2003 Chevrolet Cavalier: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Mar 25, 2015 · Electrical, Transmission · 8,161 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be shifted out of park. When the contact inserted the key into the ignition switch, it became difficult to turn and the overhead light did not turn off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,161.

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 Feb 12, 2008 · Lights · VA

Headlamps have a plastic cover that has "fogged" reducing visibility. Replacement parts are on backorder 1,500 are on order to date, 2-11-2008.

Filed Oct 11, 2007 · Airbags, Lights · IL · crash

Problem started same week I purchase vehicle brand new. Gmc would not exchange vehicle, they just kept repairing it as it broke down. I feel very unsafe in this vehicle, they did not care. Clutch was rubbing against main line, failed twice. Rear lights burned out 3 times, springs on seats popped out 3 times, gas pump went out once, heater/AC went out twice, locks would not open, 3 times, pain chipped off bumper, once. Rear seat clips snapped, once. Headlights, water leaked in. Twice I had a head on collision in june/2007...air bag did not deploy.

Filed Mar 10, 2005 · Lights · 22,000 miles · IN

When slowing down at any time headlights dim very low, almost not being able to see them. As a result, driver's visibility is impaired.

Filed Feb 25, 2005 · Electrical · 34,000 miles · OH

Starting in october 2004, the dashboard lights in my 2003 chevrolet cavalier began turning off anytime I drove the vehicle with the headlights turned on. I took the car into a chevrolet dealership four times regarding this problem and it has never been resolved. The first time I took the car in, the dealership informed me that they could not replicate the problem and were unable to conduct any repairs. The second time, the dealership still could not replicate the problem, but replaced the multi-function switch. The third time, I took it to a different dealership and they made a "highly educated guess repair." the fourth and last time, the dealership made no repair attempt and basically told me to not bring the vehicle in again unless I am able to bring it in with the dashboard lights turned off. At this point, I am driving the vehicle with a flashlight in the car so that I can see my speed and other gauges when the dashboard lights are off. While they do not turn off every time I drive with the headlights on, they are off quite frequently. At the worst, I fear this will cause an accident. At the least, I assume I will be pulled over at some point for driving with a flashlight on in the car. While I understand that the dealership has not been able to replicate the problem, it is very dangerous. I have a 5-year extended warranty and gm is required to warrant all electrical problems under it. From internet research, I can tell that gm has multiple problems with the electrical systems in the 2003-2004 cavaliers and I feel this is one more manifestation of that manufacturing problem.

Filed Dec 30, 2004 · Lights · 100 miles · MN

Headlights are going out completely on 2003 chevrolet cavalier. Ok, whom, has what legislator, in, whom's back pocket? There was a recall by chevrolet in november, of 2004- I am betting completely voluntary, of course. This recall, was, for taillights and lightbulb grease. Right, somebody going to get killed in those vehicles, if the headlight problems are not corrected. Here is a hint, read thier tsb regarding the headlights dimming problem. What a load that is. I will tell you why, I think they put that tsb out. It was just simply to cover thier own you know what. I wonder how many fires, or deaths have occured due to the light hearted approach gm has towards the lighting problems on the 2003 models? Don't you love huberous. Have you gone to your dealer about a safety issue lately. Oh, check out the brake rotors there is stress and heat fractures at less than thirty thousand miles. Come on! Are we waiting for 1000 wheels to catch on fire, or just my pregnant wife loosing control due the shimmy. Ah heck, I'll just go buy a an old pinto and have real expensive lawn ornament fully insured of course, for the next three long years. Did I mention the stereo face burning ones fingers, but the dealer says, that was ok too. Forget the kickbacks and do your jobs. Remember the taxpayer and public servent, not corporation and public servent. Sleep well, I am glad someone can. I got go change some diapers now. Yeh, three kids; none of them ride in that death trap.

Filed Jun 15, 2004 · Lights · 12,125 miles · PA

Owner says that the vehicle is experiencing electrical problems. The headlights, tail lights, and the directional signals are malfunctioning. Owner took the vehicle to the dealer who has replaced the brake and headlight bulbs on five occassions. However, the problem still occurs. Provide further details.

Filed Apr 14, 2004 · Lights · VA

While driving at night with headlights on the head light cut off without prior warning, leaving consumer between four to six seconds without a vision of the road. Dealer was contacted.

Filed Mar 24, 2004 · Brakes, Lights · 6,500 miles · NY

When applying the brakes at night, the headlights and dash lights dim to a softer shade of light. I have also changed the rear single lights in my car three times in the past 6 months. This car has a bad brake problem. The front of the car shakes very bad when you apply the brakes while exiting a highway. City driving is not as bad, but when the brakes get warmed up they pulsate when I come to a stop. At the end of the day, I pull my car into my driveway and the first thing I smell when I get out is a burning smell from the back brakes. I called the fucillo chevy service department in december 2003. I talked to a serviceman about my brake problem. He told me that my pulsating brakes is the ABS system working in the snow. Now the roads are dry and my brakes are still pulsating. I could not find anything in my original paperwork on my car showing that it has the ABS system. Now my brakes are shot. The car had only 6500 hundred miles on it when I first called in december of 2003. In june of 2003, I bought this car and test drove it. The car seemed to be a good car, except for the noise that I heard coming from the front left tire area. It sounded like a rubber band when it snaps. I brought it up to my salesmen rocky from the chevy department. He told me that it's a new car. Now when the front tires are turned to the right, it makes a crunching noise. When I drive over any bump at any speed, it feels like there are no shocks or struts on this car and makes a bad clunking sound.