2003 Chevrolet Cavalier: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 26, 2010 · Fuel system · 179,000 miles · AZ

Driving on highway. 2003 chevy cavalier just started losing power and then died on highway. Had to wait 1 hr. For aaa to come to tow in 111 degree heat. Turns out to be a faulty fuel pump.

Filed May 17, 2010 · Fuel system · 111,000 miles · WV

2003 chevrolet cavalier, died while driving lost power steering and almost drove into ditch because I couldn't easily turn steering wheel! I think it is a problem with the fuel pump because the car would not start after incident. Starter will turn the engine over but will not start...

Filed Mar 16, 2010 · Engine, Fuel system · 116,000 miles · TN

I was driving my cavalier to pick up my wife. As I approached an intersection, the system completely shut off and I could not restart the car. I was able to stop at the beginning of a left turn lane and put my hazards on. With the help of my passenger and a police officer, we moved the car across 2 lanes of travel to the shoulder. The car had 116,000 miles at the time of the incident. The only warning before the car lost all power and drive-ability was the battery light turning on briefly.

Filed Feb 25, 2010 · Fuel system · 85,000 miles · OH

I was returning home and when I pulled into my driveway my car had an extreme loss of power. I was surprised by this because it was a sudden change in my cars performance. I had not been having any trouble before this. After I parked my car and turned it off I later attempted to leave. It would not start. The engine and everything turned over fine it just did not seem to be getting fuel. I then turned the key on and off and realized that the fuel pump was not running. I researched online and found this to be a very common issue with the 2003 cavaliers. Thankfully I was in my driveway when this happened and not in the left lane of the freeway in rush hour. I will be spending my weekend replacing my fuel pump. I will keep the dead pump if it is needed for investigation.

Filed Oct 7, 2009 · Fuel system · 84,000 miles · WI

Car lost all power due to engine stalling on a busy highway. Was able to pull to the side, car would not restart. We had it towed to a mechanic and it was determined that the fuel pump is defective.

Filed Aug 6, 2009 · Fuel system · 75,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet cavalier. While driving between 50-55 MPH, the engine drastically reduced power. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. Roadside assistance was called to the scene and the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. A certified mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated that the fuel pump failed. The vehicle is in the process of being repaired. The failure and current mileages were 75,000. Updated 09/16/09 *bf updated 09/17/09.

Filed May 2, 2009 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · WA

Car died on road - no warning. Bad fuel pump...problem is widespread from what I've heard and dangerous...lost power steering and power brakes at 50+ MPH.

Filed Jan 1, 2009 · Fuel system · 35,000 miles · IN

Manual transmission model - problem began @ 35,000 miles, current miles 38,000. Engine rough idles/stalls when clutch is engaged. I was nearly struck by oncoming traffic while turning left when engine stalled after clutch was engaged. Lost power steering and breaks, wound up riding over curb and onto sidewalk before vehicle stopped. Noone was injured, however this was on a college campus in the evening, had it occurred earlier in the day almost certain pedestrian would have been struck by my out of control car. Will be replacing the pump as soon as I can. This is a serious danger to the driver and other drivers on the road.

Filed Dec 18, 2008 · Fuel system · 22,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet cavalier. While driving 70mph with his cruise control on, the vehicle shut off and lost power. There were no warning lights prior to the vehicle shutting off. The weather was not a factor. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the emergency lane. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 22,000.

Filed Oct 20, 2008 · Fuel system · 53,748 miles · NY

I have a 2003 chevy cavalier with 53,000 miles on it, I have always changed the fuel filters, never let the fuel go under 1/4 tank. One day I was driving, and the car died with no alert. I lost all power, power steering, power assisted brakes, everything in the middle of the road going 60 MPH with traffic all around me. I could not press the brakes hard enough to stop the vehicle so I activated my 4-way flashers and coasted off to the side of the road and used my emergency brake to completely stop. I was 10 miles away from my home so I had the vehicle towed to my house until I could figure out what to do with it, that tow bill was $120.00. I am unable to drive to work and loosing about $100 a day and now I will have to tow the vehicle to a repair shop because of this faulty part and spend approximately $900 on a problem that I have read occurs more often than it should.

Filed Oct 18, 2008 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · IN

Failure of fuel pump while driving on a 2 land highway uphill with a semi truck behind me. Due to loss of power, and nowhere to immediately pull off of the roadway, I was slowing quickly and the semi truck driver had to brake hard to avoid rear ending me. Was able to find a spot to pull off safely (large ditch on side of road where pump failed initially.

Filed Oct 14, 2008 · Fuel system · 89,000 miles · FL

2003 chevrolet cavalier. Driving on turnpike and lost power to vehicle went from 70 to 45mph and then totally came to a stop almost got into a crash. First time it occurred car has 89k mi. Car would start but not crank. Checked fuel line and no pressure. Took to mechanic and the fuel pump needed to be replaced should not have to be replaced for about ten years. Was told several complaints about this vehicle fuel pump from years 2001 to 2003 and from 50k to 90mi. Needed is a new fuel pump and assembly.