2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 5%of 330 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,012miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, 5% of the 330 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,012 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Every time I go to my job my power steering reservoir becomes empty after I put one or more quarts in the reservoir. Anytime I drive at highway speeds I sway back and forth no matter how much control I have over the vehicle. My steering gets so hard to the point where I almost crash every time I drive my car anywhere because I have no power steering or don't have a lot of control over the steering because it becomes so tight.”
NHTSA complaint #11228454, filed 2019-06, 166,000 miles“Around 4:00pm after getting off work. I was driving home and I went to make a left turn, my steering wheel moved up then down diagonally about a inch; inch and a half. It does it every time now when any kind of upward pressure is put on the steering wheel. I don't know how serious of a problem this is, but it does seem if it gets any worse it could effect your driving ability of the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10748651, filed 2015-08, 120,000 miles“The vehicle steering is not tight and I am not able to tightly control the movement completely when going over bumps or making turns. The wheel steering feels loose and unsecured. When driving the speed limit on the highway, the vehicle drifts regardless if I have control.”
NHTSA complaint #10811156, filed 2015-12, 181,000 miles“I've owned the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier since it had 2000 miles. It currently has around 85000. When driving vehicle in april of 2017 a greasy bolt came flying out of the steering column area. After doing some research I've found many complaints and accidents due to faulty pins that hold the steering wheel tight. Now my 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier steering wheel moves to the right and left. This condition is very dangerous and has occurred in many GM/ Chevrolet cars. Vehicle is currently at a Chevrolet dealership and being checked out.”
NHTSA complaint #10985572, filed 2017-05, 85,000 miles“2004 chevy cav. Needs new rack and pinion steering assembly. Was told by mech that he had to replace 3 other cav's rack and pinion systems due to malfunctions. What is the deal with these rack systems. I have 70555 miles on my car. Was told by mech that cav's with lesser mileage needed replacing. Mech said this system needs to be looked at. And should be fixed by chevy.”
NHTSA complaint #10168991, filed 2006-09, 70,455 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10113436Feb 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 16 | 5% |
| 2003 | 19 | 3% |
| 2002 | 16 | 8% |
| 2001 | 26 | 11% |
| 2000 | 28 | 9% |
| 1999 | 31 | 13% |
| 1998 | 54 | 16% |
| 1997 | 83 | 15% |
| 1996 | 49 | 10% |
| 1995 | 19 | 7% |
| 1994 | 8 | 4% |
| 1993 | 7 | 5% |
| 1992 | 8 | 6% |
| 1991 | 5 | 9% |
| 1990 | 4 | 7% |
| 1989 | 5 | 12% |
| 1988 | 2 | 17% |
| 1987 | 6 | 25% |
| 1986 | 3 | 17% |
| 1984 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
185 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsSeats
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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