of this. They have fixed the problem with the wheel covers twice.”

NHTSA complaint #10126517, filed 2005-06, 2,491 miles

“The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stopped in the middle of the interstate without warning. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that the fuel pump failed. The dealer was not notified. In addition, the contact heard a tapping nose in the heater and the cd player does not work. There were also two motor swtices repaired in the windows. The vehicle is currently being repaired at the contact's expense. The failure and current mileages were 78,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10263642, filed 2009-03, 78,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Equipment: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200541%
200462%
2003162%
200253%
2001115%
200072%
199952%
199893%
1997102%
1996194%
199521%
199463%
199385%
199124%

Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier

Electrical system
185 complaints
Vehicle speed control
27 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
23 complaints
Steering
16 complaints
Air bags
15 complaints
Engine cooling
15 complaints
Fuel system
15 complaints
Brakes
14 complaints
Other or unknown
13 complaints
Body and structure
13 complaints
Exterior 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 30, 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