2003 Chevrolet Cavalier: engine failure

Filed Jun 18, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 77,700 miles · WA

My son was pulling into a parking lot and as he describes it, everything but the radio went dead all by itself (the engine died and there was no power steering or brakes). Obviously the same symptoms as the current recalls. I called the dealer and was told the car isn't on the list. I've complained to chevy and am getting the runaround by multiple members of their "consumer support team" (we've assigned you a service request number but I am to wait until it happens again and then bring it in "so we could start reviewing on your case"). I took it to my own mechanic and he ran a bunch of tests but couldn't find anything that would cause the car to die.

Filed Jun 18, 2014 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the key seized in the ignition and they were unable to shut the engine down. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 130,000. Updated 08/19/14*lj updated 08/23/2017

Filed Feb 16, 2011 · Fuel system · 78,000 miles · AZ

Driving down the highway at 70 MPH. The car began to shudder and lose acceleration. I got off at the nearest exit and as I passed through the exit intersection, the engine died. I coasted into a gas station, where the engine would turn over and then die right away. After 15 minutes it no longer turned over....the tow truck man tried it. Turns out the fuel pump is shot and apparently this is a common problem for 03 cavaliers. The car only has 78,000 miles on it.

Filed Jan 20, 2011 · Fuel system · 60,000 miles · MN

Fuel pump failure resulting in the engine dying and not being able to restart. The car was running fine with about a half tank of gas when the engine died in traffic. I was able to safely stop the car but not in all circumstances would that be possible. The car as around 60,000 miles on it and a complete fuel pump failure while in operation is unacceptable on a vehicle under ten years old with under 100,000 miles on it. I understand that this is a common problem.

Filed Jan 8, 2011 · Brakes, Fuel system · 75,000 miles · 00

Trans axle went out april 09 with a horrible mess of oil, steering rack replaced 6 months later, driver side window/ motor problem, fuel pump went 75,000 a bit shy of a year later. Now my defrost isn't working; possibly the switch 85,000. Had brakes done twice so far with leaks; this includes hydraulics, rotors, pads, shoes etc. My steering has seized while driving. This car has been a very expensive inconvenience.

Filed Feb 19, 2010 · Fuel system · 65,062 miles · KY

Recently purchased pre-owned 2003 chevrolet cavalier stalled, the engine died in the middle of traffic. I have been unable to start the vehicle since. It sounds as if it wants to start but will not. I believe that there is an issue with the fuel pump. I have read other complaints and this is the exact same thing that happened to me...

Filed Dec 22, 2008 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet cavalier. Once the contact stopped the vehicle and exited, the engine failed to restart five minutes later. The electrical system (lights and radio) still worked, but the engine would not start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they stated that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The contact found investigation number ea07015 online, but the investigation was closed with no recall issued. He believes that it should be recalled. The vehicle has been repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000 and current mileage was 125,000.

Filed May 21, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 73,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet cavalier. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shut off in the middle of the road without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the fuel pump failed and made the replacement. A few days after the repair, the headlights stopped working and the electrical system was rewired. Recently, the engine failed and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact does not yet know the cause of the failure and the vehicle is still at the dealer for repair. The failure mileage was 73,000. Updated 06/16/08

Filed Mar 26, 2008 · Engine · 65,000 miles · NM

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet cavalier. The contact had to make several attempts to start the vehicle. Once started, the vehicle would not accelerate properly. On two occasions, while driving between 35-55 MPH, the engine failed. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 73,000 and failure mileage was 65,000.

Filed Aug 16, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 1,392 miles · NY

Dt: the consumer owns a 2003 chevrolet caviler. Was losing control of the steering and the brakes. It started in the winter. The consumer stated the direction that car was headed was the way it stayed. Also, she noticed that there was a hum in the steering wheel which lasted a couple of seconds each time. The consumer contacted the dealer, and they said that it did not sound to them as dangerous. A couple of months later the problem finally came to ahead in june. Lights came on the dashboard. The belt broke, and the alternator seized. When the car was repaired by the dealer they concluded the alternator and the belt malfunctioned. Also heard a grinding noise in the brakes. The dealer never did any repairs to the steering. The consumer said that the key was hot after it had been in the ignition. And the steering wheel was tight when turning to the right. The car went back to the dealer , and she did not have the tightness to the steering. But, the car was still pulling to the right. The brakes were spongy. There was a popping sound in the front wheel. There was a delay in the speed of the car. And almost had a collision.

Filed Jul 14, 2005 · Fuel system · 50,297 miles · TX

Had car parked with the engine running. Put car in reverse, backed up and then went to drive. Drove about 15 feet and engine died. Had car towed to shop and the fuel pump had to be replaced.

Filed Jun 16, 2004 · Engine · 6,000 miles · NJ

2003 chevrolet cavalier. Stalls constantly when air conditioning is on and car is idling (ie at a traffic light, in traffic or stop sign) engine failure over 20 times in the last year car was taken in for service four times with no result.