The vehicle dossier US · 2005

2005 Chevrolet
CAVALIERProblems & recalls

287 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Electrical system appears in 211 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 287 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Electrical system211 reports
Other components41 reports
Brakes16 reports
Transmission & drivetrain16 reports
Fuel system16 reports
Body & structure14 reports
Visibility11 reports
Steering8 reports
Engine7 reports
Air bags6 reports
Suspension2 reports
See original component labels
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM141
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL69
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL17
STRUCTURE10
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE8
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION7
SEATS6
AIR BAGS6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC6
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS6
STEERING6
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
POWER TRAIN5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR2
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY2
EQUIPMENT2
SERVICE BRAKES2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
STEERING:RACK AND PINION1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1
TIRES1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
STEERING:COLUMN1
SUSPENSION1
SEAT BELTS1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH1
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE1
SUSPENSION:FRONT1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM1
INTERIOR LIGHTING1
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM1
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM1
CHILD SEAT1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY1
ENGINE1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1

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: Jan 26, 2019
Mileage, where supplied

66,630 miles is the median among 230 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 47,000–92,000 miles.

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

02 / Official safety campaigns

1 recall campaign 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
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

527 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
May 30, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5074RThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.NHTSA ID 11019074

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

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

Source record 11019074 at NHTSA
May 30, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5074RThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.NHTSA ID 11019073

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

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

Source record 11019073 at NHTSA
May 30, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5074RThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.NHTSA ID 11019072

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

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

Source record 11019072 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
Dec 7, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPIT5074QThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released …NHTSA ID 11011782

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.

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

Source record 11011782 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 9, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions02-00-89-002XThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).NHTSA ID 11008956

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).

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

Source record 11008956 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
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.

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