The vehicle dossier US · 2004

2004 Chevrolet
CAVALIERProblems & recalls

330 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Electrical system appears in 185 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 330 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Electrical system185 reports
Other components72 reports
Visibility25 reports
Transmission & drivetrain23 reports
Engine22 reports
Steering16 reports
Fuel system15 reports
Air bags15 reports
Brakes14 reports
Body & structure13 reports
Suspension6 reports
See original component labels
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM109
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL67
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL24
UNKNOWN OR OTHER13
STEERING13
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION11
AIR BAGS11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING8
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH7
STRUCTURE:BODY7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC7
ENGINE7
SEATS6
POWER TRAIN6
VISIBILITY5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
TIRES4
SUSPENSION4
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION3
STRUCTURE3
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL3
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.3
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY3
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
SEAT BELTS3
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH2
WHEELS:RIM2
EQUIPMENT2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES2
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD1
WHEELS1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE1
VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD1
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER1
WHEELS:HUB1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL1
SUSPENSION:FRONT1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM1
STEERING:RACK AND PINION1
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
INTERIOR LIGHTING1
SUSPENSION:REAR1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
STEERING:COLUMN1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER1
SERVICE BRAKES1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: May 17, 2024
Mileage, where supplied

52,000 miles is the median among 263 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 35,000–85,509 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

2 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Oct 17, 2008 Safety recallSTEERINGCampaign 08E063000

Reported concern

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

Read campaign 08E063000 at NHTSA
Jun 23, 2004 Safety recallSEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHERCampaign 04V300000

Reported concern

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, 'SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES.' THE PASSENGER-SIDE REAR SAFETY BELT MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH AN INCORRECT NUT AND BOLT.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS ARE TO INSPECT THE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND INSTALL A NEW NUT AND BOLT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Manufacturer campaign: 04056

Read campaign 04V300000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

476 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 18, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP5601CThis PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.NHTSA ID 11020816

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11020816 at NHTSA
Mar 28, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions23-NA-001This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.NHTSA ID 11017252

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11017252 at NHTSA
Feb 20, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP5358DThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a …NHTSA ID 11014455

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11014455 at NHTSA
Oct 25, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIP4723JThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/chargin…NHTSA ID 11009156

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11009156 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5099HThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will ne…NHTSA ID 11007744

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007744 at NHTSA
Sep 12, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5099HThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will ne…NHTSA ID 11007743

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007743 at NHTSA
Sep 6, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT3271PThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested an…NHTSA ID 11007208

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11007208 at NHTSA
Aug 26, 2024 Service CampaignGeneral CommunicationVehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updatin…NHTSA ID 11006621

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

Campaign / software reference: General Communication

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11006621 at NHTSA
Jul 24, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions24-NA-141GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin adv…NHTSA ID 11006421

GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11006421 at NHTSA
Jun 28, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-NA-383This 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 misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier…NHTSA ID 11004761

This 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 misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

Components: ENGINE · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004761 at NHTSA
Jun 17, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions18-NA-099This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.NHTSA ID 11004557

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11004557 at NHTSA
Jun 6, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions24-NA-098This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution info…NHTSA ID 11002312

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11002312 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

Your next step

Take good questions
to the inspection.

Use these prompts with a qualified inspector. This page is research, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a hands-on inspection.